How to use the emergency satellite features on Google Pixel and iPhone

If you own a recent iPhone or Pixel phone, you have a backup communications option in case of an emergency: satellite messaging. Introduced by Apple with the iPhone 14 and iOS 16 in 2022 (and available on all iPhones since then), it’s now also available on the latest Pixel 9 series phones running Android 14.

The idea is that when you are in trouble and out of cell signal range (for example, if you get lost or injured while hiking in the wilderness), you can use satellite networks to contact emergency services and direct them to direct your location. The bandwidth is limited, but enough to send some text messages.

Your phone needs a special combination of hardware and software to connect to a satellite in space. That is why it is not yet available on all phones. (Samsung will likely add support next year.) It’s already saving lives, though all over the worldand if you have a compatible phone, you can use it for free.

How to use emergency satellite SOS on Pixel phones

Only Pixel phones launched in 2024 (the Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold) currently support it: Before you actually have to use the feature, try a demo of it .

• Open settings.
• To elect Safety and emergency Than Satellite SOS.
• Crane Try a demo and follow the instructions.

Your phone asks you to hold the device steady and align the direction the Pixel is pointing with a satellite: this is done via a very simple image on the screen, so you don’t have to peer into space.

When the satellite lock is confirmed you will be put into an instant messaging interface, where you can communicate with the emergency service provider Google has connected you to, although this won’t actually work as it is a demo.

You can’t really start the feature manually. You must be in the Phone app on your Pixel and have called 911. It first tries to use Wi-Fi and mobile networks. If none are available, you will see one Satellite SOS option.

• Crane Satellite SOS > Use Satellite SOS > Start.
• You will be asked to complete a short questionnaire about what happened and where you are. This information is sent to the emergency services and saves a lot of back and forth.
• You will then be asked if you would like to share this information with the emergency contacts on your phone and with emergency services.
• Once that’s done, you’ll enter the satellite lock screen corresponding to the demo.

Google says you can expect a response from emergency services within a few minutes, but make sure to keep your phone somewhere where it has a clear view of the sky.

A few additional notes. For this to work, Google Messages must be set as your default messaging service (via Apps > Default apps in Settings). If you want emergency contacts to also be notified, you must set this up in Settings: Choose Safety and emergency Than Emergency contacts.

How to use emergency satellite SOS on iPhones

Satellite support is included with every model from the iPhone 14 onwards – that’s every iPhone launched since late 2022. As with the Pixels, there’s a demo mode that you can access before you actually need to use it.

• Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to launch Control Center.
• Then tap the mobile icon (the antenna). Satellite.
• To elect Try the demo and follow the instructions.

Your phone uses on-screen images to help you align your phone with a passing satellite, and to keep it locked as it moves. Once a connection is established, you will see a chat box where you can provide details about the help you need.

To actually use the feature on an iPhone, try calling 911 from the Phone app. Even if you don’t have a cell signal or Wi-Fi network, your iPhone may be able to route it through another carrier.

If it is absolutely not possible to use the conventional methods, you will see a message to that effect, and a Emergency text via satellite The button appears at the bottom right: Tap this to continue.

• Crane Report emergencyand then choose an emergency type (such as Lost or captured).
• Continue answering the questions on the screen. The answers are sent to the emergency services.
• During the process, you will have the opportunity to share the details of your situation with your emergency contacts, if you have them saved on your phone.
• You will then be taken to the same satellite lock screen as in the demo. Once a connection is established, details of your emergency will be sent.

If you need to change your position to maintain a satellite connection while communicating with authorities, you will see a message on the screen.
Details such as your current location and your iPhone’s battery level are automatically sent while you’re connected, as well as any details in your medical ID information. To set up your medical ID information, including your emergency contacts, open the Health app on iOS, then tap your profile photo (top right) and Medical ID card.