How to Use iPhone Medical ID
Medical ID on iPhone stores health information and emergency contacts so first responders can view critical details from the Lock Screen. Setup is done in the Health app, where medical conditions, allergies, medications, blood type, and emergency numbers can be added, edited, and shared during emergencies.
Steps
- Open the Health app and tap the profile picture or name in the top corner.
- Select Medical ID, then tap Edit to enter health information such as date of birth, medical conditions, allergies, medications, blood type, and height or weight if needed.
- Turn on Show When Locked so Medical ID can be viewed without unlocking the iPhone.
- Add one or more emergency contacts from the Contacts list. Emergency contacts can receive alerts with location data if Emergency SOS is used.
- Tap Done to save the Medical ID.
Common Issues and Fixes
- Medical ID is not visible on the Lock Screen — Show When Locked is turned off — Open Health > Medical ID > Edit and enable the lock screen option.
- Emergency contacts cannot be added — Contact card is missing required phone details — Update the contact entry in Contacts, then return to Medical ID and add the person again.
- Health information is outdated — Medical details were entered once and never reviewed — Edit Medical ID regularly after medication, diagnosis, or allergy changes.
- Location is not shared with emergency contacts — Emergency SOS settings or location services are restricted — Check Emergency SOS settings and confirm Location Services are allowed.
- Medical ID does not help during minor lock screen access — Responders may not check the feature in every situation — Keep key details clear and short so urgent information is easier to spot.
Quick Tips
- Include only essential health information. Long notes can slow access to critical details during an emergency.
- Add at least one local emergency contact who is likely to answer quickly.
- Review spelling of medications and allergies. Small errors can create confusion in urgent care.
- Medical ID is separate from general Health app records. Updating step counts or fitness data does not update emergency details.
🤔Note:
Medical ID can usually be accessed from the Emergency screen on the Lock Screen, but the exact path can vary slightly by iPhone model and iOS version.
Related Questions
Can Medical ID be accessed without unlocking the iPhone?
Yes. Medical ID can be viewed from the Lock Screen if Show When Locked is enabled in the Health app settings.
What should be included in iPhone Medical ID?
The most useful entries are allergies, medications, medical conditions, blood type, date of birth, and emergency contacts. Only important health information should be listed to keep the screen easy to read.
