Apple’s Satellite features are designed for situations where there’s no mobile or Wi-Fi coverage. In supported areas, compatible iPhone 14 or later can connect directly to satellites to send messages, access Emergency SOS, and share location data. Satellite location sharing is extremely useful when traveling in remote areas, hiking, or driving through areas with limited network coverage. This guide explains the requirements for using the Satellite location sharing feature on iPhone, how to set it up in advance, and how to send your location when the signal goes out.
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When your mobile or Wi-Fi signal drops, open the Find My app. If satellite connection is enabled, the app will ask you to connect to a satellite. On-screen instructions will guide you to point your iPhone toward the sky and reposition it to maintain connection.
Once connected, select the option to share your location. The iPhone will record your current location and send it via satellite to the selected contact. During this process, it is important to hold the device steady and follow the visual instructions until the transmission is complete.
After sending a location, the recipient can see it in the Find My app. Shared location represents a specific moment in time, not continuous movement. What you need before you use satellite location sharing: Satellite location sharing is available on iPhone 14 and later with iOS 18 or later. This feature is only supported in select countries and regions, and availability may vary depending on local regulations. Satellite services also require a clear view of the sky, which means that the presence of dense trees, buildings, mountains, or being inside a building may hinder communication.
Apple is offering satellite features for free for two years when you activate iPhone 14 or later. Although this policy is subject to change, it’s important to make sure satellite services are activated on the device before relying on them in remote areas.
Satellite location sharing through the Find My app, unlike the Emergency SOS feature, is not intended for emergencies and does not contact emergency services. Instead, it allows trusted contacts to see your current location when your internet connection is lost.
Prepare your iPhone for satellite use
Before heading somewhere with limited coverage, it’s important to make sure Location Services and Find My are set up correctly. On your iPhone, open the Settings app, tap Privacy & Security, then choose Location Services and make sure the feature is turned on. Scroll down to Find My and make sure Location access permissions are set correctly.
Next, open the Find app and make sure location sharing is turned on. If location sharing isn’t set up, the app will ask you to choose which contacts are allowed to see your location. Only previously added contacts can receive location updates via satellite. If you’re in a place where there’s no mobile or Wi-Fi coverage, you’ll need to use Apple’s Connect Assistant. Open Settings, then tap Satellites and choose the Satellite feature.
Apple also recommends reviewing the satellite connection demo, available within the Find app and other satellite features. This demo shows how to hold and move your iPhone to maintain a satellite connection. Practicing this step beforehand can speed up the process and reduce stress when you actually need it.
Contacts who receive a satellite location update can see it in the same way as standard location sharing in the Find My app. The location appears on the map with a timestamp indicating when it was sent. If additional updates are needed, the process must be repeated, provided a satellite connection is still available.
Location sharing permissions can be managed at any time. In the Find My app, users can add or remove contacts, and decide how long location sharing will remain active. These settings apply to both standard sharing and satellite sharing.
How satellite location sharing works
When your iPhone loses access to mobile and Wi-Fi networks, the Find My app can switch to satellite mode. This allows the device to send limited data packets to a satellite, which then forwards the information to Apple’s network and then to the designated contact.
Due to limited satellite bandwidth, location updates are not continuous – the iPhone sends a snapshot of the user’s location rather than live tracking, and updates may take several minutes to be sent, depending on conditions and satellite availability.
As battery charge level affects satellite performance, Apple recommends making sure your iPhone is sufficiently charged before using satellite features, especially during prolonged outdoor activities.