Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone
iPhone 14 and later models are able to connect with a satellite for emergency communications when cellular and internet services are not available. An emergency connection to a satellite is a weak connection and may take a few minutes to connect. You must be outside and have a clear view of the sky and horizon. Emergency SOS has some built-in short text messages you can use to make this fragile connection work for you in dire circumstances.
Set up your Medical ID and emergency contacts in the Health app before heading out into the wild. Emergency SOS can use this information to alert responders.
Using Emergency SOS
If you find yourself in need of help, first try to call an emergency number (9-1-1 for most of us). Your phone will try to connect using any available cellular carrier, even if your carrier is not available. If your call cannot connect, your phone will initiate Emergency SOS.
- Tap Emergency Text via Satellite.
- If you need help but aren’t in an emergency, you can choose to contact a roadside assistance provider.
- You can also go to Messages to text the local emergency number, then tap Emergency Services.
If you need emergency services
- Tap Report Emergency.
- Respond to the prompts and answer the questions to describe your situation.
- Choose to notify your emergency contacts.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to connect to a satellite.
- Carefully follow the instructions on your screen to maintain a satellite connection and answer any follow-up questions.
Emergency SOS will provide emergency personnel with your texted information as well as your position, elevation, and the information in your Health app. If you chose to notify your emergency contact (they must be on iOS 16 or later as well) they will see the information you have provided in the call as well as a map of your location. If your emergency contact does not have an Apple device they will only receive a text message that alerts them of your emergency call for help.