Emergency SOS via Satellite iPhone 13 Features and Activation

The Emergency SOS via Satellite feature on iPhone 13 is a game-changer for those who venture into areas with no cellular coverage. This feature uses satellite connectivity to send emergency messages to authorities.

To activate Emergency SOS via Satellite, you'll need to have a compatible iPhone 13 model, such as the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, or iPhone 13 Pro Max.

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You can now use your iPhone 13 to connect to emergency services via satellite with the iOS 18.5 update.

The satellite features were previously restricted to iPhone 14 and later models, but Apple has expanded access to iPhone 13 owners with the latest update.

Carrier-provided satellite features don't have to be used for emergencies, though they often are. You could also text a friend via satellite, if you chose or use whichever other features the carriers offer.

To access the satellite features, go to the Cellular menu under the iPhone's Settings and check if you have access to this feature.

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The satellite features can be useful if you end up in an area without traditional cell service, and your phone can communicate through orbiting satellites, giving you a way to receive a signal even in a cellular dead zone.

T-Mobile's cellular Starlink service with SpaceX is slated to launch in July, and iPhone 13 users will be able to receive connectivity through this service after upgrading to iOS 18.5.

The service will cost $10 per month and promises to offer SMS messages in cellular dead zones, before expanding to voice calls and data.

Here are the countries where you can use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone 13:

Note that satellite features are not available on iPhone models purchased in certain countries, including Armenia, Belarus, China mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.

You can only use satellite messaging features when you have no cellular coverage, making it hard to test them unless you're in a remote area. Apple allows you to perform a demo of the process to understand how it works.

To activate the demo, pull down from the top right of your iPhone's screen to display the Control Center. The Connectivity widget shows the status of the various ways your iPhone can communicate. Tap and hold in the blank area in the center of the widget to bring up the full-screen version.

Tap "Try Emergency SOS" and follow the instructions. The first screen explains how the iPhone can help in an emergency. The next screen explains that you'll be presented with emergency questions to make the process quicker. Then a screen offers to test the satellite connection.

To continue the test, you should be outside in a clear space, away from trees or buildings. Move your iPhone around until it detects a satellite, which it shows in the white section at the top of the circle. When you've made a connection, the top of the circle turns green.

Here's a step-by-step guide to connecting to Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone:

To help you connect to a satellite, make sure to hold your phone naturally in your hand – you don't need to raise your arm or hold your phone up, but make sure your phone has a clear line of sight to the sky.

You can connect to Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone, but first, try calling 911 or emergency services even if your normal cellular carrier network isn’t available. If the call doesn’t go through, tap Emergency Text via Satellite to text emergency services.

To use Emergency SOS via satellite, you need to have a clear line of sight to the sky – holding your phone naturally in your hand is enough, you don’t need to raise your arm or hold your phone up. If you're under heavy foliage or surrounded by other obstructions, you might not be able to connect to a satellite.

Your iPhone starts a text conversation by sharing important information, including your Medical ID and emergency contact details (if you set them up), your answers to the emergency questionnaire, your location (including elevation), and your iPhone’s battery level. You can also choose to share the information you send to emergency services with your emergency contacts.

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Here's a step-by-step guide to using Emergency SOS via satellite:

1. Try calling 911 or emergency services.

2. If the call doesn't go through, tap Emergency Text via Satellite.

3. Tap Report Emergency and follow the onscreen instructions.

Remember, this feature is not available on iPhone models purchased in Armenia, Belarus, China mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.

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iOS 18 expanded its satellite messaging features beyond just emergency SOS, allowing you to request help if your vehicle breaks down in the US and the UK.

You can now use Roadside Assistance in the US and the UK, which sends encrypted messages with your location to help services.

Emergency SOS is available in 18 countries, including the US, the UK, and several European countries, and sends encrypted messages with your location to emergency services.

In the US and Canada, you can send and receive text messages via satellite using iMessage or SMS.

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To use the Find My feature, you must already be sharing your location with the person you want to send the update to, and it's end-to-end encrypted between you and the person.

Satellite features are not available on iPhone models purchased in certain countries, including Armenia, Belarus, China mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.

The countries where Emergency SOS is available are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.