As part of its standard software, an iPhone can already perform all kinds of handy tricks that are invaluable to travelers—we round up more than 15 useful iPhone travel tools here.
But there’s one built-in trick that could save your life if you find yourself lost on a hiking trail with no signal or stranded somewhere amid a natural disaster.
If you have a new or recent iPhone, you can send a message even if your phone has no signal. Even with zero bars. (But your phone will need battery power.)
With no reception and no Wi-Fi, your phone will kick into this emergency mode, which taps into orbiting satellites to get a message out to others.
How to send an Emergency SOS message by iPhone via satellite
There are two modes to this service. One of them, Emergency SOS via satellite, beams a distress message to first responders or local authorities.
To access the emergency message beacon once you’re fully without a signal of any kind, go to your phone’s Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen. Then tap the Cellular button on the right. Tap Satellite and then choose a satellite feature.
You can also open Settings and then tap Satellite and choose a satellite feature.
Apple recommends that before you travel, you should set up your Medical ID in the Health app. Emergency SOS may send that info along with your message to give first responders more information about your specific physical needs.
Sending a simple text message to your contacts by iPhone via satellite
The second no-signal text message mode for iPhones uses satellite messaging in a way that goes to friends and family and isn’t directed to emergency services. This format is useful if you just need to tell someone that you’re all right, without automatically calling in the cavalry for assistance.
For sending satellite messages to loved ones, you open the Messages app instead of using the procedures listed above.
“If you’re outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, a prompt automatically appears,” according to Apple’s instructions.
When you’re using a satellite signal via Message, don’t expect to send photos, videos, audio, or anything except a basic text. If you’re truly out of range of any signal, your iPhone should automatically bring up a prompt to begin the process.
How to obtain a satellite signal with an iPhone
Here’s how to obtain the best satellite signal, lifted from Apple’s instruction page:
- • Be outside with a clear view of the sky and the horizon.
- • Be aware that trees with light foliage might slow down the connection. Dense foliage, hills or mountains, canyons, and tall structures might block the connection.
- • Hold your iPhone naturally in your hand. You don’t need to raise your arm or hold your phone up, but don’t put it in a pocket or backpack.
- • If you need to turn left or right or move to avoid a blocked signal, your iPhone provides onscreen instructions.
- • The satellite connection can be maintained even if your phone screen is locked.
- • Satellite connectivity might not work in places above 62° latitude, such as northern parts of Alaska.
According to Apple’s instructions, “When you connect, a green dot and a satellite icon appear at the top of your screen. If your connection weakens, the green dot turns orange, and a left arrow and a right arrow tell you where to find the signal.”
To test how the system works before travel, Apple has created a demonstration mode. Click this link to test iPhone satellite messaging in Demo mode.
For all of this to work, the device must be an iPhone 14 or newer model, and the operating system should be iOS 18 (the latest as of October 2024) or newer. Make sure you download and install iOS18 before you travel or find yourself in a dangerous situation. Right this minute would be a good time.