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 cellular 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 tire, or 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 than sending or receiving a message via cellular.

Learn 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 Center: Swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center, tap the Cellular button on the right, then tap Satellite.

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

    • In Messages app: When you're off the grid, you get a prompt to Use Messages via Satellite. Tap the prompt, then tap the Dynamic Island again to open Connection Assistant.

  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 cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, the Satellite option in Settings won't appear and the Satellite option in Control Center 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 cellular 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 onscreen instructions to connect to a satellite and request help.

Alternatively, if you attempt to call 911 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 tire." To make sure that you can access Roadside Assistance via satellite with these key words, 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 need to be in a place with no cellular and 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 might not support all states or territories.

  • International travelers 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 pickup 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, and Russia.

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

Published Date: