How to send messages with no cell service/Wi-Fi on iPhone

TAMPA, Fla. — As Hurricane Milton is on track for a landfall on the west coast of Florida, many could be facing days without power and this could affect cell phone infrastructure.

But there may be one saving grace when it comes to being able to get messages out to your friends and family. Apple released a new update, iOS 18, which added a new feature to help people stay connected in areas without service.

MESSAGES VIA SATELLITE

This new update will give iPhone users, who have an iPhone 14 or higher, the ability to connect their phones to a satellite.

In order to use this feature, you will need to access your Control Center and in there you should see an Earth icon that is located near the Wi-Fi icon.

You will need to tap on that Earth icon and then select “Try Demo.”

Once you access the satellite menu, you will have the option to send/receive messages, update your shared location, ask for roadside assistance and, most importantly, contact emergency services.

Watch the video below, or read a full step-by-step guide on how to do the whole process.