How to use your iPhone to text via satellite when you’re adventurous

Traveling is exhausting It’s enough for most of us, but not being able to text while you’re on the road is a real nightmare. on Apple iPhoneYou see the dreaded words “Not Delivered” with an exclamation mark in a red circle when the message can’t get through. For some of us, this is a worse feeling than losing your luggage, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area and need to contact someone — a rental property manager, your family, or a driver — immediately.

Fortunately, Apple recently added satellite text messaging iOS 18 For iPhone 14 and later models. This expansion of the iPhone’s satellite connectivity — previously only offered by Apple Emergency SOS service via satellite– Bringing regular text messaging service to areas where there is no cell coverage; It’s like sending cavalry if you’re in a remote place.

Oddly enough, although satellites are available from anywhere on the planet, you can only send text messages via satellite when traveling to the United States and Canada. This means that there are two common scenarios that may arise when traveling. The first is when you go into the wilderness; Cell towers do not always extend their signals into national and state parks, near rivers, or in some rural areas. Another in the downtown areas. High-rise buildings and poor infrastructure can also hinder cell signals. But in these places, satellite communication is still available.

Fortunately, the steps for connecting to a satellite to send text messages are straightforward. Here’s how to make sure you can still send a message to anyone from anywhere in the US or Canada.

Get ready for your trip

The first step before heading out on any trip is to check your cellular service coverage map. You can contact your wireless carrier to ask about coverage areas, but this is a great resource FCC map. You can select your carrier and see your voice and data coverage.

I planned a trip to a state park in my area as I noticed that most of the cabins and the entire valley by the river was not covered by voice or data service. Knowing if you can call will help you avoid surprises. If you’re traveling with just a few people, not being able to text anyone can lead to some serious confusion. You’ll experience no-signal patches in cities too; I visited a specific area in downtown Minneapolis (right near the Target Center) where cell coverage is sketchy.

The FCC’s coverage map shows exactly where cellular coverage may not work, and it’s surprisingly detailed. You can zoom in on city buildings or specific roads in the park to see if they are covered or not. (Also, if your phone has trouble finding a signal, its battery will drain more quickly. So if you’re going to a remote area, bring a Battery pack.)

How to connect to the satellite to send messages

Once you arrive at your destination, you will notice that your cellular service will degrade as you enter a remote area. For me, when I visited the state park, I first noticed that my AT&T service said 5G+ in the upper right corner, then 5G, and then finally LTE. It’s like stepping back in time, technologically speaking. Down the river, the LTE icon went completely blank and then showed the satellite icon. This was my first clue that I had an alternative way of texting.

I went into the Messages app and a message appeared at the top of the screen — “Stay in touch while letting others know you’re available via satellite” — followed by a button that said “Use satellite messaging.” Click this button, and you’ll see a screen showing the planet’s curvature and a message saying “Satellite available soon.” It feels like a treasure hunt at this point. You will see a prompt to turn left or right towards the satellite. Click on the satellite that appears and keep standing still in the same direction for about a minute. Eventually, the screen will light up with a green light. You are now online! You’ll see options to call via message, use the Find My app, request roadside assistance, or send an SOS.