iPhone satellite messaging: a lifeline after Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene left widespread destruction across the southeastern United States, killing more than 100 people and leaving many residents isolated due to destroyed infrastructure and lack of power. However, amidst this chaos, a glimmer of hope has emerged in the form of Apple’s new satellite messaging features.

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Asheville residents find comfort in satellite communication

Matt Van Swol, a photographer from Asheville, North Carolina, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that people were able to “get and receive messages using the satellite messaging feature.” It literally saves lives.” While the connection isn’t perfect, Van Swol notes that it’s a “50/50 chance, which is better than nothing.”

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Peace of mind for worried families

Another X user reported using the satellite feature to get location pings of family members when the power and internet goes out. “At least it gave us some peace of mind,” they shared.

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iOS 18: extension of satellite capabilities

With the recent release of iOS 18, Apple introduced several new satellite features that improve communication in emergencies. You can now send satellite messages directly from the Messages app, allowing you to stay connected even when you’re off-grid and without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

Satellite Messages lets you send and receive texts, emojis, and Tapbacks via iMessage and SMS when a cellular or Wi-Fi connection is not available. Additionally, iPhone 15 Pro displays a text conversation in iMessage with a satellite image and the phrase “Keep pointing at satellite…connected” in the dynamic island.

For those who need to connect with friends and family using non-Apple devices, satellite texting is an alternative messaging option. These features build on the SOS via Satellite emergency feature introduced with iPhone 14, providing even more ways to seek help in critical situations.

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To send messages via satellite

• You need an iPhone 14 or later (all models) with iOS 18 or later.
• You must be in a location without cell coverage or Wi-Fi.
• You need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.
• You need to connect to a satellite with your iPhone.
• You need an active SIM card.
• To use iMessage via satellite, you must activate iMessage before leaving cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
• To use satellite SMS messaging, your carrier must support it.
• Satellite messages are available in the United States and Canada.
• It’s free for two years after activating an iPhone 14 or later (all models).

Make sure iOS 18 is installed

Before you can enjoy the new features of the Magnifier app, make sure your device is running iOS 18. Follow these steps to check and update your iOS.

Check your current iOS version:

• Open it Settings app on your device
• Faucet General
• Faucet About. Here you will see the version number next to Software version.

Update to iOS 18:

• Go to Settings
• Faucet General
• Faucet Software update
• If iOS 18 is available, tap Download and install
• Follow it on-screen instructions to complete the update

How to activate iMessage

Now, to use iMessage via satellite, you must activate iMessage before going out of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Here’s how to do it.

• Go to Settings application on your iPhone
• Scroll down and tap Applications
• Scroll down and tap Messages
• Make sure the iMessage toggle is lit (it should be green)

• Press Send and receive to make sure your phone number and email address are selected for iMessage

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How to use satellite messages

Connecting to a satellite is quite simple:

• When your iPhone detects that you are outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, it alerts you; on the lock screen you get a fast it says you can send and receive messages via satellite.
• When you connect to the satellite you will also see the option to send text messages to emergency services using Emergency SOS via Satellite, get help with car problems using Satellite Roadside Assistance and share your location using ‘Find My’ via Satellite (where these services are available). available).
• To send a message, simply open the Messages app, you’ll be prompted to start accepting messages if you haven’t already, and your iPhone provides instructions for connecting to a satellite to send a text message. If you have an iPhone 14 Pro or later, the dynamic island at the top of the screen has indicator dots that indicate the strength of your connection and, if your connection can be improved, arrows that tell you to turn left or to the right. You can press the Dynamic Island to open Connection Assistant for more help.
• When you connect and start accepting satellite messages, you will receive any SMS that were sent by your emergency contact or members of your Family Sharing group before you started accepting satellite messages. You won’t receive iMessages until your emergency contact or family member returns to the conversation and presses Send by satellite under their message bubble.

Limitations of satellite messaging

Sending messages via satellite may take a little longer. In ideal conditions, with a direct view of the sky and horizon, sending a message can take 30 seconds. Sending under trees with light or medium foliage may take more than a minute, and you may not be able to connect to a satellite under heavy foliage or if you are surrounded by other obstacles.

Some iMessage features are not supported when using a satellite connection. You cannot send or receive photos or videos, audio messages, stickers, or messages in a group message.

If you can’t send an iMessage via satellite – for example, if the person you’re trying to text has an iPhone that doesn’t have iOS 18, they have a non-Apple device, or you don’t have them haven’t sent an iMessage recently – you can use satellite SMS messaging.

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Kurt’s Key Takeaways

Although the damage caused by Hurricane Helene is immense, it is heartening to see how technology can be a lifeline in times of crisis. Apple’s satellite messaging features, while not perfect, prove invaluable to those cut off from traditional communication methods. As recovery efforts continue, these innovations could well mean the difference between life and death for many people living in affected areas.

What personal experiences have you had with technology during a natural disaster, and how did it impact your situation? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning technology journalist who has a deep love for the technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions to Fox News and FOX Business starting in the mornings of “FOX & Friends.” Do you have a technical question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy newsletter, share your voice, story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.