Your iPhone can do more than make calls and send messages. With Medical ID on the lock screen you can put critical health information right where first responders can see it. For anyone who takes daily medication, has chronic conditions, or lives alone, this is a small setup that provides major peace of mind.
“This is quick, easy, and could truly save your life.”
What Medical ID does and why it matters
Medical ID stores important health information — allergies, medications, medical conditions, blood type, and emergency contacts — and makes it accessible from the lock screen even if the phone is passcode protected. That means if you are in an accident or unable to speak, medical personnel can see the details they need immediately.
What to include in your Medical ID
- Medications: List daily medications and dosages.
- Allergies: Drug and severe allergies first responders must know.
- Medical conditions: Chronic illnesses, relevant diagnoses, implanted devices.
- Emergency contacts: Name, relationship, and phone numbers for those to call.
- Additional info: Blood type, height, weight, and any notes that would help medical staff.
Step‑by‑step: Set up Medical ID in the Health app
- Open the Health app (the icon with a red heart). If you don’t see it, use the App Library search and type “Health” to find it.
- Tap your profile picture in the upper right corner to open your health details.
- Tap Medical ID to create your emergency card. If this is your first time you’ll see a Get Started prompt; otherwise choose Edit.
- Enter or update information under the sections for medications, allergies, conditions, and emergency contacts. To add a medication, tap the medication field, type the name and dose, then save with the checkmark.
- At the top of the Medical ID screen, turn on Show When Locked so first responders can access the card from your lock screen. Also consider enabling Share During an Emergency Call, which can send your Medical ID automatically during a 911 call.
How emergency responders access your Medical ID from the lock screen
If your phone is locked, responders can still get to your Medical ID without unlocking the device. From the lock screen:
- Wake the iPhone and tap Emergency in the lower left corner.
- Tap Medical ID to view the emergency card and call your emergency contacts directly.
Maintenance: keep it current
Update your Medical ID whenever you change medications, switch doctors, or update emergency contacts. A quick check once or twice a year is usually enough.
To make this easy, set a recurring reminder in the Reminders app so you review your Medical ID every six months.
Bonus tip
Help a spouse or friend set up their Medical ID too. It only takes a few minutes and could make a critical difference in an emergency.
Quick checklist
- Open Health app and go to Medical ID.
- Fill out medications, allergies, conditions, and emergency contacts.
- Turn on Show When Locked and consider Share During an Emergency Call.
- Save changes and confirm emergency contacts can be called from the Medical ID screen.
- Set a reminder to review Medical ID every six months.
Take a few minutes now to set up or update your Medical ID. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to make your iPhone work for your safety.
Like Video instead? Head to my YouTube channel for more great tips.
