Here’s how to use Apple’s satellite SOS as hurricane Milton approaches

You need an iPhone 14 or later to text emergency messages via satellite.

Apple’s Emergency SOS feature, which allows users to send messages or make calls when there is no cellular or WiFi connection, has been a lifesaver for those affected by Hurricane Helene.

After the Hurricane damaged infrastructure, many people were unable to connect to cellular networks and WiFi, leaving them with no way to communicate. However, some users have been able to send and receive messages with the Satellite messaging feature.

I’ve never been more thankful to be an iPhone user.

Due to the lack of cell service, EVERYONE in Asheville NC right now on iOS 18 has been able to get messages out and in with the Satellite messaging feature.

This is literally saving lives @Apple. pic.twitter.com/k0FOIgKlRk

undefined Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) September 30, 2024

Those who installed iOS 18 and had iPhone 14 or later were able to send emergency messages using Apple’s partner Globalstar’s satellite system.

Apple enabled the option to call via satellite with the launch of the iPhone 14 and expanded the functions with text messages with iOS 18 this year. After activating their device, users of iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 can use the feature for two years for free.

As another potentially deadly hurricane approaches, let's look at how you can use Emergency SOS features on your iPhone.

The feature is currently available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.

Set up your medical ID and set emergency contacts

For those who know they may be in an area without cellular and WiFi, or maybe in it’s a good idea to take a few steps to prepare.

While you can use satellite services on iPhone 14 or later models either way, setting up a medical ID and emergency contacts will make it easier to communicate in an emergency situation.

For example, Medical ID will allow you to access it on the lock screen without typing your password.

Here’s how you can set up Medical ID on your iPhone:

1.Open the Health app and tap the Summary tab.

2.After tapping your profile picture in the upper right corner, tap Medical ID.

3. Here you can edit next to Emergency Contacts by adding or deleting them.

4.To make your Medical ID available from the Lock screen on your iPhone, turn on Show When Locked. In an emergency, this gives information to people who want to help.

5.To share your Medical ID with emergency responders, turn on Share During Emergency Call. When you make a call or send a text to emergency services on your iPhone or Apple Watch, your Medical ID will automatically be shared with emergency services.

How to test it out

Apple allows you to test a demo if you want to try the feature out before an emergency occurs in a real-world situation.

To do that, go to the Settings app and choose Emergency SOS. At the bottom you will see Try Demo.

According to 9to5mac, after successfully connecting with a satellite, you can practice responding to the demo’s emergency messages.

How to use emergency services

To use the Emergency SOS feature, you need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon so your smartphone can connect to a satellite.

Even if you’re in a place without cellular or WiFi connections, Apple advises trying to call your local emergency number, as the call may still go through.

If it doesn’t, the smartphone will provide the option to contact emergency services via satellite. Here’s how to navigate it.

1. After tapping “Report emergency,” you will be asked to answer the emergency questions to best describe your situation.

2. Using taps, you can answer the emergency questions to best describe your situation.

3. Choose to notify your emergency contacts that you contacted emergency services, along with your location and the nature of your emergency.

4. Once you’re connected, your iPhone starts a text conversation with emergency responders by sharing critical information.

This includes your Medical ID and emergency contact information (if you have set them up), the emergency questionnaire answers, your location (including elevation), and remaining battery life for your iPhone.

Apple in its support page says that you will need to follow the onscreen instructions to stay connected while you send your message to emergency services.