SignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Center:How to use iPhone emergency SOS satellite messaging feature to reach 911: Video tutorial

Being in an emergency without a way to contact your family or SignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Center911 is a scary thought. Big weather events can wipe out homes, phone lines and powerlines, making the usual cellular or Wi-Fi networks impossible to use.

However, if you have an iPhone, you can connect to a satellite to call for emergency services or send messages to your loved ones. Pixel 9 users can also connect via satellite to reach emergency services.

It may sound complicated, but don't worry! Your phone does most of the work. Head outside and find a spot with a clear view of the sky and the horizon. Tall buildings and trees can interfere and prevent the phone and satellite from connecting, so avoid standing under them if possible. Hold your phone as normal and let the device direct you which way to turn so it can find the satellite. 

Watch this video to see how to connect to a satellite using your iPhone. 

Satellite texting iPhone

There are two different satellite communication methods on iPhone: Emergency SOS via satellite and Messages via satellite. So, what’s the difference? 

Emergency SOS via satellite connects you to emergency services, while Messages via satellite will allow you to send texts to Apple and Android devices. 

• Emergency SOS

Your phone tries every possible way to connect when you dial 911. If it's unsuccessful, you’ll see the message icon with a small, red SOS on it. 

Tap this, then answer the prompts that appear. This will help connect you to the right agency. Then, a text thread with the emergency responders will be started, in which you may be asked additional questions.

As your device connects via Emergency SOS, it also shares your location and Medical ID information with first responders. Your location is also sent to any emergency contacts you have in your phone. 

The Emergency SOS via satellite feature requires an iPhone 14 or later, running iOS 16.1 or later. Note: some local emergency numbers might require iOS 16.4 or later.

• Messages via satellite

Your phone should automatically prompt you to connect to the satellite, either on the Lock Screen or in the Messages inbox. However, you do need to have the Send as Text Message setting toggled on in the Messages setting. Messages sent via satellite will take longer to send and can’t support sending things like pictures, videos or group texts, but it does support sending texts to Apple or Android devices.  

Messages via satellite requires an iPhone 14 or later, running iOS 18.

Apple says the “feature is free for two years with the activation of an iPhone 14 or later."

Android satellite messaging 

According to Google, their line of Pixel 9 devices are currently the only devices with the ability to contact emergency services via satellite. The device also needs to have Google Messages set as the default messaging app. 

Google’s Satellite SOS feature will show up in the dialer as an option to contact 911 when there is no connection. You’ll be asked for more information about your emergency and if you want to notify the emergency contacts in your phone. Then, you will be connected with emergency services. 

The phone will prompt you as needed to stay within the range of the satellite.

The service is free for two years, according to The Verge.