Phone PIN codes and ICE numbers

[Mai45]

This isn’t meant to be advice, just hopefully a bit of helpful information to allow people to make their own decisions.

Like all of us, I’m not getting any younger. When travelling I’m normally alone so it makes sense to have ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers stored in my phone in case of illness or accident. Emergency service personnel would then know who to contact. That’s the first part.

The second part is the security advice we all have, passcodes, PIN numbers etc. And good advice it is. That’s the second part.

Unfortunately I discovered recently that they can cancel each other out. In a casual conversation with my son and daughter in law, I asked if my ICE contacts can be accessed without unlocking my phone access. “Of course” said my daughter in law, “the police can do that”

“That’s what everyone thinks” said my son, a serving police officer “but we can’t. Without the PIN code to access we would need to get in touch with the phone provider. Slow and expensive process and useless in an emergency”

Personally, I’ve decided that access to my ICE numbers are my priority and removed the PIN access code from my phone. I don’t bank or access social media from my phone, I do all that from my laptop. I just use the phone to phone and text. For those that use theirs for everything, it’s not so simple.

As I said, not advice, these are very individual decisions. Just thought you all might like to know the pros and cons.

UPDATE: in 2 of the replies I’ve learnt a lot already! Apparently iPhones have a way round this (mine isn’t an iPhone) and there’s a also Widget that might help. Do scroll down and read the replies. Isn’t this forum great for help?

UPDATE number 2: I originally posted what I’d found out, hoping it might help others. The replies have been brilliant, thank you everyone. OK, so I was no IT whiz kid, but we certainly have others here who are, and the advice for both iPhones and Android is so useful. Thank you all x

[YuliK]

Thanks for that info. You are correct, it's important to have emergency numbers available immediately. 👌

[Mary63]

Thank you. Very useful

[Pongo13]

You can access emergency numbers on iPhone - on mine I slide locked screen to right and search 'ice' and my health and emergency derails are accessible. Google it - much safer than no pin these days.

[Mai45 in reply to Pongo13]

Thanks. I had heard that, but I think it’s only a feature on iPhones - and mine isn’t an iPhone. Good point though, and I’ll update my original post

[Pongo13 in reply to Mai45]

Sent message earlier and then had to dash, just home now. On iPhone, for anyone looking st these posts in future, you can access the keypad (whilst phone is locked) and bottom left is the word 'emergency' click on this and the ICE details are available for editing or using. Hope this is helpful. Will see if my daughters Samsung has similar later and get back to everyone if I learn anything.!

[Soraya_PMR]

There’s an app called ICE EMERGENCY CONTACT WIDGET, not tried it but might give it a go (find it in your App Store)

[Mai45 in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Thanks - I’ve updated my original post to mention your reply

[PMRpro Ambassador]

My paramedic daughter said something about having the emergency info as a screensaver-type app or something - probably what pongo or Snazzy mention. Smartphone? That's totally beyond me!! Nokia 3210 - still the original!

But remember - in an accident it is likely your bag and phone would be separated from you. If you really want to be safe think of a medical info bracelet.

[HeronNS in reply to PMRpro]

Still too stubborn to get a cell phone of any kind. I wear medical bracelet which has a PIN so my medical info can be accessed, as well as emergency contact.

[SheffieldJane]

Thanks Mai45. I realise that I am rarely alone and out these days and OH knows my stuff better than I do, but it’s a good point.

[Louisepenygraig in reply to SheffieldJane]

I don't think my OH would have a clue about any of mine!

[Louisepenygraig]

I have a Samsung android phone and it's possible to access the ICE details without putting the pin number in. I think it all depends on which make and model phone one has

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Louisepenygraig]

I have a Samsung S9 so going to have a look about whether I can do it on minex

[Mai45 in reply to Yellowbluebell]

I have the Samsung A6 and after reading Soraya’s reply above did some googling. Really glad I posted, I’ve learnt a lot!

[Louisepenygraig in reply to Yellowbluebell]

I have the Samsung galaxy J5. Below the grid for entering the PIN number it says emergency call. Pressing that takes me to a screen where I can access my emergency numbers and medical information which is stored in my profile in contacts.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Louisepenygraig]

Thanks. I think that for certain phones you need to download an app but irrelevant of what phone we have the advice for ICE is important and people need to go on line and check what their phones can do. Then it's up to them to make a informed decision.x

[JulianJ]

I use an App called Medical ID, it can be accessed from the lock screen, has your medical info and drugs as well as contacts.

[Mikb]

I have my ICE permanently on my locked screen. I used an app called Over to edit the photo and add the number.

[Soraya_PMR]

Just checking my iPhone, it came complete with an app called ‘health’ where you can put important medical info. You can also choose to have it accessible if your phone is locked. Also if you add a nok number, it will notify that person if you ever call emergency services and will tell them your location when you called.

[Hidden in reply to Soraya_PMR]

I’ve started filling that in but like My Profile, l must finish it.

Thanks Soraya 💐

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Hidden]

I had to update mine, it said I was on 8mg, well I was for what seemed f-o-r-e-v-e-r!

[Jackoh]

Thanks for all this useful info. I will start checking my phone now to see what can be accessed. Have also got medical alert bracelet. X

[SuziCutie]

Thank you for this information. Have been busy checking and updating my phone and my hubbys. Didn’t know anything about such an important and useful service. Thanks again 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