X

How to Use Your iPhone's Emergency SOS via Satellite to Contact 911

Even if you don't have cell service, the satellite feature can be used to reach emergency services in remote places.

Patrick Holland Managing Editor
Patrick Holland has been a phone reviewer for CNET since 2016. He is a former theater director who occasionally makes short films. Patrick has an eye for photography and a passion for everything mobile. He is a colorful raconteur who will guide you through the ever-changing, fast-paced world of phones, especially the iPhone and iOS. He used to co-host CNET's I'm So Obsessed podcast and interviewed guests like Jeff Goldblum, Alfre Woodard, Stephen Merchant, Sam Jay, Edgar Wright and Roy Wood Jr.
Expertise Apple, iPhone, iOS, Android, Samsung, Sony, Google, Motorola, interviews, coffee equipment, cats Credentials
  • Patrick's play The Cowboy is included in the Best American Short Plays 2011-12 anthology. He co-wrote and starred in the short film Baden Krunk that won the Best Wisconsin Short Film award at the Milwaukee Short Film Festival.
Patrick Holland
6 min read
An iPhone 14 outdoors connected to a satellite

One of the iPhone's biggest features is one you'll hopefully never have to use: Emergency SOS via Satellite.

Kevin Heinz/CNET

One of the most significant features found on the iPhone 14 and 15 series is the ability to contact emergency services in remote regions without cellular service. Emergency SOS via Satellite, which Apple announced in 2022, has been critical for helping people stranded reach emergency services without a phone signal. This past summer it helped a couple trapped in their car during the wildfires in Maui.

CNET Tech Tips logo

Beyond the clouds and sky, hundreds of miles above the Earth, flying by at 16,000 mph, are communications satellites. They're too high to be seen by the human eye, but could be vital for getting you help when you (or someone you love) is stranded, injured and out of cell service range. The iPhone 14 and 15 can connect to these satellites to contact an emergency dispatcher even when you can't make a phone call. You can also share your location with loved ones via a satellite without sending a message.

Read more: It's Not Just You: AT&T Is Having Network Issues

Like Car Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via Satellite is something you hope you won't ever have to use. If you want to try the service out for yourself, Apple added in a built-in demo mode that lets you connect to a satellite without calling 911.

How to use Emergency SOS via Satellite on the iPhone 14 and 15

The first thing you need to know about Emergency SOS via Satellite is that you don't need to know anything. The service is designed to work on its own, and the interface will walk you through the process step by step.

Read more: Best iPhone in 2023

The second thing you should know is that using Emergency SOS is equivalent to calling 911. In fact, that's actually how you use it. Dial 911, and if your phone can't connect, an option to text emergency services via satellite appears. To get started, tap the Emergency Text via Satellite button. (You can also go to Messages to text 911 or SOS, and then tap Emergency Services.)

Watch this: I Tried Emergency SOS via Satellite on the iPhone 14

When I tried the feature out, there was a satellite icon on the top right corner of the phone, where my cell signal normally is.

Next, tap Report Emergency. Since a back and forth conversation isn't possible over a satellite connection like a regular phone, Apple worked with emergency dispatchers to create a form that gathers the essential information they need in order to respond. Those details are compressed into a message that's a third the size of a regular text so that it can be sent to a satellite in low Earth orbit.

Using taps, you answer the emergency questions based on your situation. The types of emergencies you can choose are:

  • Car or Vehicle Issue
  • Sickness or Injury
  • Crime
  • Lost or Trapped
  • Fire

Depending on your emergency, you'll get different follow-up prompts and questions. You can also notify your emergency contacts.

An iPhone 14 showing a text conversation with emergency dispatchers
Kevin Heinz/CNET

Next, onscreen directions will help you connect to a satellite. The interface is simple and guides you through finding a satellite and staying connected. As the satellite moved, I was prompted to shift left or right to maintain the connection. And despite a cloudy, rainy day, the connectivity worked within 20 to 30 seconds. But it could take a minute or more to connect, especially if there is light foliage.

Once you're connected, your iPhone starts a text conversation with emergency responders and shares the emergency questionnaire answers, your location (including elevation), critical information like your medical ID and emergency contact information (if you have set them up) and the remaining battery life for your iPhone.

