Emergency SMS – How to text 999

If you couldn’t call 999, what would you do?

If you were in a situation where you were unable to make a voice call, did you know that you can now contact the emergency services by a text message?

📱 Text 999 in an Emergency – How to Use Emergency SMS (2025 Guide)

If you are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech difference, you can contact the UK emergency services by text message. This service connects you directly to 999 for Ambulance, Police, Fire, or Coastguard.

It’s called Emergency SMS, and it’s part of the Relay UK service.

🧾 Step 1: Register your mobile phone

You need to register your phone before you can use Emergency SMS.
This only takes a minute and you only need to do it once (unless you change your number).

How to register:

1. Text the word register to 999.

2. You’ll get a reply with simple instructions.

3. Reply yes to finish your registration.

4. You’ll get a message back confirming you are registered.

If you change your phone number, remember to register again.

🚨 Step 2: How to text 999 in an emergency

When you need urgent help and can’t make a voice call:

1. Open a new text message.

2. In the To box, type 999.

3. Write your message including:

   • Who you need: ambulance, police, fire, or coastguard

   • What is happening: e.g. “Person collapsed”, “Car accident”, “House on fire”

   • Where it is: include the postcode, road name, or a nearby landmark

Example message:

ambulance. man collapsed. near Tesco on High Street Ipswich IP1 3AB.

Then press send.

💬 What happens next

• You’ll get a reply to confirm your message has been received.

• The emergency service might send follow-up questions by text to make sure they have the right information.

• They will send help while texting with you.

• If you don’t get a reply after a few minutes, try sending your message again.

📍 Important things to know

• Emergency SMS works throughout the UK on all mobile networks.

• It is designed for people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech difference.

• You can use it any time you can’t make a voice call.

• You cannot use it outside the UK.

• It should be used for real emergencies only – never for practice or general questions.

🧠 Helpful tips

• Register your phone today, don’t wait until there’s an emergency.

• Keep your phone charged and your location clear when texting 999.

• Save “Emergency SMS” in your contacts so it’s easy to find.

• Share this information with friends, family, and colleagues, especially anyone who might need it.

❤️ Why it matters

Emergency SMS helps make the 999 service accessible for everyone.
If you’re Deaf, hard of hearing, or have difficulty with speech, you can still get urgent help quickly, simply by sending a text.

For more information go to the EmergencySMS website (external link, opens new window)