How to turn off SOS on Xiaomi: all the ways to MIUI 12-14

The SOS emergency call mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that can save lives in a critical situation. However, many users find that it works by accident: pressing the power button 5 times in a row, when your phone falls or even in your pocket. If you are tired of false alarms and want to turn off SOS on Xiaomi completely or customize it to your needs, this guide will help you understand all the nuances.

It is important to understand that the manufacturer does not recommend deactivating this feature without good reason. In some countries (for example, in Russia), the law requires smartphones to support quick emergency calls. However, MIUI provides flexible settings that minimize the risk of accidental activation. We will look at official methods for different versions of firmware, as well as alternative solutions for those who have standard methods do not work.

Why does SOS work on its own?

Before you turn off SOS on Xiaomi, you should understand the causes of false positives.

  • 🔘 Multiple pressing of the power button – the standard combination for calling emergency services in the MIUI (5 straight presses).
  • 📱 Falls or vibrations – the impact sensor may perceive this as a distress signal.
  • 👖 Carrying in your pocket – accidentally touching a screen or buttons (especially on models with Always On Display).
  • 🔄 Firmware failures - after the update MIUI setting SOS may be dropped.

On some models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the POCO X3 Pro), the feature is activated even when the volume and power buttons are pressed simultaneously. This is done for convenience, but often leads to false calls. If you notice that SOS is turned on without you, first check if the buttons are clamped with a case or if the phone is not responding to vibration.

📊 How often do you have a workout? SOS Xiaomi?
Never.
1-2 times a month
Once a week.
Constantly.

Official method: disabling through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI settings. The instructions are suitable for most models (Redmi, POCO, Mi) on MIUI 12-MIUI 14 firmware:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to the Pa section.SSWORD & SECURITY (in Russian firmware - Passwords and security).
  3. Select Emergency SOS (or Emergency SOS)
  4. Turn off the Press power button 5 times to activate SOS (Push the power button 5 times to activate SOS).
  5. If necessary, turn off other triggers (e.g. Send messages to emergency contacts).

On some devices (such as Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50), the path may be slightly different:

Settings → Special features → Emergency SOS call

If you don't have Emergency SOS on your menu, it's managed at the firmware level and doesn't have a graphical interface, and you'll have to use alternative methods (see the following sections).

Make sure the feature is not tied to banking applications

Keep emergency contact information in the phone book.

Check the power button (whether there is sticking)

Make a backup copy of the settings-->

Disable SOS via ADB (for power users)

If standard settings do not disable the function, you can use ADB debugging. This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and basic knowledge of the command line. On some models (for example, POCO F4) after performing these commands, SOS shuts down permanently, even after resetting the settings.

Instructions:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on the MIUI Version until the notification appears.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

adb shell settings put global emergency_affordance_enabled 0
adb shell settings put global send_emergency_sms 0

Once you've done the commands, restart the device. To return the default settings, replace the 0 with 1 in the commands.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI Global for Europe, these teams may not work due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case only the flashing on the custom version (for example, Xiaomi.EU) will help).

Resetting settings to factory: an extreme measure

If none of these methods worked, and SOS continues to work, you can try resetting. This method will delete all user data, so make a backup beforehand.

How to reset your settings:

  1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
  2. Choose to erase all data.
  3. Confirm the action with a password (if installed).
  4. After restarting, set your phone as new.

If the problem is not solved, there are two options:

  1. Reflash the phone on Xiaomi.EU or LineageOS (requires unlocking the bootloader).
  2. Contact the service center - perhaps the motherboard is faulty.

💡

On models with MIUI 14 (such as Xiaomi 13T), it is recommended to turn off the Double-tap to wake function after SOS is disabled via ADB, and these two options sometimes conflict, causing random positives.

Alternative: Set up SOS for yourself

Instead of completely shutting down, you can personalize the SOS function so that it doesn’t interfere, but remains useful:

  • 📞 Change the button combination – in some firmware (MIUI 13+) You can set another combination (for example, 7 presses instead of 5).
  • 👥 Set up contacts – only specify the really important numbers (relatives, close friends) in Settings → Emergency call SOS → Contacts for emergency communications.
  • 📍 Turn off geolocation if you don’t want to SOS Your coordinates are transmitted, deactivate the Share location option.
  • ⏱️ Set a delay – some models can set a timer (3-10 seconds) to avoid random calls.

For example, on POCO F5, there is a Countdown before call option in SOS settings – it adds a 5-second pause before a call, which allows you to cancel the false positive.

💡

On devices with MIUI for Russia (for example, Redmi 12), you can not completely disable SOS due to legal requirements, the most you can do is remove the sending of messages and change the button combination.

FAQ: Frequent questions about SOS on Xiaomi

Can I disable SOS on Xiaomi without root rights?
Yes, on most models, this is done through standard settings (Pa)SSWORD & SECURITY → Emergency SOS). If the item is not on the menu, try it. ADB-Teams – they work without root, but require debugging USB.
Why did SOS switch on again after the MIUI update?
For major updates (e.g., from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13), some settings are reset. After the update, check the SOS Emergency Call section and disable the feature again if necessary.
Will SOS work if you turn off the mobile network?
No, emergency calls require a connection to the operator's network, but even without. SIM-The phone may attempt to make a call over available networks (in some countries this is supported by the legislation).
How to turn off SOS on a Xiaomi children’s phone?
On devices like the Xiaomi Mi Bunny or Redmi A1+, SOS is often blocked, and the only way to do so is to use parental controls (Settings → Parental Controls) and restrict access to emergency calls.
Can I reassign the SOS button to another action?
Standard means, no. But with applications like Button Mapper (requires ADB), you can reassign multiple taps of the power button to start a camera, flashlight or other action, and note that this may conflict with system functions.