How to use Emergency SOS via satellite on an iPhone

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

An iPhone 14 or later can send a text to the emergency services through a satellite when there is no network at all, for example in the mountains or at sea. It works in a list of countries that Apple extends from time to time, and it is free for two years after the iPhone is activated.

Menu names are from recent versions of iOS. On older versions some entries sit one level higher or lower.

Step by step

1. Prepare before a trip

   Set up your Medical ID and emergency contacts in the Health app, because they are sent along with the message. See how to set up Medical ID and emergency contacts on an iPhone.

   Done

2. Try the demo

   Open Settings, Emergency SOS and tap Try Demo under Emergency SOS via Satellite. You practise finding a satellite without contacting the emergency services.

   Done

3. In an emergency, call first

   Dial the local emergency number, 112 in Europe. The iPhone tries every available network, also those of other providers.

   Done

4. Tap Emergency Text via Satellite

   The button appears when the call cannot connect. Then tap Report Emergency.

   Done

5. Answer the questions

   The iPhone asks what happened, who needs help and whether anyone is injured. You answer with taps, which keeps the message short enough for the satellite link. Choose whether your emergency contacts should be told as well.

   Done

6. Point the iPhone at the satellite

   Follow the instructions on the screen and turn left or right as the arrows show. Stay outside with a clear view of the sky and the horizon. Trees, hills and buildings slow the connection or block it.

   Done

7. Stay connected and answer

   The first message goes out with your answers, your location with elevation, your Medical ID and the battery level. Keep the phone pointed and reply to questions from the emergency services.

   Done

Good to know

Countries where the service works at the time of writing: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

A message takes longer than a normal text, from about 15 seconds with a clear sky to more than a minute under light foliage.

Emergency contacts who are notified receive your location and a copy of the conversation.

For everyday messages without a network: how to send messages via satellite on an iPhone. The normal emergency call: how to set up Emergency SOS on an iPhone.

In short: Medical ID and demo before the trip. In an emergency: call, Emergency Text via Satellite, Report Emergency, answer by tapping, point at the satellite under open sky, stay connected.