How to use your iPhone’s satellite SOS feature while traveling

What happens if you have an emergency while traveling and need help, but you don’t have cell service? If you have an iPhone, there are features you need to know that could save your life.

Newer iPhones (iPhone 14 and iPhone 15) include Emergency SOS via satellite, which allows you to contact emergency services via satellite even when cellular or Wi-Fi coverage is unavailable. If calling or texting emergency services fails due to lack of traditional connectivity, the device will automatically attempt to connect via satellite.

How to use iPhone Satellite SOS

Satellite SOS feature is only used in emergencies. Use it in scenarios like calling 911, such as a car accident or injury while hiking.

To use satellite SOS service, you must be outdoors and have a clear view of the sky and horizon. Trees, mountains, and buildings can all interfere with your connection.

First, contact emergency services by calling your local emergency number. You may be able to make calls even if your regular mobile carrier network is not available.

If the emergency call fails, you will see an option where you can tap on ‘Emergency Text via Satellite’. Then follow these steps:

1. Tap “Emergency call”.
2. Choose from the following prompts to describe your situation: car or vehicle problems, illness or injury, crime, loss or entrapment, fire.
3. iPhone asks you a series of questions based on your answers, which you can answer with a simple tap. You’ll have the option to share your location and emergency details with your emergency contacts.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to the satellite. To lock your phone onto a satellite, you must manually adjust your phone’s position.
5. Stay connected as emergency services will ask you further questions via text message.

Once connected, your iPhone will begin texting with emergency responders, sharing the information you provide (such as your medical ID), your location (including altitude), and your battery level.

How to use your iPhone’s location via satellite feature

In non-emergency situations, if you simply want to share your location with your contacts, you can use the Location via Satellite feature on iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. This feature is available in the Find My app. Tap the “Me” tab to navigate to your current location via satellite. Tap “Send location” and follow the steps to connect to the satellite and send your location.

before traveling

Apple recommends watching a demo of Emergency SOS Satellite at home to familiarize yourself with the process in case you need it.

Make sure you have the latest version of iOS installed on your phone. This feature may require iOS 16.4 or later.

Set up your iPhone’s medical ID and emergency contacts. Satellite capabilities allow transmission to emergency services. You’ll need to set up this information before going somewhere where there’s no cell phone or Wi-Fi coverage.

How much does satellite connectivity cost for iPhone?

iPhone satellite connectivity is currently free. Apple has hinted that this is a potentially paid feature in the future, but hasn’t said when it will launch or how much it will cost.

Where can I use iPhone Satellite SOS?

Satellite functionality on iPhone is currently available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.