How To: Receive Urgent Calls & Texts When Your Android Is in Silent Mode

Silencing my phone always gives me mild anxiety; while my Android is muted, my girlfriend or boss may be trying to reach me with some urgent news or task. On the one hand, I want to enjoy some peace and quiet, but on the other, I don't want to come back to a phone with 100 missed calls and countless exclamatory texts.

To help alleviate this dilemma, I'll be showing you an Android app that filters out all of the nonsense to only enable call and text alerts based on urgency. The app, from developer Michael Marvick, is called Urgent Call, and it's perfect for people who utilize silent mode often on their phones.

Step 1: Install the App

To get started, head into the Google Play Store and install Urgent Call for free.

Step 2: Set Up Your Emergency Keyword for Texts

The home page of the app is straightforward, allowing you to toggle the service on and off. Slide one screen over to the Text tab which allows you to enable text alerts containing the word "Urgent!" You can change this phrase by tapping on the text in blue.

Step 3: Set Up Your Emergency Call Preferences

On the next tab, Repeat Call, you'll be able to enable the service and adjust the preferences more to your liking. By default, the third call you receive from any contact within fifteen minutes will sound the ringer. The final tab, Single Call, let's you list contacts that can reach you no matter what. This is feature is only available with the Pro version ($0.99).

Step 4: Adjust Additional Features

Tap the small clock icon in the top right to set up a snooze time which will momentarily disable the service. Also, if you access the settings, you can make minor tweaks to your alerts, like adjusting notification volumes.

Feel anxiety-free while your device is silenced, because you have the assurance that only the most urgent calls and texts will still send you audible alerts. Watch the video to see it in action, and feel free to comment with your thoughts or impressions below or over on our Facebook and Twitter feeds.