Have an iPhone 14? How to send an emergency text when you don't have a signal
Plenty of beautiful places beg to be explored, but many can be challenging to reach. Getting to that secluded spot, magical summit, or secret fishing location often means going off the beaten track.
But that poses several risks, such as losing your mobile phone signal. That’s why you need to be prepared for emergencies. Tap or click for 18 must-have items that help you survive any emergency.
Things might be so bad that you need to call an ambulance. But outside cell or Wi-Fi coverage, that can be impossible. Unless you have an iPhone 14. Keep reading to see how you can use the power of satellites to dispatch emergency services to your location.
Here’s the backstory
Before the launch of Apple’s iPhone 14, rumors suggested that the latest models would include built-in satellite capabilities. That turned out to be true, and while it has taken some time, the tech giant has activated the functionality.
With an iPhone 14 or 14 Pro model, you can connect with emergency services when there are no other means, Apple explains in a blog post.
It goes on to say that when you call or text emergency services and can’t connect because you’re outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, the iPhone 14 will try to connect you through satellite services.
The functionality can be lifesaving, but you must know a few things. While it works on the same principle as mobile signals, it can take up to 15 seconds to send a text message. If you are stranded under trees or medium foliage, that time increases to over a minute.
Making a phone call has similar constraints, as there will be a delay in sending voice communications and receiving audio. You might not even be able to send messages if you are under heavy foliage or surrounded by other obstructions.
How to use Apple’s Emergency SOS service
Emergency SOS through satellite services is free for two years after you activate your iPhone 14. But before you head out or find yourself needing it, you should look at the settings and go through a demo.
Here’s how you can do this:
New ways your phone can keep you safe in an emergency but you need to set up now
Smartphones are already deeply integrated in our daily lives, which presents a unique problem for the tech companies designing them: What can be done next?
So far, we’ve already seen companies like Apple and Google add lifestyle enhancements and current event-related features to their respective operating systems, such as contact tracing and easier screen-locks for mask wearers. Tap or click here to see how to get these features on your iPhone.
Set up emergency medical information on your iPhone while you’re thinking about it
With the coronavirus pandemic, we’re certainly living in uncertain times. And if you have an illness or a serious allergy, you need to be prepared for emergency situations. But if an emergency occurs, you may be unable to inform someone of your medication allergies or medical conditions.
Listen to police and emergency radio broadcasts
One of the most valuable things in an emergency is real-time information. You can plan and strategize all you want, but up-to-date information could be the most useful tool you have. For any and all emergency situations you’ll want an emergency radio, and for everything else, you’ll want to check out your options for police scanners.