How to completely disable an emergency call on a Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Accidental emergency calls from a Xiaomi phone are a problem that many users face: just press the power button three times or hold it for a few seconds, and the device automatically sends out the power button. SOS-number-point 112. This is not only a problem, but it can also lead to false call penalties in some countries, especially for Redmi Note owners. 11/12, POCO X4/X5 Xiaomi 13/14, function SOS default-activated.

In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to disable an emergency call, from standard MIUI settings to hidden developer settings, how to remove quick contacts for SOS, deactivate the function through Security Settings, and even how to physically lock the power button if the software methods do not help. Separately, we will consider the nuances for devices with global and Chinese firmware, where the interface may differ.

Why does Xiaomi phone call emergency services?

The Emergency SOS feature in MIUI is designed to alert emergency services in critical situations, but it often leads to false positives.

• 🔄 Triple press of the power button – a standard gesture for activation SOS Most of the Xiaomi models after upgrading to MIUI 12+.
• 🕒 Long-term button retention (5)+ seconds – on some devices this includes an emergency call mode with automatic dialing.
• 📱 Fall or mechanical impact – if the phone hits a pocket or bag, the sensor may react as if it were pressed.
• 🔧 Firmware errors - in versions MIUI 13.0.4–13.0.6 bugs that lead to spontaneous activation are detected SOS.

It is important to understand that on Chinese versions of firmware (China ROM), the SOS function may work differently - for example, instead of a call, an SMS is sent with coordinates to a pre-specified number. Global versions (Global ROM) usually use a standard call on 112.

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO F4/F5) function SOS It's tied to the side button, not the power button. → Buttons and gestures.

Method 1: Disable SOS via standard MIUI settings

The easiest way is to deactivate the function in the security menu. MIUI 12–14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Password and Security (or Security on older versions).
3. Select an emergency call. SOS (may be called SOS-call SOS).
4. Turn off the sliders: 🔘 Press the power button 5 times (or 3 times, depending on the model). 🔘 Hold the power button. 🔘 Send messages to contacts (if the function is active).

If the SOS Emergency Call option is not on the menu, then your device is using a stripped-down version of the firmware (for example, on Xiaomi for the European market).

Method 2: Removing contacts for emergency alert

Even after SOS is disabled, the phone can send notifications to selected contacts to completely remove this feature:

1. Go to Contacts (Contacts app).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Groups.
3. Find the Emergency Contacts (or SOS Contacts) group.
4. Remove all contacts from this group or remove the group itself.

On some firmware (MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 10 Pro), SOS contacts are stored in a separate menu: Settings → About Phone → Emergency Information → Contacts for emergencies.

Method 3: Disconnection through Developer Parameters

If the standard settings don't work, you can block the function through a hidden developer menu, which works on MIUI 12-14, but requires activation of the developer mode:

1. Activate the developer settings: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI version (you will be notified "You are a developer").

Additional settings → Developer parameters

Entry and security

Security

Enable emergency call while locked

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T) in the developer parameters there is a separate item Disable SOS trigger – it also needs to be deactivated.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the developer settings can cause the system to run in an unstable way. Do not turn off other options on this menu unless you are sure of their purpose.

Method 4: Physically locking the power button

If the software doesn't work, you can mechanically lock the power button, and that's true for devices with a damaged sensor, or if you drop your phone a lot.

• 🛡️ Case with button locking – for example, models from Spigen or Ringke with enhanced protection.
• 🔧 Film on the button - stick thin tape or special protective film (sold in accessories stores).
• 🔨 Disassembling and disabling contacts is an extreme method that requires repair skills.

For temporary blocking (for example, during sports), you can use the Do Not Disturb mode with the disabling of all physical buttons: Settings → Notifications → Do Not Disturb → Additional → Block buttons.

Method 5: Resetting settings to factory

If none of these methods work, then the radical solution is hard reset, which will delete all settings, including SOS settings, but also erase all the data on the phone.

• 📤 Make a backup copy through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• 🔐 Remember the Mi Account details – after the reset, authorization will be required.
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50%.

Resetting instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Resetting.


2. Select "Erase all data."




3 Enter the PIN- code or pattern lock.




4. Confirm the reset and wait for the reset (5-10 minutes).

Once reset, the SOS function will be deactivated, but you can manually turn it on again. To avoid this, immediately after setting up the phone, go to Settings → Password and Security and turn off all options associated with an emergency call.

💡

Resetting is a last resort, and only use it if other methods have not worked, as it will remove all data from the phone.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you turn off SOS, users often make mistakes that backfire.

1. Incomplete shutdown: Only triple tap is turned off, but left the button hold. Check all sliders in the SOS menu.
2. Ignoring Updates: Some versions of MIUI re-enable SOS after the update. Always check the settings after the update.
3. Contact confusion: Deleted contacts from the SOS group, but not disabled the feature itself. It will still try to call 112.
4. Incorrect firmware: In Chinese ROM, the SOS menu may be called something else (e.g.,... use a translator or look for an icon with a phone handset.

If after all the manipulations the phone still calls the emergency services, check:

• 📱 Viruses - some malware mimics button pressing. scan the device via Mi Security.
• 🔄 Application Conflict – Disable Administrator Rights from Third-Party Launchers or Antiviruses.
• 🔧 Damage to the button sensor – if the power button sticks, it must be repaired or replaced.

💡

If you drop your phone frequently, turn on the "Advertent Press Protection" feature in Settings → Screen → Additional. This will reduce the risk of SOS falsely triggering.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions