Not able to use the New Satellite feature on my iPhone 15 plus

Question

Not able to use the New Satellite feature on my iPhone 15 plus

I have a iPhone 15 Plus, iOS 18. Haven’t updated to iOS 18.01.

I tried to use or test the new Satellite feature on my iPhone outside of my house, cause there isn’t very good WiFi or Cellular coverage outside in my neighborhood. I just wanted to test just the iMessages via Satellite part not the sos Emergency via Satellite part. I tried messaging my spouse from outside of our house to his phone inside of our house. I don’t think it worked?

in the control center the satellite icon is there, BUT it says it’s not available (see my image), and when I tap on the Satellite button and choose the up or down button all I get is the “try Demo” I did use the demo and it kind of works in the demo (can’t use iMessage)

note: my husband has an iPhone 15,

How Do I actually use the Satellite feature? I already read the instructions on how use the Satellite features But I’m still not able to access the Satellite feature, there is no Satellite picture image above my iMessage app when I sent a message to my husband. The Cellular is turned off, do I need to turn off my WiFi too?

even when I have the Cellular turned off the Satellite still says not available.

iPhone 15 Plus, iOS 18

Posted on Oct 8, 2024 6:51 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

60,422 points

Oct 11, 2024 8:58 AM in response to Trisha Foster

The screenshots you posted are showing a WiFi connection, so you will not get the prompt to use Messages via Satellite in that case. When you go outside, make sure there is no connection to WiFi. A weak connection is still a connection and will not prompt for Satellite Messaging. You will need to have WiFi turned off or no connection to WiFi. Also make sure iMessage is turned on with both devices while you have a connection. You should then see the prompt in Messages like you are expecting. You are correct you do not want the Emergency SOS or the Roadside Assistant option, but should be able to send a Message with the Messages app. Is this the Support Article you used for information about Messages via Satellite?

About Messages via satellite on your iPhone - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

60,422 points

Oct 8, 2024 6:57 PM in response to Trisha Foster

You are currently connected to WiFi. Note in the Support Article:

You need to be in a place with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone - Apple Support

Also review these requirements for trying the Demo:

Connect to a satellite with your iPhone - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Oct 8, 2024 8:27 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

As I mentioned, that there is no Cellular coverage outside of my house in the neighborhood, cause when I’m outside the signal is weak and I’m not connected to anything, same as a WIFI, the signal is weak or no signal.

when I go outside into our neighborhood I can’t connect to anything, there are other WiFi’s in the neighborhood but they belong to other people in the neighborhood.

I have sent the demo images of what it shows.

I don’t want to use the SOS Emergency Satellite to test it, just the non SOS Emergency, cause it’s not an emergency, I don’t want or afraid a 911 emergency might try to contact me?? Or a vehicle towing company???? I never used this new feature not sure what would happen???

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Answer 4

LWRJohn

Level 1

8 points

Oct 10, 2024 8:28 AM in response to Trisha Foster

I am having the same issue. I live in Florida where the hurricanes just came through. I have no cellular data, no Wi-Fi and the satellite appears as not available. I have went into settings and toggled off cellular and Wi-Fi so the phone does not think its trying to reach a tower, I have restarted the phone but the satellite still shows not available.

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Answer 5

Oct 10, 2024 1:31 PM in response to LWRJohn

I’m very very sorry to hear that and I do hope you do get some kind of help in solving your problem. I’m sorry but I can’t help with your problem.

Im trying to get help from someone else that also can help me.

have you posted a help issue? If so just wait and someone will eventually help you with your phone issue.

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Answer 6

Oct 11, 2024 10:15 AM in response to jari150

Why are you posting your problems or issues in my comments? And in my issue that I’m trying to get answers to? You’re not helping. I need answers or a solution to my problem issue, unless you have an answer to my issue? Otherwise stay out and post your own issue in a separate post thread.

Im not getting any answers to my problem.

I already tried looking up answers or a solution to my issue and none of them has helped or answered my questions, which why I’m here in my own post trying to find answers to my questions.

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Answer 7

jari150

Level 1

8 points

Oct 11, 2024 8:18 AM in response to Trisha Foster

I have iphone 15 pro with IOS 18.0.1 and i dont have that satellite icon.

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Not able to use the New Satellite feature on my iPhone 15 plus

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