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Set up satellite communications on Apple Watch Ultra 3
Set up Apple Watch Ultra 3 so you can connect to a satellite to text emergency services, message friends and family, and share your location—all while you’re off the grid without cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
Note: Satellite features aren’t available in all countries and regions, and aren’t offered on Apple Watch Ultra 3 models sold in certain countries and regions. Satellite features are free for 2 years after the activation of Apple Watch Ultra 3. Messages and location sharing via satellite require an active carrier plan. For availability details, see this Apple Support article.
Before you begin
To set up your Apple Watch Ultra 3 to use Emergency SOS, Messages, and location sharing via satellite, do the following before you go outside of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage:
Set up and pair Apple Watch Ultra 3 (if you haven’t done so already).
Note: Satellite features may take some time to become active after you first set up Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Add the following shortcuts:
In Control Center: Add the satellite control.
On the watch face: Add the satellite complication.
Set up Emergency SOS via satellite and try the demo
Note: The Emergency SOS demo doesn’t start a call to emergency services.
Make sure you have the Messages app
on Apple Watch Ultra 3. (Required for sharing information with emergency contacts.)Practice using Emergency SOS via satellite with the demo before you head off-grid:
In Control Center: Tap the satellite icon, then tap Try Demo.
On the watch face: Tap the satellite icon, then tap Try Demo.
In the Settings app: Tap SOS, scroll down, then tap Try Demo.
Set up Messages via satellite
Make sure iMessage is turned on—go to the Settings app on your iPhone, tap Apps, then tap Messages. See Set up Messages in the iPhone User Guide.
Verify that the SIM on your Apple Watch Ultra 3 is active. SMS availability depends on your carrier. Carrier fees may apply; check with your carrier for details. See Set up and use cellular service on Apple Watch.
Make sure you’ve exchanged messages within 30 days with the people you want to contact via satellite. If not, send them a message on your Apple Watch Ultra 3 before you go outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
Set up location sharing via satellite
Go to the Find People app
on your Apple Watch Ultra 3.Scroll down to the bottom, then tap Me.
Make sure Share My Location is turned on.
Below Send From, make sure your location is being shared from your paired iPhone and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Tap
to return to the Find People list, then add the people you want to share your location with.