What is Medical ID on iPhone?
Medical ID is a built-in iPhone feature that stores your medical conditions, allergies, medications, blood type, and emergency contacts. First responders can access it from your lock screen without your passcode.
If something happens, your phone can speak for you. Set up emergency contacts and Medical ID so first responders know who to call and what you need.
On iPhone: Open Health app → Medical ID → Edit → add your info. On Android: Settings → Safety & Emergency → add contacts and medical info. Both are accessible from your lock screen in emergencies. Takes 5 minutes to set up.
In an emergency, your phone becomes your voice. Here's why setting this up could save your life.
Paramedics are trained to look for Medical ID on your phone. It tells them your allergies, medications, and conditions instantly.
Emergency contacts can be called from your lock screen by anyone, even without your passcode. Your family gets reached when it matters most.
Drug allergies, blood thinners, pacemakers, diabetes - knowing this immediately can change the treatment a paramedic provides.
Setting this up once takes just a few minutes. After that, it's always there when you need it - no maintenance required.
Every iPhone has Medical ID built in. Here's how to set it up step by step.
Find the white app with a red heart icon on your home screen. It's pre-installed on every iPhone.
Tap the circle with your initials or photo in the top-right corner of the Health app.
Scroll down and tap "Medical ID," then tap "Get Started" or "Edit" if you've opened it before.
Add your medical conditions, allergies, medications, blood type, and any notes for first responders. You don't have to fill every field.
Scroll to "Emergency Contacts" and tap "Add Emergency Contact." Choose people from your contacts and select their relationship (spouse, child, doctor).
Turn on "Show When Locked" so paramedics can see your Medical ID without your passcode. This is the most important step.
Android phones have emergency info built in too. The location varies slightly by brand.
Tap the gear icon on your home screen or pull down the notification shade and tap the gear.
Search for "emergency" in Settings search bar. On Samsung: Settings → Safety and emergency. On Google Pixel: Settings → Safety & emergency.
Tap "Medical information" or "Emergency information" and enter your conditions, allergies, medications, and blood type.
Tap "Emergency contacts" and add your family members. They can be called from the lock screen's Emergency Call button.
Here's a checklist of the most important information to add.
Diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy, asthma, or any condition that affects emergency treatment.
Drug allergies are critical. List any medications you're allergic to (penicillin, aspirin, etc.) and food allergies.
List all prescription medications with dosages. Blood thinners are especially important for paramedics to know about.
If you know your blood type, add it. This can speed up emergency treatment if you need a transfusion.
Add your spouse or partner plus an adult child or close friend. Include their relationship and make sure their phone numbers are current.
Pacemaker, hearing aids, hip replacement, or any implant. Also note if you have a DNR or specific care wishes.
Your phone can call 911 and alert your emergency contacts automatically. Here's how.
Press and hold the side button and either volume button for 2 seconds. A slider appears - keep holding and it calls 911 automatically. It also texts your emergency contacts your location.
Press the power button 5 times quickly. This calls 911 and can send a text with your location to your emergency contacts. Enable this in Settings → Safety & emergency → Emergency SOS.
Apple Watch can detect hard falls. If you fall and don't respond within 60 seconds, it automatically calls 911 and sends your location to emergency contacts.
Common questions about emergency contacts and Medical ID.
Medical ID is a built-in iPhone feature that stores your medical conditions, allergies, medications, blood type, and emergency contacts. First responders can access it from your lock screen without your passcode.
Open Settings, search for "Emergency information" or "Safety & emergency," then add your emergency contacts and medical details. On Samsung phones, look in Settings → Safety and emergency.
Yes. On iPhone, Medical ID is accessible from the lock screen by tapping "Emergency" then "Medical ID." On Android, emergency information appears on the lock screen when enabled.
Include your full name, date of birth, medical conditions, allergies, current medications, blood type, organ donor status, and at least two emergency contacts with phone numbers.
TechMaid can walk you through setting up Medical ID and emergency contacts on your specific phone. Just ask!
Track how long and how well you sleep, and learn what to do about it.
Track medications, monitor vitals, and stay connected to your doctor - all for free.
Find out who helps parents with smart TVs. Patient support for phones, computers, WiFi, and smart TVs.