To stop pocket dialing on iPhone 12, the most direct fix is to shorten your Auto-Lock timer so the screen turns off quickly when the phone is in your pocket. Combined with adjusting Emergency SOS gestures and limiting what the lock screen allows, you can reliably stop pocket dialing on iPhone 12 without third-party apps.
Stop pocket dialing on iPhone 12 with Auto-Lock
The fastest fix is to set a short Auto-Lock duration. This controls how long your iPhone stays awake before locking, which helps reduce accidental taps and calls when the phone is in a pocket.
- Open Settings and tap Display & Brightness.
- Tap Auto-Lock and choose a short duration, setting it to as short as 30 seconds or as long as 5 minutes, depending on your preference.
Once the screen locks, accidental touches in your pocket won't register as taps, making this the single most effective step you can take.
What you can and can't disable from the lock screen
Apple intentionally keeps emergency calling available from the lock screen. You can dial emergency services from the Passcode screen by tapping Emergency and then dialing the number. There is no documented way to remove it entirely, so focus on what you can control: keep the phone locked and use the Auto-Lock setting above. Disabling 'Raise to Wake' helps prevent accidental interactions by keeping the screen off when the phone moves in your pocket. This limitation exists because emergency calling must remain accessible even when the phone is locked.
Adjust Emergency SOS gestures to prevent accidental calls
On iPhone 12, Emergency SOS can be started by pressing and holding the side button and either volume button, or by enabling a side-button shortcut. To stop these shortcuts from triggering in your pocket:
- Open Settings and tap Emergency SOS.
- Turn off Call with Side Button and Call with 5 Presses.
Disabling SOS mode stops the side-button shortcuts from accidentally calling emergency services when your phone is jostled in a pocket. Note that disabling SOS mode does not remove the ability to dial emergency services from the lock screen, that remains available by tapping Emergency on the Passcode screen.
Use Guided Access to lock your screen to one app
Guided Access restricts your iPhone to a single app and disables touch in circled areas, which can prevent accidental calls. However, Crash Detection and Emergency Services aren't available while using Guided Access, and you must exit Guided Access to use them.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access and turn it on. Set a passcode.
- Open the app you want to use, then triple-press the side button to start Guided Access.
- Circle any areas of the screen you want to disable, then tap Start.
This is useful when you hand your phone to someone or keep it in a pocket while playing music. Remember: emergency services become unavailable while Guided Access is active, so use it only when you know you won't need to call for help.
A note for Android users
Samsung Galaxy phones offer Accidental touch protection under Settings > Display. This is the closest equivalent for Android users who found this page. Turn it on to prevent accidental screen touches on supported Galaxy models. For other Android devices, the most reliable documented options are screen timeout settings, though official manufacturer guidance varies by model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will using Do Not Disturb and silent mode stop pocket dialing?
Do Not Disturb and silent mode only silence notifications and calls, they do not prevent the screen from registering touches. These settings alone will not stop pocket dialing; you still need to set a short Auto-Lock timer or use Guided Access.
Can I turn off SOS?
You cannot remove the ability to call emergency services from the lock screen, but you can disable SOS mode by turning off "Call with Side Button" and "Call with 5 Presses" in Settings > Emergency SOS. This stops the side-button shortcuts from triggering accidental calls.
Does a case or screen protector help prevent pocket dialing?
The built-in settings (Auto-Lock, Emergency SOS, Guided Access) are the only officially recommended methods.
Why does my iPhone 12 keep pocket dialing even with a passcode?
A passcode only prevents unlocking, it does not stop the screen from registering touches while the phone is in your pocket. The lock screen still allows emergency calls and, if "Raise to Wake" is on, the screen can turn on from movement. Shortening Auto-Lock and disabling Raise to Wake (Settings > Display & Brightness) will help.
Will updating iOS fix pocket dialing?
Keeping your iPhone updated is always recommended, but the steps above are the most reliable way to stop pocket dialing on iPhone 12.
What should I do if I accidentally pocket dial someone on my iPhone 12?
If you accidentally pocket dial someone, immediately apologize and explain it was an accidental call. Then, follow the steps above, shorten Auto-Lock, disable Raise to Wake, and adjust Emergency SOS settings, to prevent it from happening again.
