No Cell Service or Wi-Fi? Here's How to Send Text Messages via Satellite

If you have an iPhone 14 (or newer) or a Google Pixel 9, you can send texts via SOS Mode.

By Chandra Steele

Some of the newest features for the iPhone and the Google Pixel 9 could be lifesavers in the wake of a natural disaster. 

The Apple iPhone 14, 15, and 16 (when updated to iOS 18) and all models of the Google Pixel 9 have SOS features that let users contact emergency services even when Wi-Fi and cell service are unavailable. Additionally, those iPhone models have a Messaging Via Satellite feature that enables texting without Wi-Fi or cell service.

For these services to work, you need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon. This won't work if you're in the thick of a storm, as these features are intended for when the sky has cleared but cellular service and Wi-Fi are down.

These services are pre-installed on a Google Pixel 9, but if you're using an iPhone 14, 15, or 16, you'll need to make sure your phone is running iOS 18 to access them. It is also a good idea to fill out your Medical ID and emergency contacts on your iPhone and your emergency contacts on your Pixel. Once you're done with all that, here's how to start sending messages via satellite.

Emergency SOS

For Apple's Emergency SOS Via Satellite, call 911. If it doesn't connect, you should see "Emergency Text via Satellite" on your screen. Tap that, then tap Report Emergency and answer the onscreen instructions. You will then be connected to a text conversation with emergency responders.

(Credit: Apple)

For Google's Satellite SOS on the Pixel 9, dial 911. If it does not connect, you'll see Satellite SOS onscreen. Tap Satellite SOS >  Use Satellite SOS > Start. Answer the onscreen questions and prompts, and if everything works as intended, you'll be connected to a text conversation with emergency responders.

iPhone Messaging Via Satellite

Messaging Via Satellite is available for the iPhone 14, 15, and 16 with iOS 18. This allows you to send texts to friends and family when Wi-Fi and cellular services are not available.

In order for you to receive a satellite message from someone (without having initiated contact), that person needs to either be in your emergency contacts or added as a member of your Family Sharing Group. To make sure that your friends and family can message you when you’re without service, add your most important contacts to your Family Sharing Group. To do this, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family (or Family Sharing) > Set Up Your Family and follow the onscreen instructions. If you already have Family Sharing set up and want to add new people, go to Settings > Family > Add Member.

Encourage your contacts to update their phones, too. For them to receive your iMessages via satellite, they have to have iOS 18 or later, and for them to reply to SMS messages that you send via satellite, they need to have iOS 17.6 or later—or a non-Apple device.

(Credit: Apple)

To send an iMessage via satellite, open Messages. If you're without service, you should get a message about satellite service. Tap Use Messages via Satellite and follow the onscreen instructions. When you are prompted, enter your message and hit Send.

To send an SMS, go to Settings > Apps > Messages and turn on Send as Text Message. Then go to Messages; if you're without service, you should get a message about satellite service. Tap Use Messages via Satellite and follow the onscreen instructions. When you are prompted, enter your message and hit Send.