You might be asked questions through additional messages, like where you're located or whether you have medication.

At the top of the screen, a window shows your connection to the satellite and the status of your messages. Emergency dispatchers receive your messages and respond via text. If your local emergency services don't support text messages, Apple has set up relay centers with operators who work as an intermediary between you and emergency dispatch.

Which iPhone models support Emergency SOS via Satellite?

The service will be available now on:

  • iPhone 15
  • iPhone 15 Plus
  • iPhone 15 Pro
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14
  • iPhone 14 Plus
  • iPhone 14 Pro
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max
A man holding an iPhone 14 Pro outdoors on a remote hillside

Emergency SOS might be one of the most important features to come out on any phone this year.

Kevin Heinz/CNET

Can I try out Emergency SOS via Satellite?

Yes, kind of. Apple created a demo mode that lets your iPhone connect to a satellite without calling or contacting 911. The experience is nearly identical to what I did, except you are not contacting emergency services.

To start the demo, go outside and open Settings. Then, tap Emergency SOS and scroll to the bottom to try the demo.

The Emergency SOS via Satellite demo turns off your cellular connection and gives you a preview of the emergency questionnaire. But again, it's not actually contacting emergency services.

An iPhone 14 showing the demo mode option

Apple made a demo mode that lets you actually connect to a satellite.

Kevin Heinz/CNET

Next, the demo walks you through finding a satellite. It's a good way to familiarize yourself with the feature should you ever need it. (Plus, connecting your iPhone to a satellite is just cool.)

How do I share my location using a satellite?

Another way to use satellite connectivity on your iPhone is sharing your location to let friends and family know where you are without messaging them.

In the Find My app, tap the Me tab. When you expand the tab, you'll see a new section called My Location via Satellite. Tap Send My Location. You'll be prompted to find and connect to a satellite. In the time I spent trying Emergency SOS via satellite at Apple Park, this particular step took minutes to send my location.

An iPhone 14 showing the Share Location option in the Find My app

A neat way to share your location when you're out of range of a cell signal is with a satellite in the Find My app.

Kevin Heinz/CNET

Where can I use Emergency SOS via Satellite?

Currently it's available in 16 countries like the US (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) and Canada. Emergency SOS service is also available for people visiting the US and Canada, unless they bought their iPhone 14 or 15 in China, Hong Kong or Macao.

Can I use Emergency SOS via Satellite indoors?

No. You need to be outside and have a direct line of sight between your iPhone and the satellite. The service doesn't work indoors, and tall buildings, mountains, dense foliage and other objects can block satellite connectivity. The Emergency SOS interface guides you to help you find and connect to a satellite.

How much does Emergency SOS via Satellite cost?

The service is free for two years. Beyond that, Apple hasn't shared how much it will cost or if there will actually ever be a charge to access the feature. In November 2023, Apple extended the service for free another year to iPhone 14 owners.

Does the iPhone 14 and 15. have satellite connectivity?

Yes. All iPhone 14 models support Emergency SOS via Satellite as do all iPhone 15 models.

A Globalstar employee on a ladder working on a ground base unit

A Globalstar employee works on a ground station that receives messages from satellites to share with emergency dispatchers.

Apple

What satellites are used for Emergency SOS via Satellite?

Apple worked in partnership with satellite telecommunications company Globalstar, which is headquartered in Covington, Louisiana, with facilities across the US. The feature uses Globalstar's network of low-orbit satellites.

Apple made a $450 million investment to provide critical enhancements to Globalstar's satellite network and ground stations. At Globalstar, more than 300 employees support the new service.

Can an iPhone be used as a satellite phone?

Yes and no. The iPhone 14 series and 15 series can connect to satellites to send a text message to emergency services when a call can't be placed. You can also share your location via satellite in the Find My app. However, you can't use any iPhone to make calls like a dedicated satellite phone.

Can the iPhone 13 be used as a satellite phone?

No, only the iPhone 14 series and 15 series support satellite connectivity for emergencies.

Which iPhone is a satellite phone?

None are technically satellite phones, but the iPhone 14 series and 15 series does support contacting emergency services via satellites through text messages as a last resort.

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

See all photos