Send SOS Messages on Your iPhone When You Have No Cell Service. Here's How

Communication is essential in an emergency, but during major disaster events like Hurricane Milton — currently barreling toward the coast of Florida — communication infrastructure is often one of the first things to get knocked out.

If you own an iPhone 14 or later running at least iOS 16.1, Emergency SOS is a way to signal first responders when you need help by sending text messages via satellites. The same technology can even be used to send a message to loved ones that you’re safe on the same iPhone models running iOS 18 — so it’s a good idea to update to the latest version of iOS while you have a connection.

More: How to help people impacted by Hurricane Helene, how first responders can help even when your phone is locked and make sure you have some type of battery backup to ensure your phone stays powered.

How to make an Emergency SOS call from your iPhone

Note that Emergency SOS on your iPhone works only when there’s no other cellular or Wi-Fi service available. However, you can try a demo of the feature at any time from Control Center or Settings.

To make an Emergency SOS call:

1. In the Phone app, first try to dial 911. In some areas, emergency service may be available.
2. If there really is no active cellular coverage, the Messages button changes to read Emergency Text and includes a red SOS badge. Tap that.
3. Tap Report Emergency.
4. Answer the text prompts that describe the situation. You’ll also be given the option of notifying your emergency contacts that you’re making an emergency call — more on that below.
5. Follow the onscreen instructions to connect to a satellite, which involves pointing the iPhone at the sky — get outside so a roof isn’t blocking the signal.
6. After a connection is made, interact with the first responders via text to describe the situation.

Another route is to access Emergency SOS via Control Center:

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center.
2. Tap the Connection block at top-left, which includes buttons for Airplane mode, Wi-Fi and AirDrop.
3. Tap the Satellite button. (If you’re viewing this in an area with coverage, it will read “Not Available” — tap it and choose Try Demo.

Or, go to Settings > Emergency SOS > Emergency SOS via Satellite.

How to set up information on your iPhone you want to share in an emergency

While you still have service, make sure you’ve set up emergency info about yourself and your emergency contacts:

1. Open the Health app on the iPhone.
2. Tap the icon of you at the top-right corner to view your personal details.
3. Tap Medical ID.
4. Turn on Share During Emergency Call.
5. In the Photo and Information section, tap Edit and enter your vitals: name, date of birth, language.
6. Scroll down and tap Edit for Emergency Contacts. Enter the contact information for the people you’d want notified in the event of an emergency.
7. Tap the Back button and then tap Done.

Apple said to make sure you’ve sent or received a message using iMessage in the last month or so from anyone you want to contact using iMessage via satellite.

How to send text messages via satellite on your iPhone

If you’re in a safe place and don’t need emergency responders, you probably want to notify the important people in your life that you’re OK. The same satellite technology works for regular texting when there’s no coverage.

1. In the Messages app, compose a text to someone and send it.
2. The Dynamic Island will prompt you to connect via satellite: Tap Use Messages via Satellite.
3. Make sure you have a clear view of the sky and follow the instructions for connecting to an overhead satellite.

As long as you have a connection to the satellite, you can text back and forth with the other person.

Here’s more you can do with iPhone messages.