If you call 999 from a mobile and you can’t speak, stay on the line, listen, and press 55 when you are prompted. That tells the operator you need the police and your call is put through to them. From a landline you don’t need to press anything: if the operator only hears background noise, the call is transferred to the police.
Updated 26 September 2026 · Sources: Metropolitan Police, IOPC, British Transport Police, Victim Support
Silent 999 call from a mobile vs a landline
How does a silent 999 call work on a mobile?
On a mobile, the 999 operator asks which service you need. If you stay silent, an automated system asks you to press 55. Pressing 55 tells the system you need help but can’t talk, and the call is transferred to the police. If you don’t press 55 and nobody responds, the call may be ended, because most silent calls are accidental.
This system is called the Silent Solution. It exists to filter out the very large number of pocket-dials, so that real silent calls reach the police.
What happens if you call 999 from a landline and can’t speak?
From a landline you do not need to press 55. If the operator can hear only background noise, they transfer the call to the police. A landline call also gives the police the address the line is registered to, and if you put the handset down the line may stay connected for around 45 seconds so you can pick it up again.
Does pressing 55 send the police automatically?
No. Pressing 55 does not dispatch officers on its own. It gets your call put through to a police call handler, who then tries to find out what is happening, for example by asking simple yes/no questions you can answer by tapping the keypad. Whispering, coughing or tapping all help the call handler decide what to do.
Can the police find my location on a silent call?
Usually, but not always. A landline call gives the registered address automatically. From a mobile, the police will usually be able to find your location, because modern smartphones send their position to the emergency services when you dial 999. It is not guaranteed, so if you can give any detail at all, even a whispered street name, do.
What if I can’t speak because of a hearing or speech impairment?
Register your phone for emergencySMS before you ever need it: text the word register to 999, read the reply and answer yes. You get a confirmation text, and from then on you can contact police, ambulance, fire and coastguard by text. You can’t register during an emergency, so do it now. You can also reach 999 through Relay UK or the 999 BSL service.
Silent 999 call: myths vs facts
Frequently asked questions
No. If you call 999 by mistake, stay on the line and tell the operator it was an accident. Hanging up can mean the police have to call you back or check on you, which takes time away from real emergencies.
Only if you have registered for emergencySMS first, by texting “register” to 999. The service is designed for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment.
Sources
- Metropolitan Police: How to make a silent 999 call
- IOPC: Silent Solution guide (PDF)
- BID Services: Registering with emergencySMS
- British Transport Police: How to use 61016
- Victim Support: Supportline
General safety information, not legal advice. In an emergency, always call 999.
Keep reading
One tap to alert the people you trust
A silent 999 call gets the police. Safety App UK also tells the people close to you: one tap sends your chosen contacts an SOS alert with your live location and video, and it can start automatically if you walk into an area with more reported crime. Free for 7 days, then £2.99 a month.