Can you text 911?
Sometimes. Text-to-911 works only where the local 911 call center has chosen to accept texts, so it isn't available everywhere in the U.S. 911 centers ask you to make a voice call whenever you can, because calls give dispatchers more information. If you text 911 where the service isn't available, carriers are required to send an automatic bounce-back message telling you the text wasn't received, so you know to reach emergency services another way.
How to use text-to-911 well
01Call if you can, text if you can't
Texting is for situations where speaking would put you in danger, when you can't speak because of injury, or if you're deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled. In every other case, a voice call is faster and more reliable.
02Check whether your area accepts texts
The FCC keeps a registry of the areas that support text-to-911. Look up the places you run, ride and hike, not just your home, since coverage varies between counties.
03Put your location and emergency in the first message
Start with where you are and what is happening, such as "Hurt on the river trail near the 3 mile marker, can't walk." Don't wait for a reply before sending those details. New York City's text-to-911 guidance asks for the reason for your emergency and your full address or cross streets, in complete words rather than abbreviations.
04Keep the conversation simple
Type 911 in the To field with no spaces or dashes, and send it to 911 alone, not in a group chat. NYC's guidance says not to send photos, videos, GIFs or emojis, and to answer every question until the operator ends the chat. Tell them early if you are Deaf or hard of hearing.
05Watch for a bounce-back
If you get an automatic message saying text-to-911 isn't available, your text did not reach 911. That message exists so people don't wrongly believe help is coming. Switch to a voice call or a relay service right away.
06Use your phone's built-in route on iPhone
Apple says that where it's available, you can open Messages, type 911 in the To field, write your emergency and send it. It's the same text-to-911 service, so the same availability limits apply.
Related questions
Can I text 911 from WhatsApp or another messaging app?
Don't count on it. Text-to-911 is built on ordinary text messaging to the number 911, so use your phone's regular texting app. Apps that only message other app users or social media contacts are not a way to reach 911.
Does Holler text 911 for me?
No. Holler does not contact 911 or emergency services in any way, and it doesn't send text alerts. Its SOS notifies your Guardians by email and push with your location, and they can call 911 for you. For your own call, see what happens when you use Emergency SOS on an iPhone.
What if I'm lost and can't describe where I am?
Text what you can see and tell them you don't know your location. A voice call is better in that case, because many phones send location data automatically. Our page on calling 911 when you don't know where you are explains how.
Can I send photos or video by text to 911?
Don't. New York City's text-to-911 guidance says not to send photos, videos, GIFs or emojis Stick to plain text. Send your location and what's happening in words. Separately, on iPhone, Apple says emergency services may request live video or photos during an emergency call in some regions, and you'll see a prompt if they do.
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Sources, checked September 2026: Apple Support: Use SOS to contact emergency services on your iPhone, NYC: Text-to-911, Wikipedia: Text-to-911 (availability, FCC registry, bounce-back messages).
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