Use Roadside Assistance via satellite on your iPhone

With iPhone 14 or later (any model), you can text for roadside assistance when you’re off the grid with no mobile and 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 a roadside service provider 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 free for two years after the activation of an iPhone 14 or later (any model).

Pricing information will be provided by the service provider before help is dispatched.

Request Roadside Assistance via satellite through Connection Assistant

To use Connection Assistant to access satellite features, you need iOS 18 or later.

  1. Open Connection Assistant:

    • In Control Centre: Swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone to open Control Centre, tap the Mobile Data buttonnull on the right, then tap Satellite.

    • In the Settings app: Open Settings, then tap Satellite.

  2. Follow the onscreen instructions to connect to a satellite.

    In Connection Assistant, follow the prompts to connect to a satellite.

  3. Choose Roadside Assistance to request help for your vehicle.

    To request roadside assistance via satellite, answer the onscreen questions.

If you have mobile network or Wi-Fi coverage, the Satellite option in Settings won't appear and the Satellite option in Control Centre opens the Satellite Connection Demo.

Request Roadside Assistance via satellite in the Messages app

  1. In Messages, tap the New Message buttonthe New Message button to start a conversation.

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

    In Messages, open a new message and type Roadside to access Roadside Assistance via satellite.

  3. Tap “Roadside Assistance”.

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

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.

*You can also type “roadside assistance”, “help”, “send help”, “emergency”, “emergencies”, “service” or “flat tyre”. To make sure you can access Roadside Assistance via satellite with these keywords, update your iPhone to the latest software before going off the grid.

Roadside Assistance via satellite availability

  • You need an iPhone 14 or later (any model) with:

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

    • United States: iOS 17.2 or later and a Verizon SIM to connect to Verizon for roadside assistance.

    • United Kingdom: iOS 17 or later to connect to Green Flag 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

  • You need an active SIM.

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

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

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

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.

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