Are you familiar with the message via satellite feature on the iPhone? Learn how to send satellite messages when you lose your mobile network.
Messaging platforms have evolved significantly, making communication faster and more efficient. However, there are still emergencies when you might lose your connection and have no way to reach someone. While technical issues often disrupt internet or mobile networks, factors like natural disasters, remote locations, and unforeseen accidents can also interfere with connectivity. During those times, Apple’s new feature of satellite texting on the iPhone can be a real lifesaver.
With the worrying weather phenomenon like the recent hurricanes, there is a huge risk of major connectivity issues in the affected areas. People who own iPhones have two built-in features in their Apple devices which will help them connect with others without the mobile network. The first feature is the Emergency SOS via satellite and the other newly released feature is texting via Satellite. The SOS feature proved to be effective during Hurricane Helene as people stuck in the disaster were able to ask for help by connecting through their iPhones. The new feature should be just as useful.
What Exactly Is Satellite Texting on the iPhone?
The iPhone already has the feature of Emergency SOS via satellite which uses satellite connectivity to connect calls to emergency services. This feature allows users to make emergency calls without a proper mobile network. The Emergency SOS via satellite is free on the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 lineups. The availability of this feature also depends on where you live and whether you fulfill Apple’s iOS requirements.
Recently, Apple added the messages via satellite feature in iOS 18. Similar to Emergency SOS via satellite, users will be able to send messages without a mobile network. However, this feature isn’t designed just for emergencies and won’t connect you to emergency services like SOS does. The iPhone users can send messages to their loved ones through satellites while there is no mobile network for the normal text messages.
Although the feature is not specifically designed for emergencies, with Hurricane Milton and other recent natural disaster causing issues like damage to network towers, users can expect connectivity issues to be a real problem. Hence, this feature can prove to be a lifesaver for people stuck in damaged areas.
How to Send Emergency Satellite Messages on the iPhone?
Currently, both the Emergency SOS by satellite and messages via satellite are free to use for up to two years after registering an iPhone and do not require any essential steps to send messages via satellite.
- Update your iPhone to iOS 18.
- After the update, open the messaging app.
- If there is no mobile network and Wi-Fi, you will be automatically prompted with the Message via the Satellite option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to the satellite.
- If the recipient is using Android or doesn’t have iOS 18 updated, they will receive the message on the SMS instead of the iMessage.
While connecting with the satellite, make sure to stand below the clear sky to connect smoothly. During the storms and cloudy weather, it can be difficult to connect. Apple is also offering a “Satellite Connection Demo” which will help people practice the connecting procedure to avoid any confusion during emergencies. Overall, the satellite messaging feature has garnered positive reviews from the users, Some of them have referred to it as one of the most underrated features of the iPhone.
Similar to iOS, many Android users can also send messages to emergency services through the satellite. The feature is only available in Google Pixel models Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. To use the feature, users should have Google Messages as their default messaging app otherwise the setup will not connect with the satellite.
