How to Send Messages Via Satellite on Your iPhone or Pixel
Sending messages via satellite on an iPhone or Pixel allows you to communicate in emergencies when there's no cellular coverage. This feature, introduced by both Apple and Google, helps users reach emergency services or send specific messages using satellites in low-earth orbit. Here’s how you can use this feature on both devices:
iPhone: Emergency SOS via Satellite
Apple introduced satellite messaging with the iPhone 14 series. The feature is designed primarily for emergency use when you are outside cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
How It Works:
- Emergency Situations: If you're in a location without cell service, your iPhone will prompt you to use the Emergency SOS via satellite when trying to call emergency services.
- Step-by-Step Process:
- Go to the Emergency SOS menu.
- Your phone will guide you to point in the direction of the nearest satellite, as this requires a clear view of the sky.
- You will answer a series of questions (e.g., "What is your emergency?"), and your message is sent to a relay center, which communicates with emergency services on your behalf.
- Location Sharing: You can also share your location via satellite using the Find My app, allowing contacts to track you when off the grid.
Supported Devices: iPhone 14 and later models(PhoneArena).
Pixel: Emergency SOS and Satellite Messaging
Google’s Pixel series, starting with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 models, also integrates satellite connectivity for emergencies.
How It Works:
- Emergency Message: Like iPhones, Pixel phones offer satellite-based messaging when no mobile network is available.
- Emergency SOS App:
- Access the Emergency SOS feature in your phone’s settings or directly from the lock screen.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to point your phone at the satellite (clear sky required).
- The app will help you send an emergency message to a relay service, which then contacts emergency services for you.
- Google's Find My Device: Google's upcoming satellite feature also allows location sharing for personal safety, much like Apple's Find My service.
Supported Devices: Pixel 8 and later models(Business Insider)(PhoneArena).
Key Differences:
- Availability: Both Apple and Google initially limited satellite messaging to emergency use. However, Apple allows for location sharing via satellite in the Find My app, whereas Google’s full feature set, including location tracking, is still rolling out(Business Insider).
This technology is life-saving in remote areas or during natural disasters where traditional cellular infrastructure is unavailable.
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