Get Help Anywhere on Earth
When you're out of cell range, satellite emergency features can connect you to help. Here's everything you need to know.
Your Emergency Options
Different carriers offer different satellite emergency features. Here's what's available:
Contact emergency services and share your location when you're off the grid. Guides you through key questions to relay to responders.
- ✓Contact emergency services
- ✓Share location automatically
- ✓Notify emergency contacts
- ✓Guided questionnaire
- ℹFree for 2 years
Text 911 from anywhere via satellite—even if you're not a T-Mobile customer. Just register your number in advance.
- ✓Text 911 emergency services
- ✓Works for Verizon/AT&T customers
- ✓No T-Mobile account needed
- ✓Free of charge
- ℹPre-registration required
Access emergency SOS features via satellite on compatible Android devices with Verizon service.
- ✓Emergency services contact
- ✓Location sharing
- ✓Android & iPhone support
- ℹIncluded with myPlan
How Satellite Emergency Works
In an emergency, here's what happens when you use satellite SOS:
Phone Detects No Signal
When your phone has no cellular or Wi-Fi connection, it offers the option to connect via satellite for emergency services.
You Connect to Satellite
Go outside with a clear view of the sky. Your phone will guide you to point toward the satellite (Apple) or connect automatically (T-Mobile/Verizon).
Answer Key Questions
A brief questionnaire gathers critical information: What's the emergency? Are there injuries? How many people? This helps responders prepare.
Location Is Shared
Your precise GPS coordinates are automatically sent to emergency services, even if you can't describe where you are.
Help Is Dispatched
Emergency responders receive your information and location. You can continue texting updates as they coordinate rescue.
Important Information
⚠️ Satellite Is Not a Replacement
Satellite emergency features are a backup, not a primary safety system. Always carry proper emergency equipment for your activity—especially in aviation, where a dedicated PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is far more reliable.
⚠️ Connection Takes Time
Satellite messages can take 30 seconds to several minutes to send, depending on conditions. Dense trees, canyons, or buildings can block the signal entirely. You need a clear view of the sky.
ℹ️ Pre-Registration May Be Required
T-Mobile's Text to 911 feature requires you to register your phone number in advance. Do this before you need it—you can't register when you're already off-grid.
ℹ️ Text Only—No Voice
All satellite emergency features are text-based. You cannot make voice calls via satellite. Be prepared to communicate through text messages.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Apple | T-Mobile | Verizon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency SOS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Text 911 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Works for Non-Customers | ✗ | ✓ Free | ✗ |
| Location Sharing | ✓ Auto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Emergency Contact Notification | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Pre-Registration Required | No | Yes | No |
| Roadside Assistance | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
Be Prepared Before You Go
Set up your phone's satellite emergency features now, while you have connectivity.