Android users told to switch OFF phone feature causing accidental 999 call chaos

THE BT 999/112 service is experiencing a “significant increase” in calls, due to an Android update, which initiates an emergency call when the side button is pressed five times.

Police and fire services across the UK are urging mobile phone users to be careful, especially if their phone is in a bag or pocket.

1

Cheshire Police tweeted: “BT are reporting a significant increase in accidental calls to the 999 service following a recent Android update that triggers an SOS when a button on the side of your phone is pressed five times.

“Help us keep our lines clear by only using 999 in a genuine emergency.

“You can check your emergency dial settings on most Android phone by going to ‘Settings’ and looking for SOS settings in the options.”

Beds Fire & Rescue added: “Please be aware of this, especially if your phone is in a bag or pocket.”

BT, the company responsible for operating the 999 service, has acknowledged the situation and is working with Android’s parent company, Google, to identify a solution.

Mobile phone users are being encouraged to consider adjusting their phone settings to disable the side button’s emergency call service until a permanent solution has been found.

Google said: “Android phone manufacturers who choose to offer Emergency SOS on their devices manage the implementation of the feature.

“To help these manufacturers prevent unintentional emergency calls on their devices, Android is providing them with additional guidance and resources.

“We anticipate device manufacturers will roll out updates to their users that address this issue shortly.

“Users that continue to experience this issue should switch emergency SOS off for the next couple days.”

How to turn off Emergency SOS

Android settings vary from phone to phone but you can usually switch off Emergency SOS but going to the Settings.

From there, tap Safety and emergency, then Emergency SOS.

Turn off Use Emergency SOS.

Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks

Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered…

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]