Changing emergency contacts on an Android device ensures first responders or trusted individuals can access critical information during emergencies. The process varies slightly depending on your Android version and manufacturer (e.g., Pixel, Samsung), but core steps involve using the Safety & Emergency settings or the Personal Safety app. Emergency contacts can be added, edited, or removed through these interfaces, and some devices allow these contacts to bypass "Do Not Disturb" settings via Emergency Bypass. Key features like Emergency SOS and lock screen accessibility further enhance safety by sharing location data or medical details when needed.

• Emergency contacts are managed primarily through Settings > Safety & Emergency > Emergency Contacts or the Personal Safety app on Pixel devices ^[1][8].
• Contacts can be added from your existing address book, and some devices support Emergency Bypass to ensure calls/texts from these contacts override silence modes ^[3].
• Lock screen access to emergency info (including contacts) is enabled by default on most Android 12+ devices, but requires manual setup for medical details like blood type or allergies ^[1][7].
• Features like Safety Check and Emergency Sharing (available on Pixel and select Android devices) allow scheduled check-ins or real-time location sharing with contacts during crises ^[1][8].

How to Change Emergency Contacts on Android

Accessing and Editing Emergency Contacts

To modify emergency contacts, start by opening your Android device’s Settings app. The exact path may differ slightly by manufacturer, but most devices follow a similar structure. On stock Android (e.g., Pixel) and many Samsung models, navigate to Safety & Emergency (or Personal Safety on Pixels). Here, you’ll find options to manage emergency contacts, medical information, and SOS features. This section is critical for ensuring responders can quickly identify and contact your designated individuals during an emergency.

• Step-by-Step Path:
• Open Settings > Safety & Emergency (or Google > Personal Safety on Pixel devices) ^[1][8].
• Tap Emergency Contacts (or Emergency Information on some devices) ^[5][7].
• To add a contact, select + Add Contact and choose from your existing contacts list. Confirm the selection to save ^[1][8].
• To remove a contact, tap the minus (–) icon or Remove next to their name ^[2].

• Alternative Methods:
• Personal Safety App (Pixel/Select Android 12+): Open the app > Emergency Contacts > Add Contact ^[1].
• Contacts App (Pixel): Open the app > Select your Google Account > Fix & Manage > Verify or edit emergency contacts ^[2].
• Lock Screen Access: Emergency contacts and medical info can be viewed by tapping Emergency > Emergency Information on the lock screen (if enabled) ^[1][10].

• Device-Specific Notes:
• Samsung devices may label this section as Safety and Emergency or Emergency SOS in settings ^[4].
• Older Android versions (pre-12) might require using the Contacts app to label a contact as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) manually ^[6].

Enabling Emergency Bypass and Additional Features

Beyond basic contact management, Android offers advanced features to ensure emergency contacts can reach you under any circumstances. Emergency Bypass allows designated contacts to override "Do Not Disturb" or silence modes, while Emergency SOS can automatically share your location or call emergency services when activated. These tools are particularly useful in scenarios where you might be unable to unlock your phone or communicate verbally.

• Emergency Bypass (For Calls/Texts):
• Open the Contacts app and select the desired contact.
• Tap Edit > Ringtone or Text Tone > Enable Emergency Bypass ^[3].
• This ensures calls/texts from this contact will sound even if your phone is on silent or "Do Not Disturb" mode.
• Note: This feature may not be available on all Android skins (e.g., some Samsung models).

• Emergency SOS and Location Sharing:
• In Safety & Emergency settings, enable Emergency SOS to trigger actions like calling emergency services or sharing your location with contacts when the power button is pressed multiple times ^[1][8].
• Location Sharing requires enabling Google Location Services and may prompt you to grant permissions for the Personal Safety app ^[1].
• Safety Check: Schedule periodic check-ins (e.g., during a hike). If you don’t respond, your emergency contacts are notified ^[1].

• Medical Information and Lock Screen Access:
• Add critical health details (e.g., blood type, allergies) via Safety & Emergency > Medical Info ^[1][9].
• This information appears on the lock screen when someone taps Emergency > Emergency Information ^[10].
• To edit your name or medical details later, revisit Settings > Safety & Emergency > Medical Info ^[9].

• Troubleshooting Common Issues:
• If emergency contacts aren’t saving, ensure you’re signed into the correct Google Account in the Contacts app ^[2].
• For missing Emergency Info on the lock screen, verify that Safety & Emergency settings are configured and the device is running Android 12 or later ^[1].
• If Emergency Bypass is unavailable, check for manufacturer-specific alternatives (e.g., Samsung’s Priority Senders in "Do Not Disturb" settings) ^[3].