About carrier-provided satellite features on Apple Watch
There are multiple ways to stay connected on Apple Watch while you're off the grid with no traditional cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Use satellite features on Apple Watch Ultra 3
With Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple provides satellite features, in partnership with Globalstar*, to help you text emergency services, message friends and family, and share your location.
Learn more about Apple satellite features
Use carrier-provided satellite features
Additionally, some carriers have enhanced their cellular network with satellites enabled by partnerships they have established with satellite providers. This allows carrier-provided satellite features that are available on cellular models of Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Carrier-provided satellite features can vary by carrier. For more information, contact your carrier.
Before you go off the grid, check that your Apple Watch can benefit from carrier-provided satellite features. You need:
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS + Cellular), Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS + Cellular), or Apple Watch Ultra 3
The latest version of watchOS
Some carriers might require a supported cellular plan
When your Apple Watch is using a carrier-provided satellite feature, you'll see "SAT" in Control Center.
Use Apple satellite features
Even if your carrier network offers satellite features, you can still use Apple satellite features on Apple Watch Ultra 3 in select regions when you are outside of traditional cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
Connect to a satellite with your Apple Watch Ultra 3
Turn off carrier-provided satellite features
Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
Tap Cellular, then Cellular Data Options.
Tap Satellite to turn it off.
If the Satellite option doesn't appear, your carrier might not offer or support satellite features and your Apple Watch won't use any carrier-provided satellite features. Contact your carrier for more information.
During certain disaster situations, your carrier may provide cellular connectivity to Apple Watch models using their satellite capabilities, even if you've turned them off for everyday use and "SAT" doesn't appear in Control Center.
*Satellite network for Apple satellite features provided by Globalstar, Inc. and its affiliates or third-party network providers. Apple satellite features aren't available in all countries or regions.