Removing the emergency call button from the Android lock screen

Modern smartphones based on Android equipped with many security features that are designed to help the user in a critical situation. One such option is the Emergency Call button, which appears right on the lock screen. Although the design intention is noble, in practice this feature often becomes a source of irritation, as it is easy to accidentally press it in a pocket or when carrying the phone in a bag.

Accidentally dialing an emergency number can lead to unnecessary police or ambulance checks, as well as draining the device's battery. Fortunately, the system Android provides flexible tools for managing this interface element. In this article, we will look in detail at how to disable this function on various smartphone models without disturbing the operation of other important security systems.

It is worth noting that the location of the settings may vary depending on the version of the operating system and the shell installed by the manufacturer. On some phone models certified for certain regions, complete removal of the button may be blocked at the firmware level by the legal requirements of the importing country. However, in most cases, you can disable automatic calling or hide the button, making its use a conscious action.

Why the SOS button appears on the lock screen

The emergency call function is a mandatory requirement of mobile communication standards in many countries around the world. Smartphone manufacturers are required to provide the ability to call emergency services even without unlocking the device and without a SIM card. That is why the button appears on the screen by default immediately after turning on the device for the first time.

However, in addition to the basic requirement, many brands are introducing their own improvements, such as quickly calling contacts or sending geolocation. SOS function can be activated not only by pressing the on-screen button, but also by repeatedly pressing the physical power key. This creates an additional level of risk of false positives if the user is not familiar with the settings of his gadget.

⚠️ Attention: Complete removal of system components responsible for emergency communications may require obtaining superuser rights (Root), which voids the device warranty and reduces the overall security of the system.

Understanding what exactly causes the button to appear helps you choose the right method to eliminate it. In some cases, it is enough to change the interface settings; in others, it is enough to disable specific security services. It is important to distinguish between standard emergency dialing and advanced functions that are often preinstalled by manufacturers.

Security settings on Samsung devices

Smartphones of the South Korean company Samsung have one of the most advanced, but also complex security systems called “Personal Safety”. It is she who is most often responsible for the appearance of the SOS button and automatic calls. To manage these parameters, you need to go to the device’s deep settings.

Open the settings menu and find the section Safety and emergency situations. Inside this menu, you are interested in the “SOS Settings” or “Emergency Call” item. Here you can not only disable the button, but also configure the behavior of the device when you press the side key. Users often confuse the call button on the screen and the call function by pressing the power button.

To completely disable the function, follow these steps:

• 📱 Go to Settings and select the section Security.
• 🔍 Find the subsection Emergency mode or SOS.
• 🔓 Turn off the “Call emergency services” switch.
• ⚙️ Check if the “Send message” option is activated SOS.”

If after these steps the button remains on the lock screen, it may be part of the theme or launcher. In this case, you should check the lock screen settings in the Wallpaper and stylesection. On some models of the series Galaxy A and Galaxy S you also need to disable the “Quick Connect” function, which can duplicate interface elements.

Managing the SOS function on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO

The shell MIUI and its new version HyperOSinstalled on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCOhas its own security center. Here, the emergency call settings are often hidden in the “Security” application, which is a system application and cannot be removed using standard methods.

To find the settings you need, open the application Security (green icon with a lightning bolt). Scroll down to the "Emergencies" section. This is where the settings are located that dictate the behavior of the phone when locked. The interface may differ depending on the firmware version (Global, Chinese or European).

Path: Security -> Emergency -> SOS Settings

In this section you will see the “Emergency call” option. Disabling it will hide the button from the lock screen. It is also worth paying attention to the “Emergency call by power button” function. If it is active, the phone will call the emergency services after five quick presses of the power button.

Owners of devices with Android 13 and higher may find that the settings are scattered in two places: in the Android system menu and in the MIUI shell. It is recommended to check both sources. System settings are located at Settings -> Passwords and security -> Emergency call.

Interface features of Huawei and Honor

Company devices Huawei and Honor work on the shell EMUI or MagicOS. Here, the approach to security is also implemented through a separate module. The emergency call button on the lock screen is often associated with the Panic Button feature.

To access settings, go to Settings -> Security -> SOS. In this menu you can disable automatic calling and sending messages. It is noteworthy that on some models Honor after the separation of brands, the menu may be called “Emergency notifications”.

If the standard shutdown does not help, try the following method:

• 📞 Open the application Phone (dialer).
• ⚙️ Click on the three dots or the menu icon in the corner.
• 🛠️ Select Settings -> Additional.
• ❌ Find the "Emergency call" item and uncheck it.

⚠️ Attention: On Huawei devices with or without Google services (GMS) installed (HMS), the menu location may differ. If you do not find the item in the specified location, use the search in the settings by entering the request “SOS”.

Always check for system updates, as the menu structure may change.

Comparison of shutdown methods on different versions of Android

Clean Android, which is used in smartphones Google Pixel, Motorola, Nokia i Sonyoffers the most standardized approach. However, even here there are differences between operating system versions. In new versions of Android (12, 13, 14), Google has introduced a single emergency menu.

Below is a table showing the differences in the paths to settings for different OS versions and manufacturers:

Version / Brand	Path to settings	Possibility of complete removal
Android 10-11 (Stock)	Settings -> Security -> Emergency call	Partial (disabling only)
Samsung One UI	Security -> SOS settings	Yes (via disabling services)
Xiaomi MIUI	Security application -> Emergency	Yes
Android 12+	Settings -> Security and emergency	No (hiding only)

As can be seen from the table, on clean Android 12 and newer, the button is often an integral part of the lock screen. In such cases, you can “remove” it only visually by changing the theme, or turning off the ability to make a call without unlocking. This is done to comply with international security standards.

Why can’t you just delete the file?

System files responsible for the lock screen (Keyguard) are protected by a signature. An attempt to delete them through a file manager without root access will result in an access error, and with root access - to a cyclic reboot (bootloop).

Using third-party applications to block

If system methods cannot remove the button, you can use third-party solutions. There are many Lock Screen Apps in the store Google Playthat completely replace the standard lock screen. Such apps allow you to create your own design, where the SOS button simply will not be provided.

Popular applications such as Hi Locker or CM Lockergive full control over the appearance. However, this method has a significant drawback: they consume more battery power and may conflict with biometric unlocking (fingerprint or Face ID).

When using a third-party blocker, you must:

• 🔒 Grant the application device administrator rights.
• 🔋 Allow work in the background for saving energy.
• 👆 Adjust the sensitivity of the sensor to avoid false positives.

This method is suitable for advanced users users who want to customize their phone. However, for the average user, it is safer to leave the standard lock screen, even with an SOS button, than to risk the stability of the system.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to remove the SOS button without root access?

In most cases, completely removing the system button without root access is impossible, since this is a requirement of security standards. However, you can disable the emergency call function in the settings, which will make the button inactive or hide it depending on the phone model.

Will the phone work without a SIM card for an emergency call?

Yes, the emergency call function (Emergency Call) works even without a SIM card and without having money for account. The phone uses any available network of the nearest operator to connect to emergency services (112, 911, etc.).

What to do if the button appeared after an Android update?

After updating the system, security settings may be reset to factory settings. You need to go to the settings again (Security -> Emergency Call) and disable the corresponding switches. Also check if the Phone or Contacts system applications have been updated.

Is it dangerous to completely disable this feature?

Yes, it reduces your security. If something happens to you and your phone is locked, others will not be able to quickly call for help. It is recommended not to remove the button, but simply to be more careful when carrying the phone or disable only automatic calling using the power button.