How to make an alarm button on your Xiaomi phone: full instructions with settings

In emergency situations, every second counts, and having a quick way to call for help can save lives. Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO models) are equipped with a built-in alarm button (SOS) function that allows you to instantly notify loved ones or rescue services about your whereabouts, but many users are not even aware of its existence — or do not know how to set up the right one.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for activating and customizing the SOS- buttons on any Xiaomi phone running MIUI 12/13/14. We will analyze:

• 🔹 How to enable the function through security settings
• 🔹 What contacts to add to the emergency list
• 🔹 How to set up automatic geolocation sending
• 🔹 Alternative ways to call for help (gestures, voice commands)

Particular attention will be paid to hidden MIUI settings that allow you to make the alarm button as effective as possible – for example, disable the SOS confirmation or set up repeated alerts.

1.Where is the alarm button on Xiaomi

SOS is built into MIUI firmware, but its location depends on the shell version and the phone model. In most cases, the path to settings is: Settings → Passwords & security → SOS Emergency (or Security → Emergency SOS call on Russian firmware).

On some devices (such as Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11), the option may be hidden in the section Additional settings → Special features → Emergency SOS. If you do not find an item on the menu, search by settings – enter the request “SOS” or “emergency”.

Important: on MIUI Global phones (European/Indian version), the feature may be called Emergency SOS, and on Chinese firmware (MIUI China) – (literally “emergency request for help”).

⚠️ Warning: On POCO shelled POCO Launcher devices, the path to settings SOS may be different. Try an alternative route: Settings → System and Device → Additional → Emergency call.

2. Step-by-step setting up an emergency call

Once you have found the SOS partition, start configuring. Here are the optimal settings for most scenarios:

Enable SOS|Add 3-5 Emergency Contacts| Activate Location Send| Setup the Activation Method (Button/Gest)| Check Test-mode-->

1. Activation: Switch the SOS Emergency Call slider to the On position. On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K50) you will need to confirm the action with a password or fingerprint.
2. Add Contacts: Click Emergency Contacts and select from the phone book the people to whom the SOS- message will be sent, and we recommend adding close relatives and medical services (if you have a 112 short number in your area).
3. Set up a message: In the text box, type a template that will be sent when activated. Example: Urgent! I need help. My location: [Map link]. Battery: %BATTERY% The system will automatically substitute the current battery charge and coordinates.
4. Activation method: Select how SOS will work: 🔘 Press the power button (standard) 🔘 3 times press the volume button (convenient if the phone is in your pocket) 🔘 Voice command ("Hey Google, call help")

After saving the settings, be sure to test the function in a safe environment.

1. Activate SOS in the selected way (for example, press the power button 5 times).
2. Confirm sending the message (if confirmation is enabled).
3. Check if your contacts have received a notification with your location.

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If SOS doesn’t work, check the permissions for the Security app in your phone’s settings. Make sure it has access to SMS, Geodata, and Contacts.

Additional functions: geolocation and repeated alerts

The basic SOS setting allows you to send a single message with coordinates, but MIUI offers advanced options:

The geodata resending feature is particularly useful if you are moving (for example, in a vehicle) or if your location has changed since the first alert.

1. Go to SOS Settings → Additional settings.
2. Enable the option to Update Location.
3. Set the refresh interval (recommended 10 minutes to save battery life).

For owners of POCO F3 or Xiaomi 12 Lite, there is another life hack: you can assign a double press on the power button to call SOS.

1. Go to Settings → Buttons and gestures → Power button.
2. Choose Double Push.
3. Please indicate the emergency call.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Users often have difficulty configuring SOS. Here are the top-5 errors and how to fix them:

If after all the manipulations, SOS still doesn’t work, try resetting the security settings:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Privacy.
2. Select Reset Security Settings.
3. Confirm the action (this will not affect personal data, only the lock settings and SOS).

⚠️ Warning: On phones with MIUI China (Chinese firmware), the SOS function may require a link to a Xiaomi account. If you don't have a Chinese phone number, install global firmware through the MIUI bootloader.

6.How to set up SOS on Xiaomi children's phone

If you are setting up an alarm button for a child or an elderly relative, consider a few nuances:

• 👶 Simplified activation: On Xiaomi Redmi phones A1 or POCO C50 you can set SOS to hold the power button for a long time (3 seconds) to prevent accidental triggers.
• 📞 Priority Contacts: Add to the SOS list not only parents, but also school/school and local police (see the number of the duty station in advance).
• 🔄 Answering machine: Enable Automatic Call Response in the settings SOS. The phone will send geolocation even if the child does not answer the call.

For additional security, install the Xiaomi Child Space app (available in GetApps).

• Limit the time of using the phone.
• Tracking location in real time.
• Set up “safe zones” (geozones) with notifications to go beyond them.

Important: If your child is using a phone with MIUI 14, activate Parental Control in Settings → Special Features. This will prevent the child from turning off SOS.

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For maximum reliability, combine the built-in SOS- button with external trackers (for example, Mi Band 7) and family tariffs of mobile operators (such as Locator from MegaFon).

7.Security and privacy: what you need to know

Using the alarm button raises questions about the protection of personal data.

• 🔒 Who sees your location: Coordinates are sent only to the contacts you select. Xiaomi does not store this data on its servers (except for Chinese firmware).
• 📡 Data Transfer: SOS- messages are sent via SMS or the Internet (depending on your settings). Roaming may be subject to restrictions — check the fare with the operator.
• 🔄 Automatic Deletion: In MIUI 13/14 you can configure automatic deletion of the SOS history in 24 hours: Settings SOS → Privacy → Data Cleanup.

If you are worried about a data breach, follow the following steps:

1. Turn off the option to send photos from the camera in SOS settings.
2. Use encrypted messengers (such as Telegram or Signal) to send coordinates instead of SMS.
3. Check your emergency contact list regularly and delete unnecessary numbers.

For users who are often abroad, it is useful to know:

• In the EU, SOS is automatically connected to the eCall (emergency call for motorists).
• In the United States, messages can be forwarded to 911 with your IMEI.
• In China, SOS is integrated with the state system 12345 (complaint hotline).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions