Secret Codes guide
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on iPhone: What It Is
By Muhammad Shahid · · 3 min read
Quick answer
988: Calls and texts reach trained crisis counsellors, day or night. 988 connects to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Calling or texting 988 reaches a trained counsellor in the Lifeline network, and live chat is available at 988lifeline. org. It is available at any hour, for anyone in distress, and for people worried about someone else.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test · Free on the App StoreDownload free →| Code | 988 |
|---|---|
| What it does | Calls and texts reach trained crisis counsellors, day or night. |
| Published for | Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular |
| Type | Works on all iPhones |
Calls and texts reach trained crisis counsellors, day or night. This page explains what 988 does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.
What does 988 do?
988 connects to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Calling or texting 988 reaches a trained counsellor in the Lifeline network, and live chat is available at 988lifeline.org. It is available at any hour, for anyone in distress, and for people worried about someone else.
The FCC requires wireless carriers to georoute 988 calls, meaning your call is directed to a crisis centre near your general area without your precise location being shared. Text georouting is being rolled out under the same rules.
988 is a distinct service from 911. It is staffed by crisis counsellors rather than emergency dispatchers, and it exists for mental health, substance use and emotional crises.
How do I use 988?
- Open the Phone app and tap Keypad.
- Type 988 exactly as written.
- Press the green Call button and wait for the result.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular |
|---|---|
| Type | Works on all iPhones |
| Good to know | Available nationwide from every US carrier, by call or text, twenty-four hours a day. |
Related more carrier and n11 codes
- 811: Call Before You Dig
- 411: Directory Assistance
- 711: Telecommunications Relay Service
- 211: Community Services Line
- 011[number]: Dial Internationally With 011
- 311: Non-Emergency City Services
See all more carrier and n11 codes or every category of iPhone codes.
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Frequently asked questions
What does 988 do on iPhone?
Calls and texts reach trained crisis counsellors, day or night. 988 connects to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Calling or texting 988 reaches a trained counsellor in the Lifeline network, and live chat is available at 988lifeline. org.
What else should I know about 988?
It is available at any hour, for anyone in distress, and for people worried about someone else. The FCC requires wireless carriers to georoute 988 calls, meaning your call is directed to a crisis centre near your general area without your precise location being shared. Text georouting is being rolled out under the same rules.
What are the steps for 988?
1. Open the Phone app and tap Keypad. 2. Type 988 exactly as written. 3. Press the green Call button and wait for the result.
Where do I use 988?
On the keypad of the Phone app.
Which carriers does 988 work on?
It is published for Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular. Available nationwide from every US carrier, by call or text, twenty-four hours a day.
Does 988 work on Android phones too?
It is handled by the carrier or service rather than the iPhone, so it is not tied to one phone brand. Check with your carrier.
Will 988 work outside the US?
It is published for US carriers and services, so do not count on it abroad. Ask your carrier before you travel.
What if I cannot get through?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
What is related to 988?
811: Call Before You Dig. Free national line to have buried utility lines marked.
What else is in this category?
411: Directory Assistance. Live operator lookup for a listed phone number, for a fee.
Sources
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