Accidental phone calls are never fun and can lead to some embarrassing situations. Just ask Rudy Giuliani, who found himself in the spotlight when he accidentally dialed a reporter and left a voicemail full of confidential information. To avoid mishaps like Giuliani’s, here are five tips to prevent butt-dialing:

1. Lock your device: An unlocked phone is like an open invitation for accidental dialing. Most phones have lock screen settings that can help prevent accidental button presses when the device is not in use. Set a passcode or pattern lock, and enable auto-lock to ensure your phone remains secure even after you forget to manually lock it.

2. Check your settings: If you have an Android phone, navigate to your call settings and look for the “pocket mode” feature. Enabling this feature will require you to slide or tap on your screen to accept incoming calls or make outgoing ones. On iOS devices, adjust the side switch on your iPhone so that it doesn’t allow pocket dials while locked.

3. Mind your phone placement: One common reason for butt-dialing is poor phone placement in purses or pockets. Make sure to store your phone with its screen facing away from your body and other objects that might cause accidental dialing. You can also opt for a phone case with a cover flap to provide additional protection.

4. Use a call confirmation app: Several apps on the market can help prevent accidental dials by requiring user confirmation before making a call, such as Confirm2Proceed (Android) and Call Confirm (iOS). These apps will prompt you with a message asking if you really want to make the call – avoiding any accidental communications.

5. Be cautious of speed-dials: It’s easy to understand the convenience of speed dials, but they can also be a source of unintentional calls. Remove or limit your use of speed dials to prevent any accidental pocket dials from happening.

In conclusion, by implementing these five simple tips, you’ll significantly reduce the likelihood of accidental calls and maintain your privacy. Don’t be the next Rudy Giuliani – take control of your phone and stay butt-dial free!