Find out how to use satellite tv for pc messaging and SOS providers in your iPhone or Pixel

With Hurricane Milton set to turn out to be the second main hurricane to hit the US in underneath a month, the nation’s infrastructure is underneath pressure. Within the aftermath of a pure catastrophe, when energy and cellphone service are out, connecting to 911 and family and friends out of your smartphone through satellite tv for pc is usually a literal lifeline.

Apple’s Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc (on the iPhone 14, 15, and 16) and Google’s Satellite tv for pc SOS (on Pixel 9 telephones) can join you with emergency providers whenever you don’t have cell service or Wi-Fi. These providers don’t require any setup — simply dial 911 from a supported cellphone to achieve emergency providers over textual content message utilizing satellite tv for pc communication.

A brand new Messages through satellite tv for pc characteristic on newer iPhones launched this month with iOS 18. (There isn’t any equal characteristic for Google Pixel.) This isn’t designed for emergencies just like the SOS service, however it could actually join you with family and friends when wanted. It’s at the moment accessible on iPhone 14 fashions and newer operating iOS 18. Folks affected by Hurricane Helene have posted on social media to share how this service helped them get the phrase out that they have been okay following the catastrophe.

You’ll have to do some issues earlier than you need to use the iPhone’s satellite tv for pc messaging (see beneath), but it surely works with iMessage or SMS, supplied you’re within the US or Canada, your SIM card is lively, and your service helps it. The Verge has confirmed it really works with Verizon and AT&T, and we’ve contacted T-Cell.

The Apple and Android satellite tv for pc SOS options work on iPhone 14 and newer and Pixel 9 fashions, respectively, and don’t require service assist.

All of those satellite tv for pc providers can be found to anybody with the supported {hardware} and are at the moment free. They require a transparent view of the open sky to work, so that you should be exterior, away from bushes or giant buildings, and keep away from cloud cowl.

Under, we’ll cowl emergency satellite tv for pc messaging after which clarify how one can arrange the brand new messaging service accessible in iOS 18. We’ll additionally present you how one can share your location through satellite tv for pc out of your iPhone.

You’ll be able to contact 911 utilizing an iPhone 14 or later with out cell service or Wi-Fi. No prior setup is required, however, as with all satellite tv for pc providers, you’ll need a transparent view of the sky.

Dial 911 first. If the decision fails, faucet Emergency Textual content through Satellite tv for pc to textual content emergency providers. Alternatively, go to the Messages app and textual content 911 or SOS, then faucet Emergency Providers.Faucet Report Emergency and observe the onscreen directions.

The textual content dialog will embody data like your Medical ID and emergency contact data, location, questionnaire responses, and remaining battery life. When you’ve arrange emergency contacts within the Well being app, you may also select to share data with them mechanically.

In case your contacts don’t have iMessage on an iPhone operating iOS 16.1 or increased, they’ll get a textual content alert. In the event that they do, they’ll get a transcript along with your messages to emergency providers and a map of your location.

Calling 911 on Google Pixel 9 gadgets (Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Professional, Pixel 9 Professional XL, and Pixel 9 Professional Fold) can use satellite tv for pc connectivity when there’s no cellphone service or Wi-Fi. Right here’s how one can do it.

Make certain Google Messages is your default messaging app. Dial 911 — in the event you don’t have cell service and aren’t related to Wi-Fi, you’ll see a Satellite tv for pc SOS possibility. Faucet Satellite tv for pc SOS > Use Satellite tv for pc SOS > Begin.You’ll then be requested to fill out an emergency questionnaire.When you’re completed, you’ll be given the choice to inform your emergency contacts.Subsequent, a sequence of onscreen prompts will make it easier to purpose your cellphone on the satellite tv for pc. (Google provides that connection and response occasions will differ based mostly on “location, web site situations, and different components.”)Keep exterior in clear view of the sky when you await an emergency service supplier to answer through textual content.

The brand new satellite tv for pc messaging characteristic works on iPhones 14 or newer operating iOS 18. It should be enabled earlier than you’re out of service, so set it up now to make certain it’s accessible whenever you want it. You can too demo the service earlier than you’re off the grid.

Improve to iOS 18.Make certain iMessage is turned on; go to Settings  > Apps > Messages > iMessage.Have your family and friends improve to iOS 18. The individual you message must be on iOS 18 to ship an iMessage to you. In any other case, it should default to SMS.Replace your Household Sharing group and emergency contact. When you’ve despatched a message over satellite tv for pc, that individual can reply, however you possibly can solely obtain a message earlier than sending one from somebody in your loved ones group or emergency contact.In case your recipient doesn’t have iOS 18, your message can be despatched as an SMS. To make sure this can work, go to Settings  > Apps > Messages and activate Ship as Textual content Message.

Go to the Messages app.A satellite tv for pc immediate will mechanically seem if there’s no mobile service or Wi-Fi.Faucet Use Messages through Satellite tv for pc.Comply with the directions to hook up with a satellite tv for pc. A inexperienced dot and a satellite tv for pc icon will seem on the high of your cellphone.In case your connection is weak, it should flip orange and an arrow will level within the path you have to transfer to discover a sign.Kind your message and press ship. It might take a couple of minutes to transmit. Anybody you message will see a standing notifying them that you’re messaging through satellite tv for pc.

You’ll be able to share your location through satellite tv for pc utilizing the Discover My app, however you have to set this up prematurely and use an iPhone 14 or newer operating iOS 16.1 or later.

Go to the Discover My app in your iPhone and activate Share My Location.When exterior cell and Wi-Fi service, open the Discover My app.Faucet Me on the backside of the display screen.Faucet Ship My Location and observe the onscreen directions; you possibly can ship your location as soon as each quarter-hour.