How to use Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone

Apple’s iPhone safety feature, Emergency SOS via satellite, is available worldwide and has already helped save lives. Here’s everything you need to know about the feature.

Updated July 30, 2024: Satellite emergency SOS service is now available in Japan.

Do I need an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 to use Emergency SOS via satellite?

Yes, this feature is only available on iPhone 14/15, iPhone 14/15 Plus, iPhone 14/15 Pro, and iPhone 14/15 Pro Max. It is not available on any other devices, including the latest iPads or Apple Watches.

Is the Satellite Emergency SOS service available worldwide?

Emergency SOS via satellite was launched in September 2022 in the United States and Canada, and expanded to France, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom in December 2022. In March 2023, the service reached Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Portugal, and expanded to Australia and New Zealand from May 2023. It launched in Japan in July 2024 with the iOS 17.6 update.

Do I need the latest version of iOS?

In the United States, users must be running iOS 16.1, released October 25, 2022, or later. In other countries, the following updates are required: iOS 16.2 or later to connect to satellite emergency services when you call or text 15, 17, 18, 114, 119, 191, and 196 in France, 110 in Germany, and 999 in Ireland; iOS 16.4 or later to connect to satellite emergency services in Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, USA, and Switzerland. iOS 17.6 is required to use the feature in Japan.

You can update to the latest version of iOS in the Settings app by going to General And Software update.

How much does the satellite emergency SOS service cost?

Apple is offering two years of free satellite service with any new iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 purchase. In December 2023, Apple announced that iPhone 14 users will get an additional free year, but it’s unclear if the same offer will extend to the iPhone 15. Apple hasn’t said how much the service will cost once the free period ends.

Where can I find Emergency SOS via Satellite on my iPhone?

Go to Settings > Emergency SOS and scroll down. You should see a new Satellite Emergency SOS section. If not, check if your phone has been updated to iOS 16.1.

Can I try Emergency SOS via Satellite on my iPhone?

Yes, you can test the service before you need it by pressing the button Try the demo option in Settings. When you do this, your iPhone will go through the same steps as it would in an emergency to demonstrate how it can find and track a satellite, but it will not send an emergency alert.

What happens after two years?

It’s not clear. There will probably be fees, but we don’t know what they are or who you’ll charge them to.

How does the Satellite Emergency SOS service work?

1. If a call to 911, 999, or 112 fails, an “Emergency SOS SMS via Satellite” icon will appear in the lower-right corner of your iPhone screen. Tap it.
2. You will be asked to explain your emergency using a series of five multiple-choice questions.
3. Next, you will see a screen with a satellite animation that tells you to point your iPhone in the direction of the nearest satellite to send and receive a message.

Apple

Apple

Apple

What happens if I go out of satellite range?

Your iPhone will beep to alert you that you need to move it to a new position.

How long does it take to send the message?

It varies. Apple explains: “The satellites move quickly, have low bandwidth, and are thousands of miles from Earth, so it can take several minutes for even short messages to arrive.” During The Verge’s testing of the feature, the entire process took between three and five minutes.

Can I talk to someone in an emergency?

No, Satellite Emergency SOS is only available in text form.

What about non-urgent messages?

With iOS 18, Apple is introducing the ability to send iMessages and regular SMS messages to people from the Messages app. Text messages, emojis, and tapbacks will be supported.