Frequently asked questions

Anyone in the UK can use TapSOS. It is especially useful for people who cannot speak on the phone, because it is entirely non-verbal.

Download it free from the App Store or Google Play. See Download for more.

TapSOS works on iPhone and Android phones running a supported version of iOS or Android. It is not available for BlackBerry or Windows Phone.

TapSOS has been free to download and use since 26 June 2021. To help keep it free, please share it with friends and family and leave a rating on the app store.

Texts to 999 are normally free. If you are unsure, check with your mobile provider.

Download the app, then create an account with your name, email address, a password and your mobile number. The app registers your number with BT's emergencySMS service. Once that is done, TapSOS is ready to use.

Yes. Email support@tapsos.com and we will help.

Confirm your location, choose the service you need, tap the pictures that describe the emergency and answer a few standard 999 questions. Then send. Our step-by-step guide explains each stage.

TapSOS builds a text message from your answers and sends it to a BT 999 handler, who passes it to the emergency service. Any follow-up questions or updates come to you by text message.

After you send an alert, a text message is created. On Android it is sent automatically. On iPhone, open the message and tap Send. Sent alerts appear in your messages, addressed to 999.

Only in a genuine emergency when you need the Police, Ambulance, Fire & Rescue or Coastguard. Try practice mode first so you know what to expect.

Choose the service you need most. If the 999 handler decides another service is better suited, or needed as well, they will arrange it.

Misuse of the app and repeated hoax alerts are monitored by the 999 service and can lead to prosecution. People who misuse TapSOS may be blocked from using it.

No. TapSOS works with the UK 999 service only. When you travel, use the local emergency number.

TapSOS depends on your mobile network, so it only works when your phone has a signal.

If your location looks wrong, choose Change on the location screen and add it yourself.

Your profile sets up your account, keeps it secure and is sent with your alert so 999 can respond appropriately. Your mobile number is used to register you with BT's emergencySMS service, which TapSOS needs.

Emergency treatment, such as medication doses, can differ by sex. You can choose not to say, but telling us helps responders give you the right care.

So that emergency responders know where to find you.

We handle your data under UK data protection law and never sell it. See our privacy policy and the list of services that help us run TapSOS. For any data question, email mydata@tapsos.com.

Email mydata@tapsos.com from the email address on your account, or open Account in the app and choose Request Account Deletion. Delete your account explains each step, what we delete and what we keep.

Log in and update your profile at any time. If your mobile number has changed, update it there too.

Download TapSOS on your new phone and sign in to your existing account.

Email support@tapsos.com or phone 0800 999 1121 and we can suspend your account. Your profile is protected by your password.

Check your password, then choose Forgotten your password? to reset it. If you still need help, email support@tapsos.com.

Email support@tapsos.com. Until it is fixed, use your usual way of contacting 999 in an emergency.

Check your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection, as a weak connection can slow things down. If it still does not work, email support@tapsos.com.

TapSOS lets you contact the emergency services without speaking. Alerts are handled like other emergencySMS messages, but TapSOS automatically gives 999 handlers much more detail.

Becca Hume founded TapSOS in 2016. Through her friendships in the Deaf community, she saw the need for better access to the emergency services. Read our story.

Email info@tapsos.com.

Email comms@tapsos.com.