Whether you’re stuck in a no-network zone, have trouble with your phone’s connectivity or are hit by a catastrophic occurrence that has deprived you of cell signals – you can still send texts via iPhone and sort out the texting problem. Life-saving, isn’t it? If you’re operating on iPhone 14, 15 and 16 models (with iOS 18 installed), there’s a satellite connectivity feature that enables you to send emergency text messages without cell service. Not sure how it works? Read our guide to find out.
The iPhone’s messaging via satellite feature comes in handy when both the Wi-Fi and cell service are down. For example, in the aftermath of the recent Hurricane Milton, which made landfall near Sarasota, Florida, iPhone users praised this feature for aiding communication. Here’s how to set up your iPhone to send satellite messages in case of emergencies.
Everything to know about iPhone’s emergency SOS via satellite
- The satellite feature only works on Apple iPhones 14, 15, and 16 which are updated to iOS 18. The recipients of the texts should also be operating on the latest iOS.
- For these services to work, make sure you’re outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.
- The number of the person you’re trying to message must be in your contacts list.
- The person you’re trying to reach should have interacted with you via iMessage at some point in the last month for this feature to work.
- If you want to be reachable to your close ones, you must add them to your emergency contacts or Family Sharing group through Apple’s Health app. In the absence of this, they won’t be able to contact you and you’ll have to initiate conversation.
After you’ve taken care of the aforementioned guidelines, you can start sending satellite messages.
How to send text messages on iPhone without cell service
- Head to Messages.
- In case you’re out of cell service or Wi-Fi connection, a prompt should automatically appear. Then tap, ‘Use Messages via Satellite’.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your phone to a satellite.
- Type your messages and send them.
Since you’re operating on satellite service, it’s very unlikely that you’ll be able to send photo, video or audio messages.
Moreover, satellite messaging isn’t an iPhone-exclusive tool. Android users with a Pixel 9 phone from Google can also send texts to emergency services by following the Google support guide.
(Hero and featured image credit: Apple)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you’re operating on iPhone 14, 15 and 16 models (with iOS 18 installed), there’s a satellite connectivity feature that enables you to send emergency text messages without cell service.
No, you can't use iMessage in absence of cell service or Wi-Fi.
Go to Settings, select Phone and then tap Wi-Fi Calling. Turn on 'Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone'.
Tags
Written by
Kriti Nayyar
Senior Digital Writer, Wellness, Culture, Astrology, Tech
Kriti is a stay-at-home dog mama, whose knack for telling interesting stories keeps her erstwhile monotonous life sane. A literature & journalism degree holder, you'll find her binging on Agatha Christie novels while critiquing the everyday state of affairs. On Kriti's seldom social outings, she's seen devouring coffee sangria with appetizing bread on the side.
Most Popular
