Send an SOS message on your iPhone when cell service is unavailable. Here’s how

communication is important emergencyBut during major disasters like Hurricane Milton (currently barreling toward the Florida coast), communications infrastructure is often the first to be destroyed.

If you own iPhone 14 or newer running iOS 16.1 or newerEmergency SOS is a way to signal first responders when help is needed by sending a text message via satellite. The same technology can also be used to send a message to your loved ones that they’re safe on the same iPhone model running iOS 18, so it’s a good idea to update to the latest version of iOS while connected. Recommended.

more: How to help those affected by Hurricane Helen, how first responders can help even if your cell phone is locked, and how to use any type of device to keep your cell phone powered. How to make sure you have battery backup.

How to make an emergency SOS call from iPhone

Note that Emergency SOS on iPhone only works if no other cellular or Wi-Fi services are available. However, you can always try out a demo of the feature from Control Center or Settings.

To make an emergency SOS call:

1. Start by dialing 911 in your phone app. Emergency services may be available in some areas.
2. If you don’t actually have active cell phone coverage,[メッセージ]The button changes to emergency text and a red SOS badge appears. Tap on it.
3. Tap “Emergency call”.
4. Answer the text prompts that explain the situation. You will also be given the option to notify your emergency contacts that you are making an emergency call. More details are provided below.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to the satellite. This requires you to point your iPhone at the sky. Go outside so the roof won’t block the signal.
6. Once the connection is established, interact with the first responder via text and explain the situation.

Another route is to access Emergency SOS via the control center.

1. Swipe down from the top right corner of your screen to open Control Center.
2. Tap the connection block in the top left. This block contains buttons for airplane mode, Wi-Fi, and AirDrop.
3. Tap. satellite button. (If you are viewing this in an area with coverage, it will say “Unavailable”. Tap[デモを試す]Select.

Or visit Settings > Emergency SOS > Emergency SOS via satellite.

How to set the information you want to share in an emergency on your iPhone

While you can use the Service, please make sure you have set up emergency information about yourself and your emergency contacts.

1. Open the Health app on your iPhone.
2. Tap your icon in the top right corner to view your personal details.
3. tap medical ID.
4. turn on Share during an emergency call.
5. in Photos and information Tap a section and edit Enter vital information such as name, date of birth, and language.
6. Scroll down and tap edit for emergency contact. Enter the contact information of the person you want to notify in case of an emergency.
7. Tap. return Press the button then tap end.

Apple said to check whether you’ve sent or received messages using iMessage in the past month or so with the person you want to contact using iMessage via satellite.

How to send text messages via satellite on iPhone

If you are in a safe place and do not require emergency response, you probably want to let the important people in your life know that you are okay. The same satellite technology also works for regular text messages when there is no coverage.

1. Compose and send a text to someone in the Messages app.
2. Dynamic Island will ask you to connect via satellite: tap . Using messages via satellite.
3. Make sure you have a clear view of the sky and follow the instructions to connect to the overhead satellite.

As long as you’re connected to the satellite, you can send and receive text messages.

There’s more you can do with iPhone Messages.