Iceland’s emergency line Neyðarlínan has introduced a permanent backup number — 599-0112 — for anyone unable to connect to the standard emergency number 112. Always try 112 first; the backup number handles calls as ordinary phone traffic and does not carry the same priority as a direct 112 call.
Key takeaways
- The new permanent backup number is 599-0112, to be used only when 112 cannot be reached.
- Calls to 599-0112 are treated as regular calls — no emergency priority — so 112 must always be the first attempt.
- Iceland is the first European country to decommission 2G and 3G networks, which is causing connection issues for some foreign and older phones.
- The 112 app and web chat at 112.is are also recommended alternatives and can share your location automatically.
Why Iceland Needs a Backup Emergency Number
Iceland holds a somewhat uncomfortable distinction right now: it is the first country in Europe to fully shut down its 2G and 3G mobile networks. That is a bold move for a tech-forward nation, but the transition has caused real headaches for people whose phones were bought abroad or are simply a few years old. Reports have described callers failing to connect to 112 at all, calls dropping unexpectedly, poor audio quality, and intermittent interference — all in situations where seconds matter.
Because of these problems, Neyðarlínan — the national emergency services coordination centre — worked with Iceland’s telecommunications regulator Fjarskiptastofa and the domestic mobile carriers to find a short-term solution. The result is 599-0112, a permanent number that routes through the conventional phone network. That broader routing is precisely what makes it more reachable on affected handsets, but it also means your call sits in a regular queue rather than an emergency-priority one. So the rule is simple: try 112 first, every time.
Fjarskiptastofa, Neyðarlínan, and the Icelandic mobile operators say they are actively investigating the root causes and working toward a full fix as quickly as possible. The backup number is a bridge, not a permanent substitute.
Other Ways to Reach Emergency Services in Iceland
If you are travelling in Iceland — especially outside Reykjavík, where coverage can be patchy in the highlands or the Westfjords — it is genuinely worth knowing your options before you need them. The 112 app is free, works in multiple languages, and automatically sends your GPS coordinates when you make contact, which can be critical when you are standing somewhere without a recognisable address. The web chat at 112.is does the same and also supports translation tools, which helps if Icelandic or English is not your first language. Both the app and the web chat let you send photos, which can help rescue teams assess an injury or situation faster.
One thing Neyðarlínan is clear about: do not test the system. Calling 112 — or 599-0112 — just to check if your phone works adds unnecessary load on emergency dispatchers and can delay real help reaching someone in genuine danger. If you want to verify your connection, try a regular call to a friend or hotel instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new Neyðarlínan backup number in Iceland?
The new permanent backup number is 599-0112. It is intended only for use when you cannot get through on Iceland’s standard emergency number 112. Calls to 599-0112 are handled as normal phone calls and do not receive emergency-priority treatment.
Why are some phones unable to call 112 in Iceland?
Iceland is the first European country to shut down its 2G and 3G networks. Phones purchased abroad or older handsets may struggle to connect to the remaining 4G/5G infrastructure, causing dropped calls, poor audio, or no connection at all to the 112 emergency line. Authorities say they are working to resolve the underlying technical issues.
Is there an app to contact Icelandic emergency services?
Yes — the free 112 app automatically shares your GPS location with dispatchers when you make contact, which is especially useful in remote areas. The web chat on 112.is offers the same location sharing, translation support, and the ability to send photos of an emergency scene.
