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

With Hurricane Milton set to change into the second main hurricane to hit the US in underneath a month, the nation’s infrastructure is underneath pressure. Within the aftermath of a pure catastrophe, when energy and cellphone service are out, connecting to 911 and family and friends out of your smartphone through satellite tv for pc is usually a literal lifeline.

Apple’s Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc (on the iPhone 14, 15, and 16) and Google’s Satellite tv for pc SOS (on Pixel 9 telephones) can join you with emergency providers once you don’t have cell service or Wi-Fi. These providers don’t require any setup — simply dial 911 from a supported telephone to succeed in emergency providers over textual content message utilizing satellite tv for pc communication.

A brand new Messages through satellite tv for pc function on newer iPhones launched this month with iOS 18. (There is no such thing as a equal function for Google Pixel.) This isn’t designed for emergencies just like the SOS service, however it could possibly join you with family and friends when wanted. It’s presently out there on iPhone 14 fashions and newer working iOS 18. Individuals affected by Hurricane Helene have posted on social media to share how this service helped them get the phrase out that they had been okay following the catastrophe.

You’ll must do some issues earlier than you should utilize the iPhone’s satellite tv for pc messaging (see under), however it works with iMessage or SMS, offered you’re within the US or Canada, your SIM card is lively, and your service helps it. The Verge has confirmed it really works with Verizon and AT&T, and we’ve contacted T-Cellular.

The Apple and Android satellite tv for pc SOS options work on iPhone 14 and newer and Pixel 9 fashions, respectively, and don’t require service assist.

All of those satellite tv for pc providers can be found to anybody with the supported {hardware} and are presently free. They require a transparent view of the open sky to work, so that you have to be exterior, away from bushes or massive buildings, and keep away from cloud cowl.

Beneath, we’ll cowl emergency satellite tv for pc messaging after which clarify arrange the brand new messaging service out there in iOS 18. We’ll additionally present you share your location through satellite tv for pc out of your iPhone.

You possibly can contact 911 utilizing an iPhone 14 or later with out cell service or Wi-Fi. No prior setup is required, however, as with all satellite tv for pc providers, you will have a transparent view of the sky.

1. Dial 911 first. If the decision fails, faucet Emergency Textual content through Satellite tv for pc to textual content emergency providers.
2. Alternatively, go to the Messages app and textual content 911 or SOS, then faucet Emergency Companies.
3. Faucet Report Emergency and comply with the onscreen directions.

The textual content dialog will embrace info like your Medical ID and emergency contact info, location, questionnaire responses, and remaining battery life. When you’ve arrange emergency contacts within the Well being app, it’s also possible to select to share info with them mechanically.

In case your contacts don’t have iMessage on an iPhone working iOS 16.1 or larger, they’ll get a textual content alert. In the event that they do, they’ll get a transcript along with your messages to emergency providers and a map of your location.

Calling 911 on Google Pixel 9 units (Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Professional, Pixel 9 Professional XL, and Pixel 9 Professional Fold) can use satellite tv for pc connectivity when there’s no cellphone service or Wi-Fi. Right here’s do it.

1. Be certain that Google Messages is your default messaging app.
2. Dial 911 — should you don’t have cell service and aren’t linked to Wi-Fi, you’ll see a Satellite tv for pc SOS possibility. Faucet Satellite tv for pc SOS > Use Satellite tv for pc SOS > Begin.
3. You’ll then be requested to fill out an emergency questionnaire.
4. When you’re completed, you’ll be given the choice to inform your emergency contacts.
5. Subsequent, a collection of onscreen prompts will assist you intention your telephone on the satellite tv for pc. (Google provides that connection and response instances will range based mostly on “location, web site situations, and different components.”)
6. Keep exterior in clear view of the sky whilst you await an emergency service supplier to answer through textual content.

The brand new satellite tv for pc messaging function works on iPhones 14 or newer working iOS 18. It have to be enabled earlier than you’re out of service, so set it up now to make certain it’s out there once you want it. You too can demo the service earlier than you’re off the grid.

1. Improve to iOS 18.
2. Be certain that iMessage is turned on; go to Settings  > Apps > Messages > iMessage.
3. Have your family and friends improve to iOS 18. The particular person you message must be on iOS 18 to ship an iMessage to you. In any other case, it should default to SMS.
4. Replace your Household Sharing group and emergency contact. When you’ve despatched a message over satellite tv for pc, that particular person can reply, however you may solely obtain a message earlier than sending one from somebody in your loved ones group or emergency contact.
5. In case your recipient doesn’t have iOS 18, your message will likely be despatched as an SMS. To make sure this may work, go to Settings  > Apps > Messages and activate Ship as Textual content Message.

1. Go to the Messages app.
2. A satellite tv for pc immediate will mechanically seem if there’s no mobile service or Wi-Fi.
3. Faucet Use Messages through Satellite tv for pc.
4. Comply with the directions to connect with a satellite tv for pc. A inexperienced dot and a satellite tv for pc icon will seem on the high of your telephone.
5. In case your connection is weak, it should flip orange and an arrow will level within the path it’s worthwhile to transfer to discover a sign.
6. Sort your message and press ship. It could take a couple of minutes to transmit. Anybody you message will see a standing notifying them that you’re messaging through satellite tv for pc.

You possibly can share your location through satellite tv for pc utilizing the Discover My app, however it’s worthwhile to set this up prematurely and use an iPhone 14 or newer working iOS 16.1 or later.

1. Go to the Discover My app in your iPhone and activate Share My Location.
2. When exterior cell and Wi-Fi service, open the Discover My app.
3. Faucet Me on the backside of the display screen.
4. Faucet Ship My Location and comply with the onscreen directions; you may ship your location as soon as each quarter-hour.