Have you heard of the Emergency SOS via Satellite? It's a life-saving feature that initially became available on iPhone 14. You can access connected emergency services when you are either way outside cellular or Wi-Fi access.

No matter how remote is your location, you can share your information with people. Here's how you can use this.

Emergency SOS via Satellite: How it Functions

How to Use Emergency SOS on Your iPhone

If you're in a far-flung area or a remote island hundreds of miles away from the city, you can get your iPhone and use this feature. Well, it works without Wi-Fi or mobile data. All you need to do is to have a clear view of the horizon—and go outside.

After you connect, you can start notifying the responders or rescue teams about your whereabouts, your companion, your current condition, and more. It's important to set up your Medical ID to speed up the process.

In case your car crashes or you get lost, Emergency SOS via Satellite will be your living hope. This would also alert emergency services if you're unconscious/unresponsive.

Setting Up Emergency SOS Before Heading Off the Grid

If you are heading into an area with no cellular service, here's how to prepare:

Try the Satellite Connection Demo

Learn how Emergency SOS works by using the Satellite Connection Demo in your iPhone settings. This will help you understand what to expect if you ever need to use it in a real emergency.

Set Up Your Medical ID and Emergency Contacts

To make the most out of Emergency SOS, set up your Medical ID in the Health app and add trusted emergency contacts. It helps in sharing your medical details along with your location with emergency services as well as contacts if it's needed.

How to Text Emergency Services over Satellite

If you fail to connect through cellular networks, then you can still text the emergency services using a satellite as well:

Try making a call first.

Call the local emergency number, such as 911 in the United States. If your cellular network is not available, the call will try to route through other networks.

Text Emergency Services

If the call cannot connect, tap Emergency Text via Satellite. Then follow the onscreen instructions to connect to a satellite and send a message to emergency services. During this process, your iPhone will share your location, battery level, Medical ID, and answers to the emergency questionnaire.

Notify Emergency Contacts

You may alert emergency contacts to your predicament with your location, even uploading a real-time transcription of your emergency communication for authorities with iOS 16.1 and later versions.

Other Functions with Emergency SOS via Satellite

With its Emergency SOS capabilities, other functions include how one would be saved if it detected a crash and you, the victim are still not responding.

If your iPhone detects that you are involved in a major car crash or have fallen and you do not respond, it will automatically send an emergency message via satellite when you're outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

Share Emergency Messages in Real Time

If your emergency contacts have iOS 16.1 or later, they can receive a live transcript of what's happening during the emergency response, so they'll know exactly what to do at the right moment.

Key Considerations when Using Satellite

To successfully connect to a satellite, make sure you're holding your iPhone with a clear view of the sky. Avoid being under thick trees or obstructions, as these may block the satellite signal.

Ending an Emergency SOS Session

If you start an Emergency SOS via satellite session but no longer need help, you shouldn't disconnect. Instead, wait for an emergency responder to answer, then tell them assistance isn't needed.

Where to Find Satellite Features on Your iPhone

If you are in an area where you do not have cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, you will be able to find the Satellite feature in two locations:

• Control Center: Swipe down from the upper right-hand corner of your iPhone to reach the Satellite icon and then click to turn on Emergency SOS or look at other satellite features.
• Settings: Open Settings and tap Satellite, then go to Emergency SOS via Satellite. If you have a cellular connection, this isn't an option, but you can still try out the Satellite Connection Demo.

Emergency SOS via Satellite is a tool you can find on iPhones to help people stuck in places without cellular and Wi-Fi connections. You must prepare your iPhone with Medical ID, emergency contacts, and much more, to ensure you are equipped with what you need at all times.

Be it a car crash, a fall, or any other sort of emergency, this feature might save the day when your normal forms of communication can't get through. Always test the system and update your device to the latest software before heading off the grid.