As Hurricane Milton hits Florida in the US, there is a very real risk that it could destroy communications infrastructure, making it harder than ever to stay in touch with people in the area.
But if you have an iPhone, there are two built-in features that let you communicate with loved ones and first responders even when cell networks are down. This isn’t just hypothetical – there are plenty of examples of the number of people using Apple’s services to connect when Hurricane Helene hit in late September.
The first function is Emergency SOS via satellite. As the name suggests, this uses satellite connectivity to link your call to emergency services, giving you help when the mobile infrastructure is too badly damaged for your call to get through.
Right now, it’s free for anyone with an iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 series phone (see Apple’s full list of available areas to see where it works). Depending on where you live, you’ll also need iOS 16.1 to iOS 17.6. Apple has a full list of requirements on its website.
But the second, and more recent, feature is Satellite Messages, which recently arrived in iOS 18. Just like Emergency SOS via Satellite, Messaging via Satellite can help you even when normal messaging methods don’t work. It’s not technically designed for emergencies and won’t connect you to emergency services, but it can connect you to loved ones if you find yourself in a sticky situation without cell service.
Considering how much damage Hurricane Milton is likely to do to cell towers and the like, this could be an ideal way to check on family and friends when normal messages just aren’t getting through. Here’s how it works and how you can try it.
How to use Apple emergency services
Both Emergency SOS via Satellite and Messages via Satellite are currently free to use for two years after registering your iPhone and require no additional setup – although the latter is currently only available in the US and Canada.
For the former, all you have to do is call 911 and your phone will connect to a satellite if necessary. For the latter, upgrade to iOS 18 and open the Messages app when you don’t have cell or Wi-Fi service and you’re asked to use Messages via Satellite instead. Just follow the on-screen instructions to connect to a satellite and start texting. If the recipient has an Android phone or isn’t using iOS 18, messages will be sent via SMS via satellite instead of iMessage.
In either case, you should ensure that this is the case outside with an unobstructed view of both the sky and the horizon to connect. Obviously, that may prove difficult if you’re in a stormy area hit by Hurricane Milton, but you can still try.
Apple offers a “Satellite Connection Demo” that you can try before attempting to connect to a satellite. To do this, open the Settings app in iOS and go to Apps > Messages > Demo satellite connection. This allows you to practice connecting to a satellite so that you will know how to do it later.
Apple says that’s necessary enable iMessage in your iOS settings before they disappear from the electricity grid. Plus, anyone you’ve added to your emergency contacts or Family Sharing group can message you via satellite without you having to text them first, so it’s worth it Add important people to your emergency contacts in advance.
As we mentioned, Satellite Messaging is only available in the US and Canada for now, while Satellite Emergency SOS is more widely available. If you or a loved one is affected by an event like Hurricane Milton, these features can make all the difference.