Apple’s iOS 11 Has An Emergency Setting That Disables Touch ID

Apple is adding a new setting in its iOS 11 beta software that contains a quick way to disable the Touch ID on the phone. The new setting is designed to automate emergency services. When any user taps the power button five times, then it brings up the option to temporarily disable Touch ID until you enter a password. Previously, it used to just dial the emergency services call (911).

It has added a new setting called “Emergency SOS,” in which clicking the sleep/wake button on the side of the iPhone five times will cause the phone to automatically contact emergency services.

On Twitter, some users referred to the discovery as a “cop button,” a discreet way of disabling Touch ID in a pinch.

Apple’s new method is a far more discreet way of locking out a phone, especially if you’re in a situation where you’re worried someone might force you to unlock your phone. This small but useful privacy feature will benefit the owners of any iPhone with Touch ID.  iOS 11 will reportedly have a feature that unlocks the phone by scanning a person’s face, making law enforcement’s investigatory work even easier.