Apple’s new Emergency SOS iPhone via satellite feature is live in the US and Canada with support for more countries coming soon. Read on for how to test iPhone Emergency SOS messages via satellite so you know how to use it in case you ever need to rely on it.
Update 12/13: Now available in the UK, Ireland, Germany, and France.
Apple first launched the new safety feature for iPhone 14 users in the US and Canada on November 15. Here’s how the company describes it:
“Available on all iPhone 14 models, the innovative technology enables users to message with emergency services while outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Additionally, if users want to reassure friends and family of their whereabouts while traveling off the grid, they can now open the Find My app and share their location via satellite. Emergency SOS via satellite is available in the US and Canada starting today, November 15.”
It’s an impressive feature to include with the iPhone 14 lineup as standalone satellite messaging devices or phones can cost as much as $1,000.
How to test and use iPhone Emergency SOS via satellite
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone 14
- Swipe down and choose Emergency SOS
- Available in the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Germany, and France as of 12/13/22
- Swipe to the bottom, under Emergency SOS via Satellite, tap Try Demo
- Follow the prompts
You may see a new “Get Help During an Emergency” button at the top of your Settings app screen. This walks you through updating and familiarizing yourself with all of the iPhone’s emergency features.
Here’s how the process looks:
After you’ve successfully connected with a satellite, you can practice responding to the demo’s emergency messages if you’d like.
When finished, tap End in the top right corner, then End Demo in the middle of your screen.
How to use the feature in a real emergency
- As noted in the demo, in a real emergency, try calling 911 (or your local emergency number)
- If the call doesn’t go through – your iPhone 14 will offer to start a satellite connection, proceed as you did in the test
- Currently available in the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, and France
Check out more details on iPhone Emergency SOS in real-world use and our other resources on Apple’s emergency features:
- Hands-on: Here’s what it’s actually like to use iPhone 14’s new satellite connectivity features
- iPhone SOS and Medical ID: How to customize and use safety features
- Here’s how Apple Watch fall detection works, how to customize, and use it
Author: Michael Potuck
Source: 9TO5Google
