How to remove SOS mode on Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

The SOS emergency call mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful security feature that allows you to quickly contact rescue services even when the screen is locked. However, many users face the problem of accidentally triggering this mode: the phone spontaneously dials 112 or sends messages to contacts. This is especially true for owners of Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 and Mi 11/12 models, where the SOS call button is located unsuccessfully.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to disable SOS on Xiaomi phones running MIUI 12, 13 and 14, including hidden settings and solutions for cases where standard methods don’t work, you’ll also learn how to avoid false positives and what to do if the phone starts calling emergency services after the MIUI update.

Why does SOS work on its own?

The main reasons for the uncontrolled inclusion of SOS on Xiaomi:

• 📱 Physical button on the sidebar (on some Redmi models and POCO five-time press of the power button activates SOS).
• 🔄 Software failures after update MIUI (This is especially true for versions 13.0.4–13.0.8).
• 🧲 Magnet covers or metal objects in your pocket, closing contacts.
• 🤖 Errors in the work of the service com.android.server.telecom, responsible for emergency calls.

According to statistics of service centers Xiaomi, up to 15% of the calls with problems "phone calls itself" are associated with SOS. At the same time, in MIUI 14 developers added additional protection from accidental pressing, but on old firmware the problem remains.

Method 1: Disable SOS via standard MIUI settings

The simplest method is to deactivate the function in the security menu, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Pa section.SSWORD & SECURITY (on Russian-language firmware - Password and security).
3. Select Emergency SOS (SOS Emergency Call)
4. Turn off the Press power button 5 times to trigger SOS (Press power button 5 times for SOS).

On some models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3), the path may be different: Settings → Special features → Emergency call.

Make sure the slider is grey in color|Reboot the phone.|Try pressing the power button 5 times (call should not work)|Check the settings in the "Security" section"-->

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI Global Function for Europe and India SOS It may be hidden due to local laws, in which case use Method 3 (ADB-team).

Method 2: Remove Contacts for Emergency Messages

Even if you have disabled an SOS call, the phone can send messages to selected contacts when you repeatedly press the power button.

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Emergency SOS call.
2. Click on Emergency Contacts (Emergency Contacts).
3. Delete all added numbers (click on contact → Delete).
4. Turn off the Send Messages to Emergency Contacts option.

If you can’t delete your contacts, try:

• 📇 Remove numbers from Google Contacts (they can sync automatically).
• 🔄 Restart the phone and try again.

Method 3: Disable SOS via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but requires a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on the MIUI version.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

adb shell settings put global emergency_affordance_enabled 0


adb shell settings put global send_emergency_sms 0

After you've done the commands, restart your phone. To return the settings, replace 0 with 1.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This may cause system failure. Before executing commands, back up your data via Settings. → System system → Backup.

Method 4: Reset security settings (if SOS does not turn off)

In rare cases, SOS settings may freeze in the active state, often after an incorrect MIUI update or factory reset.

1. Go to Settings. → Password and security.
2. Select Reset Security Settings (could be called Lock Settings Reset).
3. Confirm the action with a password / pattern lock.

This operation will not delete your data, but will reset:

• 🔐 All passwords and fingerprints.
• 📱 Smart Lock settings (unlock by location/devices).
• 🚨 Emergency call parameters SOS.

💡

If SOS is activated again after reset, check for MIUI updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update. In some cases, the bug is patched.

Method 5: Physically locking the power button

If the software methods do not help, and the phone constantly rings at 112, you can temporarily block the power button:

• 🛡️ Use a case with protection against accidental pressing (for example, bumpers with high sides).
• 🧲 Stick a thin layer of insulating tape to a button (without blocking it completely).
• 🔧 On models with a collapsible body (Redmi) 8A, POCO M2) You can gently disconnect the button contact (requires repair skills).

This is a temporary solution, as locking the power button interferes with normal phone use, and we recommend combining this method with software shutting down SOS.

What if the phone has already called the emergency service?

If your Xiaomi has spontaneously made a call to 112, 911 or local rescue:

1. Don’t hang up, explain to the operator that it was a mistake.
2. If the connection is interrupted, do not call back - this can be regarded as a false call.
3. In some countries (for example, in Russia) for repeated false calls is provided with a fine of up to 20 000 rubles.

According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, up to 30% of calls to 112 in 2023 were false, and a significant part of them are associated with Xiaomi and Samsung smartphones.

• 📵 Turn it off. SOS Immediately after purchasing the phone, if you do not plan to use the function.
• 🔋 Check your settings regularly after updates MIUI.

💡

Even if you disabled SOS through settings, the physical power button can continue to work on older firmware. Always combine software and hardware protection techniques.

FAQ: Frequent questions about SOS on Xiaomi