How do you signal SOS in Morse code?

Sound: three short, three long, three short. Light: three short flashes, three long, three short. Tapping: same rhythm. Practice on the translator with Light or Vibrate mode.

Is SOS the only emergency Morse signal?

Mayday is used in voice radio. In Morse, SOS is the primary distress signal; TTT can mark urgent but non-distress traffic.

When should I use SOS Morse code?

Only in genuine emergencies when you need immediate help and normal channels fail — wilderness, sea, disaster, or other life-threatening situations.

What's Morse Code for SOS?

SOS in Morse code is ... --- ... — three dots, three dashes, three dots. Hear it, flash it, or tap it. It is the international distress signal, not an acronym for “Save Our Souls.”

Practice with Translator More Emergency Phrases

Quick Answer: SOS in Morse Code

SOS in morse code is ... --- ... - three dots, three dashes, three dots. It is the internationally recognized distress signal used worldwide in emergencies. SOS does NOT stand for "Save Our Souls" - the letters were chosen because this pattern is unmistakable and easy to transmit through sound, light, or tapping. Use our translator tool above to hear and practice the SOS signal.

The SOS Morse Code Pattern Visualized

... | --- | ...

3 short (S) 3 long (O) 3 short (S)

3 Ways to Send SOS Morse Code in an Emergency

1. Sound / Audio

Make three short beeps, followed by three long beeps, followed by three short beeps. Use a whistle, horn, or your voice.

beep-beep-beep | BEEEEP-BEEEEP-BEEEEP | beep-beep-beep

2. Light / Flash

Flash a light or torch three short times, then three long times, then three short times. Use a flashlight, phone screen, or signal mirror.

flash-flash-flash | FLLAASH-FLLAASH-FLLAASH | flash-flash-flash

3. Tapping / Touch

Tap on a surface three short taps, then three long taps, then three short taps. This is the famous method used by prisoners of war.

tap-tap-tap | TAAAP-TAAAP-TAAAP | tap-tap-tap

More Emergency Morse Code Phrases

HELP

.... . .-.. .--.

General call for assistance

HELP ME

.... . .-.. .--. / -- .

Personal emergency

MAYDAY

-- .- -.-- -.. .- -.--

Life-threatening emergency (voice/radio)

URGENT

..- .-. --. . -. -

Urgent but not life-threatening

DANGER

-.. .- -. --. . .-.

Warning of danger

SAVE US

... .- ...- . / ..- ...

Group in danger

Survival Communication Tips Using Morse Code

Always signal in 3’s

Three fires . Three blasts on a whistle . Three flashes . Any signal repeated in groups of three is known globally as a distress signal .

Repeat SOS constantly

Do not send SOS once. Repeat the pattern with short intervals between the repeats so rescuers have many opportunities to pick up your signal.

Use whatever source of light available

Use a phone screen, automobile headlights, a torch or even sunlight reflected off a mirror to flash SOS in morse code visible for miles.

Learn morse code before you have to

Practice with our learn morse code guide and morse code translator before you find yourself in an emergency circumstance.

SOS Morse Code - Frequently Asked Questions

SOS in Morse code is ... --- ... — three dots, three dashes, three dots. It is the internationally recognized distress signal.

The Morse code for SOS is ... --- .... Play it on our free Morse code translator by typing SOS and clicking Play.

SOS does not stand for 'Save Our Souls' or 'Save Our Ship.' The letters were chosen because the pattern ... --- ... is unmistakable through noise, light, or tapping.

Master Emergency Morse Code Signals

Practice SOS and other emergency phrases with our free translator tool.

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