One of the most significant features found on the iPhone 14 and 15 series is the ability to contact emergency services in remote regions without cellular service. Emergency SOS via Satellite, which Apple announced in 2022, has been critical for helping people stranded reach emergency services without a phone signal. This past summer it helped a couple trapped in their car during the wildfires in Maui.
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Like Car Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via Satellite is something you hope you won’t ever have to use. If you want to try the service out for yourself, Apple added in a built-in demo mode that lets you connect to a satellite without calling 911.
How to use Emergency SOS via Satellite on the iPhone 14 and 15
The first thing you need to know about Emergency SOS via Satellite is that you don’t need to know anything. The service is designed to work on its own, and the interface will walk you through the process step by step.
The second thing you should know is that using Emergency SOS is equivalent to calling 911. In fact, that’s actually how you use it. Dial 911, and if your phone can’t connect, an option to text emergency services via satellite appears. To get started, tap the Emergency Text via Satellite button. (You can also go to Messages to text 911 or SOS, and then tap Emergency Services.)
Emergency SOS might be one of the most important features to come out on any phone this year.
Can I try out Emergency SOS via Satellite?
Yes, kind of. Apple created a demo mode that lets your iPhone connect to a satellite without calling or contacting 911. The experience is nearly identical to what I did, except you are not contacting emergency services.
To start the demo, go outside and open Settings. Then, tap Emergency SOS and scroll to the bottom to try the demo.
The Emergency SOS via Satellite demo turns off your cellular connection and gives you a preview of the emergency questionnaire. But again, it’s not actually contacting emergency services.
A neat way to share your location when you’re out of range of a cell signal is with a satellite in the Find My app.
Where can I use Emergency SOS via Satellite?
Currently it’s available in 16 countries like the US (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) and Canada. Emergency SOS service is also available for people visiting the US and Canada, unless they bought their iPhone 14 or 15 in China, Hong Kong or Macao.
Can I use Emergency SOS via Satellite indoors?
No. You need to be outside and have a direct line of sight between your iPhone and the satellite. The service doesn’t work indoors, and tall buildings, mountains, dense foliage and other objects can block satellite connectivity. The Emergency SOS interface guides you to help you find and connect to a satellite.
How much does Emergency SOS via Satellite cost?
The service is free for two years. Beyond that, Apple hasn’t shared how much it will cost or if there will actually ever be a charge to access the feature. In November 2023, Apple extended the service for free another year to iPhone 14 owners.
Does the iPhone 14 and 15. have satellite connectivity?
Yes. All iPhone 14 models support Emergency SOS via Satellite as do all iPhone 15 models.
