What if you can’t make voice calls?
If you can’t make voice calls, there’s a service called BT Relay. You either download their app, or use SMS text – but you must register first, so don’t wait until there’s an emergency. The service works on all mobiles in the UK, but not abroad.
Here’s how to register for BT Relay and find out more.
Please only use this for real emergencies.
For SMS text
Once registered, if there’s an emergency, text clearly with:
- which service you need (police, fire, ambulance or coastguard)
- briefly WHAT the emergency is
- WHERE it is.
Don’t assume that your message has been received until you get one back.
Using the BT Relay App
The first time you open the app, you’ll need to link your phone number so that the app can connect to the calls you make and receive. Then follow these basic steps:
- On the Relay UK app, simply tap the 999 button and then confirm to make an emergency call – or if you’re using NGT Lite, call 18000 on your phone’s dialler.
- Click ‘Join‘ in the app window.
- You’ll connect to 999 and a Relay Assistant.
- Tell them which service you need then follow their responses in the app’s conversation window.
- The 999 operator will then connect you to the right emergency service.
You can also contact 999 using Typetalk 18000
Register
You will only be able to use the SMS text service if you have registered first. Register now: don’t wait for an emergency.
Follow these steps:
- Register your mobile (You’ll need to register again if you change your phone number)
Text the word ‘register’ to 999. - Read the message
You’ll get an automatic text reply. Please read it all. - Reply to the message
Read the message and then reply by texting ‘yes’. - Get a ‘success’ text
You’ll then get a text telling you that your mobile is now registered – or if there’s been a problem. - Check it
Text ‘register’ to 999 and you’ll get a message telling you if it’s registered or not. Don’t text anything else – there’s no need to make a test call. You’re now set up.
Can’t register?
If you try to register but don’t get the ‘success’ text, check with your mobile provider to make sure they support the emergencySMS service.
