No satellite option or Satellite Connection Demo on iPhone 16 Pro

Hey everyone,

i just bought an iPhone 16 pro, and there is no sign of any satellite capability. Not even the Demo Mode shows up in settings


[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: No satellite on iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Aug 4, 2025 9:55 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 5, 2025 5:59 AM

Your screen shot shows only the top half of the menu. The satellite demo is at the very bottom. Have you scrolled to the bottom of this menu. On my iPhone 16 Pro the satellite demo is shown and works even with WiFi and Cellular active. I just now went outside and got a successful connection. The instructions say that you cannot receive or make phone calls while the demo is in progress. That probable means the demo temporarily turns of WiFi and Cellular while connecting.


In short, it just works.

30 replies

Aug 4, 2025 10:06 PM in response to saawmy

Review the information provided here and also note that since your phone is showing both cellular and Wifi, the Satellite option will not show in Settings:


If you have cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, the Satellite option in Settings won't appear 

Connect to a satellite with your iPhone - Apple Support


And additional info here:

Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone - Apple Support


Aug 4, 2025 11:11 PM in response to saawmy

Try the Satellite Connection Demo

To find out how to connect to a satellite, try the demo. You'll need to be outside on relatively open terrain and with a clear view of the sky. Trees with light foliage may slow down the connection and dense foliage may block it. Hills or mountains, canyons and tall structures can also block the connection.


Connect to a satellite with your iPhone - Apple Support (IN)


Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 5, 2025 5:59 AM in response to saawmy

Your screen shot shows only the top half of the menu. The satellite demo is at the very bottom. Have you scrolled to the bottom of this menu. On my iPhone 16 Pro the satellite demo is shown and works even with WiFi and Cellular active. I just now went outside and got a successful connection. The instructions say that you cannot receive or make phone calls while the demo is in progress. That probable means the demo temporarily turns of WiFi and Cellular while connecting.


In short, it just works.

Aug 5, 2025 6:06 AM in response to saawmy

saawmy wrote:

Hey everyone,
i just bought an iPhone 16 pro, and there is no sign of any satellite capability. Not even the Demo Mode shows up in settings
https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/a4a762c2-a3a1-4351-84be-248fb3bd11ad
https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/3563a0ec-0185-449d-9759-3f3edefe4f33

[Edited by Moderator]

Read this link --> Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone - Apple Support


Pay attention to the section on availability as it is only available in certain countries, so where you are located determines if you have access to SOS Services via Satellite.

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No satellite option or Satellite Connection Demo on iPhone 16 Pro

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