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How to Set Up Emergency Contacts on Your Mobile: A Step-by-Step Guide

  • Writer: Price-Milne Financial Services Staff Writer
    Price-Milne Financial Services Staff Writer
  • Jul 20
  • 3 min read

Setting up emergency contacts on your mobile is a straightforward yet vital task for anyone keen to minimise risks in daily life.


Looking after your wellbeing isn’t just about financial cover, it’s also about preparing for unexpected situations. In this guide, I’ll show you how to add emergency contacts to your device, why it matters, and who you should choose.


set up emergency contacts

Why Should You Set Up Emergency Contacts?


Emergencies aren't planned. Whether it’s a health issue, an accident, or another urgent matter, having emergency contacts instantly accessible on your phone can make all the difference. Here’s why it's so important:


  • Quicker response: Emergency services or helpful bystanders can reach your loved ones faster.

  • Better care: Those close to you can provide critical medical info if needed.

  • Your loved ones know quickly: They receive prompt updates about your wellbeing.

  • Extra peace of mind: Being prepared helps everyone feel more secure.


This proactive approach complements your insurance cover, forming a practical part of your wider risk management plan.


Setting Up Emergency Contacts on iPhone (NZ)


Apple’s iPhone enables you to add emergency contacts via the Health app by setting up your Medical ID. This information is accessible even if your phone is locked.


Quick Steps for iPhone Users

  1. Open the Health app.

  2. Tap your profile icon (top right).

  3. Select Medical ID.

  4. Tap Edit (top right again).

  5. Go to the Emergency Contacts section.

  6. Tap Add Emergency Contact.

  7. Select who you’d like to add from your contacts and state your relationship.

  8. Tap Done to save.



Tips for iPhone:

  • Complete your Medical ID: add allergies, medications, blood type and GP (if you wish).

  • Turn on Emergency SOS (Settings > Emergency SOS) so a quick button press can call 111 and notify your contacts.

  • After using Emergency SOS, iPhones can send your location to your chosen contacts.


Setting Up Emergency Contacts on Android

Android phones can differ (Samsung, Google, etc.), but all offer ways to add emergency contacts. Below are the most common methods.


Method 1: Through Settings

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Tap on Safety & Emergency (sometimes found under Advanced or Privacy).

  3. Select Emergency contacts.

  4. Tap Add contact to choose from your address book.

  5. Enable Emergency SOS or similar feature if available (so your contacts get notified when you use it).


Method 2: Via Contacts App

  1. Go to your Contacts app.

  2. Look for Emergency Contacts: this might be under a menu or settings.

  3. Add contacts as needed.


Method 3: Emergency Information on Lock Screen

Some Android phones allow you to add emergency info that appears on the lock screen via the emergency dialler.

Tips for Android:

  • Test your phone’s emergency features after you set things up.

  • The process can vary across brands (Samsung, OPPO, Google Pixel). If in doubt, search your mobile settings for “Emergency” or “SOS”.


Who Should Be on Your Emergency Contact List?

Choose people who are:

  • Likely to answer quickly: Trusted family, close friends or reliable neighbours.

  • Aware of your health or personal situation: In case medical history is relevant.

  • Proactive in a crisis: Those who can make decisions and provide help.

  • Ideally local: Someone nearby can lend immediate assistance.


Don’t just pick one, include a couple of contacts for backup.


Further Steps to Boost Your Safety

Adding emergency contacts is just one part of managing personal risks. Consider the following:

  • Keep a physical and digital “In Case of Emergency” note listing medications, medical conditions, and your insurance details.

  • Make sure your insurance cover (health, life, income protection) is current and meets your needs.

  • Let your emergency contacts know they’ve been chosen and talk through what they might need to do.

  • Review and update these details regularly, especially after major life changes.


Final Words: Being Proactive Makes a Difference

Taking a few minutes to set up your emergency contacts means you, your family, and responders can act faster - potentially saving lives and minimising stress during an emergency. This type of preparation fits right alongside your insurance arrangements and shows just how practical risk management can be.


If you’d like further help, either with sorting your emergency info or reviewing your insurance to ensure it matches your goals, please get in touch. It's all about protecting what matters most: your health, your whānau, and your financial future.


The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.

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