With the launch of the new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro series, new features related to eSIM and photography, as well as an emergency SOS call via satellite, have been introduced. The service works even if you are in remote areas without a wireless data signal, allowing you to signal for help wherever you are.
However, using Emergency SOS requires an Apple Watch or a nearby iPhone with cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. Sometimes you have to select the right emergency service in some countries and regions.
However, while this feature is pretty cool, some users still don’t know how to use Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone 14 . That’s why we’re here with this guide. In this guide, we have explained everything about SOS emergency call via satellite on iPhone 14 series. So let’s get to the guide.
Content:
- 1 What is Emergency SOS via satellite?
- 2 How does the SOS emergency call feature work on iPhone 14 via satellite?
- 3 Where is SOS emergency service available via satellite?
- 4 How to use emergency SOS via satellite
- 5 How does satellite communications work?
What is Emergency SOS via satellite?
New security measures have been added to the iPhone 14 lineup, including an emergency SOS call via satellite. This device allows you to contact emergency services in situations where you do not have access to reception.
Using this feature, you can send text messages to emergency services when you are away from cellular or Wi-Fi. You cannot make calls or do anything else with this service; this is for emergencies only. However, copies of all messages will be given to the appropriate emergency services.
How does the SOS emergency call feature work on iPhone 14 via satellite?
If you need to contact emergency services, SOS satellite emergency service will help you contact them no matter what other options you have. If you can’t call or send an emergency message due to cellular or Wi-Fi issues, your iPhone tries to connect you via satellite to the help you need.
Compared to sending and receiving messages over the cellular network, using satellite communications can be very different. The time it takes to send a message can be as short as 15 seconds under ideal conditions where there are no leaves and the sky is clear.
When you dial an emergency number, your phone connects you to the emergency service via mobile data or Wi-Fi. It is almost impossible to contact emergency services if you are in a remote area. It’s not like that anymore.
Using an iPhone 14, you can connect to a satellite and emergency services will receive your message through that satellite. In partnership with Globalstar, Apple will receive satellite services from a satellite operator.
Where is SOS emergency service available via satellite?
If you receive more messages, you may be prompted to reply. However, only Latin characters, such as English and French, are supported in these messages. Unfortunately, this service is currently only available in the US and Canada.
Whether you bought your iPhone in the US or Canada, you can still use this service if you bought it outside of China, Hong Kong, or Macau.
Satellite emergency services are not available in Guam and American Samoa. In general, residents of the northern regions of Canada and Alaska, where the latitude exceeds 62 °, may not have access to an emergency SOS signal via satellite.
How to use emergency SOS via satellite
While calling emergency services, tap Emergency Text via Satellite in the dialer if you are in an area with no network coverage. Once this is done, click on Report Emergency . In this section, you will be asked some emergency questions.
If you select this option, your emergency contacts will be notified that you have contacted emergency services after you have answered questions. What’s more, satellite connection instructions will be sent to your iPhone after completing the survey on your iPhone.
To use Emergency SOS via satellite, you must first be in an area where there is no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. You will not be able to use this service if you do not receive even the most minimal network signal.
The phone must be held in your hand while you follow the instructions on the screen to connect to the satellite. When you move in a certain direction to connect to the satellites, your phone will tell you in which direction to move. The iPhone directions will give you directions as you can’t see the satellites with the naked eye.
Meanwhile, it is important to choose a place with clear skies, with no clouds in the way. Light foliage is fine, but if you’re covered by heavy foliage, you won’t be able to connect.
There may also be problems connecting to the Internet due to hills, mountains, canyons, and tall structures. Your iPhone will constantly prompt you to adjust your position as the satellite moves, so you should also adjust your position.
The emergency services will receive your medical ID, emergency contact information, responses to the emergency questionnaire, and location once the connection is established. After 15 seconds satellite messages can be sent when the sky is clear.
How does satellite communication work?
This is a new technology for smartphones that allows you to communicate via satellite. There have been several announcements of satellite communications beyond the reach of terrestrial cell towers such as Huawei in China, but Apple is still one of the first to announce the service.
The phone uses radio waves to connect, probably using bands already used by terrestrial networks. You can use satellites, but the bandwidth is much narrower because you are connecting via satellite.
This information will be transmitted to the satellite, relayed back to the ground station, and then forwarded to the destination, in this case the emergency response agency. Typically, it takes between 15 seconds and a minute for data to reach its destination.
You cannot send it as a fast packet due to bandwidth limitations. However, Apple’s Find My network allows people to track their location via satellite when they are outdoors to keep in touch with loved ones.
In which countries will users be able to use SOS emergency call via satellite?
It is currently only available in the US and Canada. If you didn’t purchase the iPhone service in China, Hong Kong, or Macau, you can still use it on your iPhone if you’re traveling within the US and Canada.
Final words
So, here is how to use Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone 14. We just hope you now know everything about Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone 14. But suppose if you have any doubts or questions, leave a comment below and give us to know.