How to use satellite messaging and SOS services on your iPhone or Pixel

With Hurricane Milton set to become the second major hurricane to hit the United States in less than a month, the country's infrastructure is under pressure. After a natural disaster, when power and cell phone service go out, connecting to 911 and friends and family from your smartphone via satellite can literally be a lifesaver.

apple Emergency SOS via satellite (on iPhone 14, 15 and 16) and Google satellite SOS (on Pixel 9 phones) can connect you to emergency services when you don't have cell service or Wi-Fi. These services require no setup – simply dial 911 from a compatible phone to contact emergency services via text message via satellite communication.

a new Satellite messages feature on newer iPhones released this month with iOS 18. (There is no equivalent feature for the Google Pixel.) This is not designed for emergencies like the SOS service, but it can connect you with friends and family when needed. It is currently available on iPhone 14 and later models with iOS 18. People affected by Hurricane Helene have x.com/matt_vanswol/status/1843393811931955633?s=46&t=vTR54l7VN7L32y7PVUR5XQ”>posted on social media to share how this service helped them spread the word that they were okay after the disaster.

You'll need to do a few things before you can use iPhone satellite messaging (see below), but it works with iMessage or SMS, as long as you're in the US or Canada, your SIM card is active, and your carrier supports it. . The edge has confirmed that it works with Verizon and AT&Tand we have contacted T-Mobile.

Apple and Android satellite SOS features work on iPhone 14 and later and 9 pixel modelsrespectively, and do not require operator support.

All of these satellite services are available to anyone with compatible hardware and are currently free. They require a clear view of the open sky to operate, so you should be outside, away from trees or large buildings, and avoid cloud cover.

Next, we'll cover emergency satellite messaging and then explain how to set up the new messaging service available in iOS 18. We'll also show you how to share your location via satellite from your iPhone.

Can contact 911 using an iPhone 14 or later without cellular service or Wi-Fi. No prior setup is required, but as with all satellite services, you will need a clear view of the sky.

1. First dial 911. If the call fails, touch Satellite emergency text Send text messages to emergency services.
2. Alternatively, go to the Messages app and send a text to 911 or SOS, then tap emergency services.
3. Tap Report Emergency and follow the instructions on the screen.

The text conversation will include information such as your medical ID and emergency contact information, location, questionnaire responses, and remaining battery life. If you've set up emergency contacts in the Health app, you can also choose to share information with them automatically.

If your contacts don't have iMessage on an iPhone running iOS 16.1 or later, they'll receive a text alert. If they do, they will get a transcript of their messages to emergency services and a map of their location.

Call 911 on Google Pixel 9 devices (Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold) you can use satellite connectivity when there is no cell phone service or wifi. Here's how to do it.

1. Make sure Google Messages is your default messaging app.
2. Dial 911: If you don't have cell service and aren't connected to Wi-Fi, you'll see a satellite SOS option. Tap Satellite SOS > Use Satellite SOS > Start.
3. You will then be asked to complete an emergency questionnaire.
4. Once you're done, you'll be given the option to notify your emergency contacts.
5. Next, a series of on-screen prompts will help you point your phone at the satellite. (Google adds that connection and response times will vary depending on “location, site conditions, and other factors.”)
6. Stay outside with a clear view of the sky while waiting for an emergency service provider to respond via text message.

The new satellite messaging feature works on iPhones 14 or later with iOS 18. It needs to be enabled before it's out of service, so set it up now to make sure it's available when you need it. you can too Demonstrate the service before disconnecting from the network..

1. Update to iOS 18.
2. Make sure iMessage is activated; gonna Settings > Apps > Messages > iMessage.
3. Have your friends and family update to iOS 18. The person you are sending the message to must have iOS 18 to send you an iMessage. Otherwise, the default value will be SMS.
4. Update your Family sharing group and emergency contact. Once you've sent a satellite message, that person can respond, but you can only receive one message before you send one from someone in your household or emergency contact.
5. If your recipient does not have iOS 18, your message will be sent as SMS. To make sure this works, go to Settings > Apps > Messages and turn on Send as text message.

1. Go to the Messages app.
2. A satellite message will automatically appear if there is no cellular or Wi-Fi service.
3. Tap Use satellite messages.
4. Follow the instructions to connect to a satellite. A green dot and satellite icon will appear at the top of your phone.
5. If your connection is weak, it will turn orange and an arrow will point in the direction you need to move to find a signal.
6. Write your message and press send. Transmission may take a few minutes. Anyone you send a message to will see a status notifying them that you are sending messages via satellite.

Can Share your location via satellite using the Find My appbut you must set this up in advance and use an iPhone 14 or later with iOS 16.1 or later.

1. Go to the Find My app on your iPhone and turn on Share my location.
2. When you're out of cellular service and Wi-Fi, open the Find My app.
3. Tap Me at the bottom of the screen.
4. Tap Send my location and follow the instructions that appear on the screen; you can send your location once every 15 minutes.