What do I do if my Triple zero call doesn’t connect?

Learn what to do if your Triple Zero (000) call doesn't connect, including how emergency camp-on works and other ways to contact emergency services.

If your Triple Zero (000) call doesn't connect

If your initial call doesn't connect within around five seconds:

Hang up and try again immediately.
On subsequent attempts, stay on the line for up to 60 seconds to give your phone the best chance of connecting.

The emergency camp-on process can take time while your phone attempts to connect to another available mobile network. There may be silence on the line while this happens.

What is emergency camp-on?

Emergency camp-on allows a mobile phone to temporarily connect to another available mobile network when your usual network isn't available, helping improve the chance of connecting to Triple Zero (000).

You don't need to change any settings or take any action for emergency camp-on to work. It happens automatically, at no cost to you, and may even work even if your phone doesn't have an active SIM.

When you call Triple Zero (000) from a mobile phone, your phone will first attempt to connect using your mobile network.

If your mobile network isn't available, your phone may automatically attempt to connect to another available mobile network to make the emergency call. This means that even if you are outside Telstra mobile coverage, your call may still connect if another mobile network is available. This is known as emergency camp-on.

Good to know

The emergency camp-on process can take time while your phone attempts to connect to another available network.

How will I know emergency camp-on is available on my phone?

If emergency camp-on is available, your phone may display different messages depending on the phones and operating system.

For example:

iPhone may show SOS or SOS Only.
Android phones may show Emergency calls only or No service - emergency calls only.

If your phone displays No service, there may be no mobile network coverage available in your location and you may not be able to connect to Triple Zero (000) using a mobile network.

You may also see a satellite connection on some mobile phones. Triple Zero (000) calls cannot currently be made using satellite-to-mobile connectivity.

What other ways can I contact emergency services?

Emergency camp-on will not work if you are out of range of all available mobile networks.

If you're unable to connect to Triple Zero (000) using a mobile network:

Use a landline or public phone if available.
Connect to Wi-Fi and use Wi-Fi Calling if your phone supports it and Wi-Fi is available.
Keep yourself safe and move away from danger, if it is safe to do so.
Seek help from people nearby or use any other available means to contact emergency services.