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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Emergency SOS and personal satellite messaging are separate tools: use SOS to reach emergency services, and use personal satellite messaging only for supported non-emergency communication. Set them up and check availability before you travel. If you face an emergency without mobile or Wi-Fi service, try the local emergency number first, then follow your phone’s satellite SOS prompts if offered.
Before you go: check compatibility and prepare
Satellite SOS is not available on every phone or in every country. A setup screen or demo does not guarantee a connection at a particular location; local approvals, network conditions, software and a clear view of the sky all matter.
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- Check your phone and location. Apple lists iPhone 14 or later for Emergency SOS via satellite; Google lists Pixel 9 and later, except Pixel 9a, for Pixel Satellite SOS. Verify current regional and device eligibility on the relevant manufacturer page before a trip.
- Update and register. Google says Pixel Satellite SOS requires the necessary software/API updates and network registration. The phone notifies you when the service is active, and Settings shows availability.
- Set up emergency information. Add emergency contacts and, where supported, medical information. These details can help responders or contacts if you use the emergency flow.
- Try the official demo while connected. A demo lets you learn the positioning prompts without contacting emergency services.
How to set up and use Emergency SOS on iPhone
Prepare iPhone
- Open Settings > Emergency SOS > Try Demo and follow the instructions. The demo does not call emergency services.
- In the Health app, create a Medical ID and add emergency contacts. If you want Family Sharing members or emergency contacts to be able to initiate SMS messages to you while you are disconnected, configure those relationships in advance.
- Check Apple’s current availability and terms page for your phone’s purchase region, destination and iOS version. Apple says satellite SOS is free for two years after activation of an iPhone 14 or later; confirm current terms before relying on that service.
In an emergency
- Try calling the local emergency number first. If the call cannot connect because mobile and Wi-Fi coverage are unavailable, follow the iPhone’s displayed option for Emergency Text via Satellite.
- Tap Report Emergency, answer the questionnaire and choose whether to notify emergency contacts.
- Follow the on-screen positioning instructions. Move to an open area with a clear view of the sky and keep the phone pointed as prompted while the connection is established.
- Keep the session open until a responder answers. If you started it by mistake, explain to the responder that you do not need help rather than quitting the session.
Apple says the emergency transmission can include questionnaire answers, your location including elevation, and remaining battery life. Medical ID and emergency-contact information may also be provided if configured.
How to use personal satellite messaging on iPhone
Personal satellite messaging is for staying in touch, not summoning emergency services. Turn on iMessage before going off grid. When iPhone detects that it is off grid, it can offer Messages or a satellite connection assistant; follow the prompts to connect. Use Emergency SOS via satellite for an emergency.
#1 Best Overall
- Lightweight SOS satellite communicator uses the global Iridium satellite network so you can stay connected without cell coverage (active satellite subscription required; some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Explore with peace of mind knowing you can trigger an interactive SOS message with location coordinates to Garmin Response℠, a 24/7-staffed international coordination center, for help in an emergency (active satellite subscription required; some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Exchange photos, texts and voice messages without cell service; taking and sending photos requires pairing your inReach device with your compatible smartphone by using the Garmin Messenger app (active satellite subscription required; some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Rugged design features a high-resolution and scratch-resistant color touchscreen; can withstand impact, extreme weather and harsh temperatures (IP67 water rating)
- Internal, rechargeable lithium battery supports up to 350 hours with 10-minute inReach tracking and up to 95 hours in performance messaging mode
Apple says that under ideal conditions with a direct view of the sky and horizon, a message may take about 30 seconds to send. Under light or medium foliage, it may take over a minute; heavy foliage or other obstructions may prevent a connection. Satellite messaging does not support photos, videos, audio messages, stickers or group messages. For iMessage via satellite, the recipient needs iOS 18 or later; replies to satellite SMS require iOS 17.6 or a non-Apple device.
How to set up and use Satellite SOS on Google Pixel
Prepare Pixel
- Open Settings > Safety & emergency > Satellite SOS and run the demo.
- Complete any required software/API updates and network registration. Check Settings for availability and wait for the phone’s activation notification.
- Make sure Google Messages is the default messaging app. Set up emergency contacts and review general SOS actions under Settings > Safety and emergency > Emergency SOS; configured actions can include calling for help, sharing location with contacts and recording video.
In an emergency
- Without mobile or Wi-Fi service, dial the local emergency number. If the call cannot connect, select Satellite SOS in the dialer.
- Complete the emergency questionnaire and choose whether to notify emergency contacts.
- Follow the positioning prompts. Stay outdoors with a clear view of the sky while waiting for replies.
Google says satellite emergency help should be used only in exceptional circumstances, when no other way to reach emergency services is available.
Rank #2
- Service plans required - as low as $4.99 per month for SOS satellite assist
- Provides advanced 2-way satellite-enabled messaging. Compatible with iOS 14 and Android 10 and later smartphones
- Stay in contact wherever you go—reliable satellite coverage keeps you firmly on the grid even if you're off the edge of the map, ensuring you're in touch with those who matter
- Simply press the check-in button and send your coordinates or a message to your loved ones, giving them peace of mind whilst you do your thing
- SOS assist allows you to check in and trigger SOS without a connection; unlimited SOS included with every service plan
Where satellite SOS is available
Availability changes and can depend on local approvals, conditions and the phone’s purchase region. Check the manufacturer’s current page for the exact model, country and software requirements before relying on the feature.
Apple Emergency SOS via satellite
Apple’s page dated September 30, 2026 lists availability in Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US. It lists these minimum iOS versions: iOS 16.1 for the US and Canada; iOS 16.2 for France, Germany, Ireland and the UK; iOS 16.4 for Australia, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland; iOS 17.6 for Japan; iOS 18.4 for Mexico; and iOS 26.4 for Andorra, Iceland and Norway. Apple notes that local approvals and conditions affect availability, and some purchase regions have restrictions. See Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite availability and requirements.
Rank #3
- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way text messaging even in areas with no cell coverage (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Send two-way messages globally; easily text back and forth directly with friends via the Garmin Messenger app, even when you’re out of cellular coverage. (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.)
- Group messaging via the Garmin Messenger smartphone app lets you share your adventures with multiple contacts simultaneously — and have group text chats with friends and family
- Check in with contacts directly by using preset messages that do not count toward your allotted text messages (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Share your GPS location (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
Google Pixel Satellite SOS
Google lists the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. Google cautions that its list does not guarantee connectivity; coverage depends on network conditions and local authorities. See Google Pixel Help’s Satellite SOS guidance.
Quick Recap
What to expect from a satellite connection
- Expect delays. Satellite messages can take longer than ordinary texts, and positioning may require you to move or orient the phone as prompted.
- Keep the sky unobstructed. Buildings, dense foliage and other obstructions can slow or prevent a connection.
- Use the right feature. Emergency SOS is the route to emergency responders. Personal satellite messaging, where supported, is not a substitute for the emergency flow.
- Do not assume service from a demo. A successful practice session teaches the interface; actual service still depends on eligibility and conditions at the time and place you need it.
Official setup and availability pages
- Apple: Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone
- Apple: Use Messages via satellite on your iPhone
- Google: Get help in an emergency using your Pixel phone
- Google: Connect to satellite SOS on your Pixel phone
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