Accidental activation of emergency call is one of the most common problems faced by owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones: the device begins to beep loudly, count down the time to call rescue services or send location coordinates to trusted contacts, most often due to careless handling of volume buttons in your pocket or bag.
It's important to understand that this mode is designed to save lives in critical situations, so MIUI or HyperOS requires confirmation of actions before shutting down. The user needs not only to interrupt the current call, but also to deactivate the function in the security settings to avoid repeated incidents.
In some cases, standard methods may not work if the system freezes or there is a software failure, then a deeper approach to interface settings will be required. Below are proven methods that will help you fully control the emergency communication function on your device.
Emergency interruption of active SOS mode
If your phone is already making beeps and counting down to a call, you need to act quickly and confidently. The first step is to physically interact with the lock screen. The display usually displays a countdown timer and a large cancel button.
Click on the Stop or Cancel button, which can be highlighted in red or blue. The system may require the device to be unlocked using a PIN, pattern lock or fingerprint, to prevent an attacker from accidentally shutting down in a real situation.
⚠️ Warning: If the timer has already reached zero and the call has gone, just complete the call with a reset button, as in a normal conversation. Don't hang up sharply if the operator has already answered - politely report that the call was mistaken.
After the sound stops, the system may suggest sending a message that the alarm was false. MIUI often remembers such incidents. If the phone continues to behave incorrectly, try restarting the device by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
☑️ Algorithm of actions during activation SOS
Completely disabling SOS function in settings
To prevent the problem from recurring, you need to remove the automatic start of emergency services. To do this, go to the settings menu of your smartphone. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI 12, 13, 14 or new HyperOS shell.
Open the Security or Passwords and Security section. Find the SOS or Emergency Call subsection. This is where the master switch is, which activates or deactivates the entire alert system. Move the slider to the "Off" position.
If you can't find this item in the general menu, search by settings. Type the word "SOS" or "Emergency" into the search box. The system will provide the desired section, and it's worth checking the settings of the "Security" app, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi phones.
Once the function is turned off, the phone will stop responding to the five-fold press of the power button. However, it is also recommended to check the lock settings of the screen. Sometimes the function can be duplicated in the Emergency Call section of the lock screen, where you can edit the medical card.
Managing the contact list for emergencies
Even if you don’t want to turn off the security feature completely, it’s critical to set up a list of notification recipients. In SOS mode, the phone sends an SMS with the coordinates and audio file of the environment to the numbers listed in the contact list.
Go to the SOS settings menu and select Contacts for Emergency. Here you can add close relatives or friends, and make sure the numbers are recorded in the correct international format so that messages can reach seamlessly.
| Parameter | Description of action | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Number of contacts | Maximum of recipients | Add 2-3 people |
| Repeat signal | Shipping interval | Every 10 minutes. |
| Audio recording | Recording of the surrounding sound | Turn on for safety. |
| Type of message | Format of notification | SMS + voice call |
If you delete all contacts or don’t add them, the system may try to send a message to an empty list or to a number that was deleted earlier.
Customize button sensitivity and lock in your pocket
A common cause of SOS activation is a so-called "pocket set," and a smartphone in a tight pocket of jeans is under pressure that can simulate repeatedly pressing the power button, and to prevent this, you need to adjust the sensitivity.
In the Lock and Protect menu, look for the "Block in your pocket" option. Make sure this feature is active. It uses a proximity sensor to lock the touch screen and buttons when the phone is in the dark and close to the object.
Also worth paying attention to is the case. A case that is too tight or tightly fitting can constantly press the side keys. Take off the case and check if the power button sticks mechanically. If the button is tight, you may need to clean the mechanism or replace the plume.
⚠️ Note: Do not use the function SOS Constant test runs can lead to a carrier blocking the number for spam to emergency services.
For users who often carry their phone in a bag without a case, it is recommended to enable the “Random Press” feature in the screen settings.This will add delay in the response to touch when the screen is off, which will reduce the likelihood of false interface positives.
Solving problems with sticking buttons and sensors
Sometimes a software shutdown doesn't help if the problem is in the hardware, and dirt, dust, or moisture can get into the gaps of the case, causing the power button contacts to short-circuit, in which case the phone can spontaneously turn on or activate SOS.
Try to gently clean the area around the power button with a soft brush. You can use compressed air, but do not blow with your mouth to avoid adding moisture. If the button is visually damaged or has no tactile response (click), repair will be required at the service center.
Another reason could be that the proximity sensor malfunctions, and if it's contaminated, the system might think it's in your pocket, and lock the screen, but misinterpret the taps, and wipe the top of the screen with a soft cloth.
In rare cases, calibrating sensors through the engineering menu helps, and to do this, type the code ##6484### in the Phone app. Select "Proximity sensor" and follow the instructions on the screen to check the sensor's performance.
Additional security settings MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi shells offer advanced security features that can overlap with SOS. For example, the “Alarm button” feature in the “Security” app can work regardless of the emergency call system settings.
Open the Security app (green shield icon). Scroll down to Tools and look for Alarm button. Check if it has a quick push of volume buttons to send location. Turn off this option if you don't need one.
It is also worth checking the application permissions. Some programs may request access to location and calls, formally being "assistants." In the "Applications" section → "Permissions" make sure that suspicious programs do not have access to SMS and calls.
Regular system updates close vulnerabilities that malware can exploit. Go to Settings → About Phone and check for updates. In new versions of HyperOS, false positive protection algorithms have been significantly improved.