How to Remove Only Emergency Calls on Xiaomi Phone: The Complete Guide

The lock screen in Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones not only serves as a security feature, but also serves as a quick access point to vital services. There are always two buttons at the bottom of the screen: an emergency call and a camera. If the camera button is often used for quick shooting, the emergency call feature can annoy users who accidentally activate it in their pocket or simply do not want to see the extra elements of the interface.

Users often wonder if it is possible to remove this button completely to free up space or to protect the device from accidental calls to rescue services. Unfortunately, with standard MIUI or HyperOS tools, it is impossible to completely cut this element of the interface, since it is part of the system security component of SystemUI. However, there are effective workarounds and settings that allow you to minimize risks or change the behavior of this zone.

In this article, we will take a look at all available methods for managing SOS. We will look at how to turn off fast power button calls, how to set up a contact list for emergencies, and what are the limitations of the Android operating system in the Xiaomi shell. Understanding these mechanisms will help you make using your smartphone more comfortable.

Why you can’t just remove the emergency call button

The fundamental limitation lies in the architecture of the Android operating system. The emergency button on the lock screen is a mandatory element of certification. GMS (Google Mobile Services, and the telecommunications standards in many countries, the system must ensure that anyone, even without unlocking the device, is not in a position to do so. SIM-The card will be able to contact the rescue services (112, 911, 102, etc.).

The MIUI shell and the new HyperOS follow these rules strictly, and trying to remove the system file that renders this button will lead to unstable interface operation or a cyclical reboot of the smartphone, so all the methods described below are not aimed at physically removing the button, but at adjusting its functionality or preventing accidental actions.

⚠️ Warning: Complete removal of system elements of the lock screen is possible only with Root rights and modification of system files (SafetyNet/Play Integrity, and it can turn a phone into a brick, and we don't recommend using these methods for ordinary users.

But there's an important caveat: the lock button is often associated with a quick dial feature that is activated by repeatedly pressing the turn on button, and it's a feature that can be dangerous if you accidentally hit your pocket that you can and should turn off.

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The SOS button on the lock screen cannot be removed due to Android security requirements, but you can turn off its activation via the phone’s physical buttons.

Disabling quick calls through the power button

The most common reason why users want to get rid of emergency calls is the accidental activation of dialing in their pocket or bag. Xiaomi smartphones often activate a feature that allows you to call the rescue service or a pre-set number after 5 times pressing the lock button.

To prevent accidental calls, you need to change the settings in the security menu, which won't remove the button from the screen, but will make it useless if you accidentally press physical keys.

• 📱 Open the Settings app on your device.
• 🔍 In the search bar, enter the word «SOS» Find the Security and Emergency Assistance section.
• 🚑 Click on Emergency Call SOS.
• 🚫 Transfer the switch to the "Off" position or turn off the option 5 times press the power button.

Once these steps are done, repeatedly pressing the power button will stop triggering dialing, a critical setting for smartphone owners with a power button on the side of the face, as it eliminates pocket dialing.

Setting up and cleaning the SOS contact list

The emergency call feature on Xiaomi devices is closely linked to the user’s personal contacts. If you don’t want your family or friends to be called to SOS, the list of those contacts should be cleared. Even if you don’t plan to use the feature, having numbers there can lead to unexpected calls in a stressful situation.

To manage the list, go to the same Security and Emergency Assistance section, and here you will see a list of added contacts, and the system allows you to add up to four numbers that will receive SMS geolocation and environmental audible signal when you activate SOS.

To remove the contacts:

• 🗑️ In the contact list. SOS Click on the basket icon or the “Delete” button next to each number.
• ✅ Confirm deletion if the system requests confirmation of action.
• 💾 Make sure the list is empty or contains only numbers you trust.

You can also turn off the sending of quiet beeps and hidden photos of the environment from this menu, which will help save battery power and traffic if the SOS function is accidentally activated.

Hiding the camera button and changing the lock interface

While the emergency call button cannot be removed, many users want to clear the lock screen of unnecessary elements, including the camera button that is nearby.In some versions of MIUI and HyperOS firmware, there is an opportunity to hide shortcuts on the lock screen, although this option appears and disappears in different regions.

Try to find the setting of the labels:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen.
2. Look for the Tapes or Access from the lock screen.
3. If the option is available, you can disable the Camera shortcut, and the SOS button will remain, because it is a system.

If standard means to hide the elements can not be used third-party applications to customize the lock screen, but this will require broad permissions and may adversely affect the autonomy of the device.

Use of Do Not Disturb and Sleep modes

If your goal is to prevent accidental calls at night or during important meetings when the phone is lying on the table, the solution is to use built-in modes. Do not disturb (DND) mode blocks most audible notifications and can limit incoming calls, but does not disable the ability to emergency dial from the lock screen.

However, there is a sleep mode or special scenarios in the Security app that can limit the functionality of the phone, for example, in the “Children’s Phone” or “Self-Mode” mode, the interface is simplified, but the SOS button remains available always.

For maximum protection from accidental pressing in your pocket, use the function "Protection against accidental pressing":

• 🛡️ Go to Settings. → Lock screen.
• 👆 Find and enable the option Protection against accidental pressing in your pocket.
• 📵 This will prevent any functions from being activated, including SOS, when the proximity sensor is closed.

This method is the safest and does not require deep intervention, and effectively blocks pocket kits, while maintaining the availability of emergency services in a real emergency situation.

Third-party applications and customization (Launcher)

For advanced users who are not happy with the standard lock screen, there is an option to install third-party launchers or blocking applications. Apps like Niagara Launcher (partially) or specialized Lock Screen apps from Google Play can completely replace the standard lock screen Xiaomi.

By installing such an application, you will get a new interface where the button design, their location and the presence of the SOS button are determined by the application developer, not the MIUI system. Some of them allow you to completely remove the emergency call button.

⚠️ Warning: Installing a third-party screen blocker can lead to conflicts with Android security.In some cases, it can make it difficult to unlock the device in an emergency or drain the battery faster due to constant background processes.

It’s also worth noting that new versions of Android (13, 14 and above) severely limit the ability of third-party apps to replace the system lock screen, and the system can force a standard “stub” with a clock and an SOS button on top of any third-party app for security purposes.

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Before installing a third-party screen blocker, check its rating and the date of the last update. Apps that have not been updated for more than a year may not work correctly on new versions of Android.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)