How to Get a Phone Out of Emergency Mode

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Emergency mode is one of the most misunderstood features on cell phones. Some users believe that once the phone enters emergency mode, there's no way to recover and use the phone again, which isn't true. This is just a built-in feature from the cell phone service provider that makes it easier to get help when you need it. It's just as easy to get a phone out of emergency mode as it is to call for help.

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Step 1

Check the display on your cell phone and determine why it went into emergency mode. If you dialed 9-1-1 recently, the phone will lock into the mode as a way of protecting you from danger. It stops the applications on the phone from running and preventing you from getting through to help.

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Step 2

Look for something that says Emergency Only, or Emergency and has a symbol indicating that your service is interrupted. If this occurs, it means that you're away from towers used by your provider and that you can only use the phone to call 9-1-1. You simply need to move to a different area to get out of this emergency mode.

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Step 3

Press the pound (#) key on your cell phone if you've called 9-1-1 and the phone is stuck in emergency mode. On many cell phones this will alert the phone that the emergency is over. It then presents a series of numbers and buttons, which you need to press to escape emergency mode.

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Step 4

Leave your phone turned on, but remove the battery from the phone. Then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before putting the battery in and turning the phone back on. This resets the phone and makes it begin working again without using the emergency mode.

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Step 5

Take your phone back to your cell phone service provider if you can't get out of emergency mode on your own. There are times when the phone dials 9-1-1 and then gets stuck, especially if the call was never completed. The tech will need to reset your phone and possibly insert a new SIM card.

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