Use Roadside Assistance via satellite on your iPhone

With iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro, you can text for roadside assistance when you’re off the grid with no mobile or Wi-Fi coverage.

How Roadside Assistance via satellite works

If you need help with car trouble while off the grid – for example, if you're locked out, have a flat tyre or have run out of fuel or charge – you can contact AAA via satellite to request roadside assistance1,2.

To connect to a satellite with your iPhone, you need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon. When you use a satellite connection, the experience is different to sending or receiving a message via mobile connection.

Find out more about connecting to a satellite with your iPhone

Roadside Assistance via satellite is available only in the US. It’s free for two years after the activation of an iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro.

Pricing information will be provided before help is dispatched.

Request Roadside Assistance via satellite on iPhone

  1. In Messages, tap the New Message buttonNo alt supplied for Image to start a conversation

  2. In the address field, type “Roadside”. When you’re off the grid with no mobile or Wi-Fi coverage, you’ll see the option to request Roadside Assistance via satellite.

    When you’re off the grid, you can text for roadside assistance.

  3. Tap “Roadside Assistance”.

  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to a satellite and request help.

    When you text roadside assistance via satellite, you’ll answer prompts about the nature of your emergency.

Alternatively, if you attempt to call the emergency services number (i.e. 911 in the US) and your call won’t connect, you’ll have the option to text either emergency services or a roadside assistance provider via satellite.

Roadside Assistance via satellite availability

  • You need an iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro with:

    • iOS 17 or later to connect to AAA for roadside assistance.

    • iOS 17.2 or later to connect to AAA for roadside assistance.

  • You’ll need to be in a place with no mobile or Wi-Fi coverage.

  • You need to connect to a satellite with your iPhone

  • Roadside Assistance via satellite is available only in the US (including Puerto Rico). Some roadside service providers may not support all states or territories.

  • International travellers who visit the US can use the feature while visiting, except if they bought their iPhone in certain countries or regions3

1. AAA provides roadside assistance for four-wheeled, motor-driven cars and trucks.

2. Roadside assistance is offered by the roadside providers according to the terms and conditions of their membership or subscription, and may also be available to users without a membership or subscription. Terms and conditions may apply.

3. Satellite connectivity isn’t offered on iPhone models purchased in Armenia, Belarus, China mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan or Russia.

Published Date: