If you're outside of a wireless coverage area and the indicator appears at the top of the screen, you can call only emergency numbers. Your BlackBerry smartphone is designed to allow emergency calls even when your smartphone is locked. Depending on your smartphone model and the wireless network that your smartphone is connected to, your smartphone is also designed to allow emergency calls when the SIM card isn't inserted. If the connection to the wireless network is turned off when you initiate an emergency call, your smartphone is designed to connect to the wireless network automatically. You can make emergency calls by typing only official emergency access numbers (for example, 911 or 112).

If your smartphone is connected to a CDMA network, when you end an emergency call, your smartphone enters Emergency Callback Mode. This mode allows the operator to call you back or find your approximate location. Depending on your wireless service provider, Emergency Callback Mode is active for 5 minutes or until you make a non-emergency call. In Emergency Callback Mode, you can't send and receive messages or browse webpages.

If your smartphone supports GPS and you make an emergency call, an emergency operator might be able to use GPS technology to find your approximate location.