How to use smartphone satellite communication in an emergency

Hurricane Milton is shaping up to be an extremely dangerous and destructive storm, and Florida officials are urging people in the hurricane’s path to evacuate. One of the first conveniences affected during extreme weather is often your cell phone service and home internet connection. But if you have a new smartphone, there may still be a way to get support and stay in touch with loved ones through satellite connectivity. thing.

both modern iPhone and android mobile phone (especially, iPhone16and pixel 9) Provides a way to call emergency services using a satellite connection and share important information such as your location, so you can get help when you need it. No matter where you are, if you take the time to understand these satellite features now, you’ll be ready to use them when you actually need them. Here we will introduce you to the satellite features that are at your disposal on iPhone and Android smartphones and how to use them.

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How to use satellite communication with iPhone

iPhone 14 and later supports satellite connectivity by default

Apple introduced support for satellite connectivity with the iPhone 14, and since then, every new iPhone has included satellite connectivity. The company supports a variety of features such as Messages via Satellite, which uses a satellite connection when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi or a carrier. Road serviceand Emergency SOS by satellite.

Your phone won’t automatically try to use a satellite connection unless you’re disconnected from your carrier or Wi-Fi, but you can demo the feature outdoors away from tall buildings and trees for practice. Masu. To get started, make sure your iPhone supports satellite (iPhone 14, 15, or 16) and is updated to iOS 18.

1. swipe down Click from the top right corner to open Control Center.
2. tap About connection controls in the upper left corner.
3. Tap satellite at the bottom of the list Try the demo.
4. Then tap Try connecting to the satellite. ”
5. I agree to turn off cellular by tapping during the demo erase.
6. Move to an open space outdoors A place where you can see the sky.
7. Adjust where you physically point your phone until the image on your screen displays your phone’s image alongside the satellite image. You should now be able to connect.

From this same satellite menu, you can start sending messages via satellite, request roadside assistance (if your car breaks down and you’re stranded), or send an emergency SOS to emergency services to share your location. You can. For now, these features are provided completely free by Apple and could prove to be extremely useful during extreme weather events like Hurricane Milton.

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How to use satellite communication on Pixel 9

Google’s smartphones now have their own version of Emergency SOS

The Pixel 9 is Google’s first phone to support satellite communications. The first use of satellite connectivity is a feature called Satellite SOS, which, similar to Emergency SOS on the iPhone, can be used to contact emergency services when you don’t have cell phone service or other types of internet connectivity. Given Android 15’s expanded support for satellite communications features, it looks like we’ll at least see some version of Satellite SOS on flagship Android smartphones in the future. By default, the focus is on getting emergency aid, which is what you need most during a hurricane anyway.

If you do not have cell service or a Wi-Fi connection, dialing 9-1-1 will automatically prompt you to send a satellite SOS. You will be asked to describe the emergency and fill out a questionnaire, as well as questions asked by emergency operators. If necessary, you will be asked to notify your emergency contacts. Once you have entered all of this information, you will be asked to connect to a satellite to send messages.

You can practice finding a satellite connection before you need it in the Settings app on your Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, or 9 Pro Fold.

1. Open. settings app.
2. Tap safety and emergencies section.
3. Tap pixel satellite SOS.
4. Then tap Try the demo.
5. Read Google’s instructions before heading outside somewhere. clear view of the sky.
6. Adjust your phone until you see satellites on the screen Lined up with green wavy lines It’s in the center of the screen.
7. When your phone connects to a satellite, you’ll see a sample satellite SOS message chain so you know what your message to emergency services looks like.

Until Android 15 became widely available, the Pixel 9 family of phones were some of the only Android devices in the US with satellite connectivity, and like Apple, Google also offers Satellite SOS for free. Masu.

Stay connected on your phone even when you don’t have cell service or Wi-Fi

Smartphones have become an essential item in emergencies thanks to satellite communications

These satellite features may become yet another upsell or subscription in the future, but as they currently exist, your iPhone or Pixel has life-saving communication features that are completely free to use. Equipped with: It’s worth familiarizing yourself with satellite tools in case of an emergency. There are more options on the iPhone now, but the important thing is that this feature will become more common in the future.

If you’re looking for another way to prepare for the next wildfire, hurricane, or other natural disaster, we have a guide to gadgets you should consider buying, as well as an article highlighting other ways your phone can help . In an emergency, you can know your options before Hurricane Milton makes landfall. Whatever you do, be safe.