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For owners of the latest iPhone or Pixel devices, there’s a vital communication feature available during emergencies: satellite messaging. This capability was first introduced by Apple with the iPhone 14 and iOS 16 in 2022, and it has since been extended to all subsequent iPhones. The newest Pixel 9 series phones running Android 14 also support this feature.
The primary function of this technology is to enable users to reach emergency services when they find themselves outside cellular coverage—such as getting lost or injured while hiking in remote areas. Although the bandwidth is limited, it suffices for sending text messages.
Connecting to a satellite requires specific hardware and software configurations, which explains why not every phone currently supports this feature (Samsung is expected to add compatibility next year). Nevertheless, it has already proven life-saving globally, and if you possess a compatible device, you can utilize it at no cost.
Utilizing Emergency Satellite SOS on Pixel Devices
At present, only the newly released Pixel phones from 2024—the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold—offer this functionality. Before needing to use it in an actual emergency situation, you can familiarize yourself with its operation through a demo mode.
- Access Settings on your device.
- Select Safety & Emergency, then tap on Satellite SOS.
- Select Try a Demo and follow the prompts provided.
Your device will instruct you to hold it steady while aligning its direction towards an orbiting satellite using simple graphics displayed on-screen—no need for squinting into the sky!
Once your phone establishes a connection with the satellite successfully, you’ll enter an instant messaging interface where you can communicate with emergency services that Google has linked you with—note that this will be non-functional during demo mode.
To initiate real assistance through Satellite SOS features:
- You must be within the Phone app after dialing emergency services (911). Your phone will first attempt Wi-Fi or cellular networks before presenting you with an option for Satellite SOS.
- Select Satellite SOS > Use Satellite SOS > Start.
- A brief questionnaire regarding your situation and location will appear; completing this helps responders understand your needs without unnecessary back-and-forth communication.
- You’ll also have an option to share these details with any designated emergency contacts saved on your device along with responders.
- This process leads directly into a screen similar to what was shown in demo mode for establishing satellite connectivity.
Your phone should receive responses from emergency personnel within minutes—but ensure that it’s positioned where there’s unobstructed access to the sky for optimal signal reception!
A couple of additional points: You must set Google Messages as your default messaging application (found under Apps > Default Apps ). Furthermore, if you’d like notifications sent out automatically about emergencies involving contacts saved in your phone’s settings menu under Safety & Emergency > Emergency Contacts must be configured accordingly beforehand!
Navigating Emergency Satellite SOS Features on iPhones
The capability of utilizing satellites is integrated into every model starting from iPhone 14 onward—that includes all models released since late 2022! Similar to Pixels mentioned earlier there exists also demo access prior actual usage scenarios arise!
- Swipe downwards from top-right corner accessing Control Center .
- Tap cellular icon(antenna) followed by selectingSatellite .
- ChooseTry Demo , then adhere instructions given .
Your smartphone employs visual aids guiding alignment towards passing satellites ensuring stable connectivity throughout movement ! Once established chat box appears allowing inputting necessary information regarding assistance required !
To activate real-time service simply attempt dialing911fromthephoneapp—evenwithoutcellularsignalorWi-Fi,yourdevicecouldrouteitthroughanothercarrier!
If conventional methods fail entirely,a message confirming lackofconnectivitywillappearalongwithanoptionfor“EmergencyTextviaSatellite”. Tapthisbuttoncontinuetotheprocess!
- Tap“ReportEmergency”,thenselecttypeofincident(like“LostorTrapped”).
Continueansweringquestionsontheinterfacewhichwillbeforwardedtoemergencysupportteams.
Duringthisprocedureyou’llhaveanoptiontosenddetailsaboutyoursituationtoanysavedcontactsinyourdevice.
you’llproceedtothesameinterfaceasdemonstratedearlieruponestablishingsatelliteconnectionwhereinformationistransmittedimmediately!
If repositioning becomes necessary maintainingsignalwhilecommunicatingwithauthorities,a promptwillappearonthe screen detailing currentlocationandbatterystatusautomaticallysharedalongsideMedicalIDdata.ToconfigureyourMedicalIDincludingcontactdetailsopenHealthapponios,tapprofilepicture(topright),andselect“MedicalID”.The postHow To Utilize The Emergency Satellite Features On Google Pixels And IPhones appeared firstonPopularScience
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