How to Use Emergency SOS via Satellite on iPhone

The new iPhone 14 satellite SOS feature makes it possible for users to contact emergency services via satellite even if they don't have an internet or cellular connection. Users can send important information about the situation via text and their location via Find My. Apple created a demo to familiarize you with this feature so you can use it confidently in a real-life emergency.

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• Emergency SOS via Satellite Requirements & Cost
• How to Use Emergency SOS via Satellite on iPhone 14

Emergency SOS via Satellite Requirements & Cost

Only the iPhone 14 and newer models running iOS 16.1 or later can access satellites to contact emergency services. Older models will still be able to use the iPhone Emergency SOS feature that requires an internet or cellular connection. This is only available in the US, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, and the UK at the time of writing. More locations may adopt this feature with time.

Phone users with compatible iPhones in the listed locations will be able to use this feature free of charge for two years from activating their iPhone. After that, Apple may introduce a fee; although the exact details have not been announced yet, we are anticipating some sort of monthly fee. To stay current on the cost and other Apple updates, don't forget to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter. 

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How to Use Emergency SOS via Satellite on iPhone 14 

In a real-life emergency, you can activate this by dialing 911 (or your respective emergency number) as you normally would. Once your iPhone realizes that you don't have an internet or cellular connection, you'll see a button in the bottom right of the screen that will allow you to send an Emergency Text via Satellite. I'll guide you through the demo that Apple designed to familiarize users with this feature.

1. Open Settings.
   
   
2. Scroll down and tap Emergency SOS.
   
   
3. At the very bottom, tap Try Demo.
   
   
4. Here you’ll see information about the Satellite Connection feature. Tap Next.
   
   
5. Here you’ll learn about answering emergency questions. Tap Next.
   
   
6. Now you’ll be able to test your satellite connection. I did this in a remote location without an internet or cellular connection for authenticity.
   
   
7. You will have to confirm to Turn off Cellular temporarily in order to test connecting to a satellite.
   
   
8. You will be instructed to get a clear view of the sky by pointing your phone up at the sky, avoiding clouds and buildings if possible. Your iPhone will guide you in the correct location so that you are pointing directly at the satellite; it can take some time.
   
   
9. When you point at the correct spot, you'll see that you are connected. You'll have to keep your phone pointed at that satellite to maintain a connection. In a real-life scenario, you may lose contact with one satellite once it is out of range, and you may have to wait for another to come by.
   
   
10. You’ll get a series of emergency questions that you have to answer to help dispatchers find and help you. After four questions, you’ll see this message.
    
    
11. You can now exit the demo or try it again to get more familiar with it.
    
    
12. You’ll be notified about your cellular connection being restored.
    
    

That's it! You've now completed the Emergency SOS via Satellite demo. Now you'll know what to do if you ever have a real emergency, although we sincerely hope you will never have to use this feature. Next, learn about the Emergency SOS on Apple Watch.