If Hurricane Milton knocks out cell service, you can still call 911 and text — here’s how

With millions of Americans affected — or about to — by this hurricane season’s shockingly powerful and devastating storms, your smartphone can quickly become a lifeline.

Even in the face of long-term service outages, the iPhone 14, 15 and 16 are all capable of reaching 911 via satellite with no configuration required — as long as users have a clear view of the sky.

Beyond this basic feature, and as part of the major iPhone iOS 18 software update that was released in September, many devices are now able to see messages over satellite services as well — even when there’s no cellular signal or wifi available.

For iPhone 14 and up devices using the new iOS, messaging settings can be configured to use a satellite connection. On social media, some pointed out that during the recent Hurricane Helene, the move was a lifesaver.

“Messages via satellite” requires users to turn on iMessage, go into the messaging section of settings, and their phone will provide instructions on how to connect to a satellite.

iPhones will also indicate a direction where users should point their phone for the best reception.

Apple says this feature is only usable when outdoors “with a clear view of the sky and horizon.”

Listed emergency contact members of a default family sharing group can send you SMS messages via satellite in the US and Canada with supporting carriers such as AT&T and Verizon.

This can be done without the user also having to initiate the contact.

Along with communicating with emergency services via text, this can also be used for roadside assistance.

Messages also usually take longer to send under these conditions and locations may also be sent.

Google Pixel Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold models also have emergency satellite features in the continental US

With Google Messaging enabled as a user’s primary messaging app, satellite features can be requested with a 911 call.

If no service is available, a “Satellite SOS” option will appear along with an emergency questionnaire and the option to alert emergency contacts.

From there, emergency services will start a text conversation with your phone.

Google advises that “Connection and response times vary based on location, site conditions, and other factors.”