Finally…Skype Supports 911 Emergency Calls in US

Skype updated its mobile and desktop apps to allow emergency calling in the U.S. for the first time in its 18-year history.

Reports affirmed that emergency calls are now available via Skype’s web-based service, noting that these calls come in handy if you find yourself in a tricky situation without a phone but have a computer close by, or if phone lines are down but you can get online.

Furthermore, the 911 feature will help emergency operators know your precise location so that first responders can easily find you.

Though 911 emergency location-sharing is turned off by default in a nod to privacy, you can enable it by jumping into Skype, selecting your profile picture, then Settings, and then Privacy. Lastly, turn on 911 emergency location sharing.

If you face any problems setting it up, you may need to allow location sharing from the settings menu on your device.

Skype revealed that users will also have to acknowledge messages for “Notices & Disclosures” and “Special 911 Warning of Limitations & Unavailability” in order to complete the process of setting up the emergency location sharing feature.

The app has been gradually increasing the number of countries where you can use the service to make emergency calls.