Two Tips to Prevent Butt Dials

Key takeaways

• Prevent accidental “butt dials” by locking your phone before stowing it, per Edward Baig’s advice.
• Enable auto-lock so your device secures itself after brief inactivity, reducing embarrassing mistakes.
• ·Protect your privacy and avoid confusing your contacts with these easy settings on iPhone or Samsung Galaxy.

Summary

Pocket dialing, also known as “butt dialing,” can lead to awkward moments and accidental calls — sometimes to your boss or other important contacts. AARP tech expert Edward Baig highlights two simple ways to prevent accidental calls on your mobile phone: Always use the lock button before stowing your device, and enable auto-lock so your phone secures itself automatically after a brief period of inactivity. These straightforward steps dramatically reduce the risk of unwanted calls and the embarrassment they can cause.

Prioritizing pocket dial prevention not only protects your privacy but also spares your contacts from confusing interruptions. Whether you use an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, enabling these built-in features is quick and easy. Lock your screen and set your phone to auto-lock — your future self and your contact list will thank you. For more tech tips, visit aarp.org/techguru

The key takeaways and summary were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

Full Transcript:

[00:00:00] You know that moment when you realize you accidentally called someone you didn’t mean to? Yep. That dreaded butt dial.
[00:00:06] Now there’s no guaranteed way to stop butt dials forever, but there are a few very simple things you can do to make them a whole lot less likely.
[00:00:15] Here are two tips to prevent butt dials. First, use the lock button. Before you put your phone in your pocket,
[00:00:22] your bag, or even just set it down, tap that lock button on the side. One press and your phone is instantly secure.
[00:00:30] If you’re not sure which button is the lock button, check your phone’s user manual or look up your model
[00:00:36] unlock, both of which are easier than explaining to your boss why you called him three times in a row in the middle of the night.
[00:00:43] Number two, set your phone to auto-lock. Once that feature is enabled, your phone will lock itself when it hasn’t
[00:00:49] been used for a set amount of time. Here’s how. On an iPhone, go to Settings,
[00:00:57] Display & Brightness, Auto-lock. Choose the amount of time to wait before the phone locks.
[00:01:05] On a Samsung Galaxy, go to Settings, Lock Screen and AOD, Secure lock settings.
[00:01:15] Enter your PIN, then tap Auto-lock when the screen turns off. Once again, choose the amount of time to wait before the phone locks.
[00:01:23] Of course to unlock, you just have to enter your passcode, or if you have biometrics set up, use your thumbprint or facial recognition To wrap
[00:01:31] it up, hit the lock button, turn on auto-lock, and save yourself from accidental
[00:01:36] calls and accidental embarrassment. Your future self will thank you, and so will everyone in your contacts list, especially your boss.
[00:01:48] For more tech advice, go to aarp.org/techguru