Use Roadside Assistance via satellite on your iPhone
With iPhone 14 or later (all models), you can text for roadside assistance when you’re off the grid with no mobile 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 tyre, 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 mobile connection.
Find out more about connecting to a satellite with your iPhone
Roadside Assistance via satellite is only available in the US. It’s free for two years after the activation of an iPhone 14 or later (all models).
Pricing information will be provided before help is dispatched.
Request Roadside Assistance via satellite on iPhone
In Messages, tap the New Message button
to start a conversationIn 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.
Tap "Roadside Assistance".
Follow the onscreen instructions to connect to a satellite and request help.
Alternatively, if you attempt to call 000 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 tyre”. To make sure you can access Roadside Assistance via satellite with these key words, update your iPhone to the latest software before going off the grid.
Other ways to access satellite features
When you are somewhere with no mobile and Wi-Fi coverage, you can also find satellite features through the Connection Assistant.
In Control Centre: Swipe down from the top right-hand corner of your iPhone to open Control Centre, then tap the Mobile Data button
on the right. Tap Satellite, then choose Roadside Assistance via satellite (or other satellite feature).In the Settings app: Open Settings, then tap Satellite and choose Roadside Assistance via satellite (or other satellite feature).
If you have mobile or Wi-Fi coverage, the Satellite option in Settings won’t appear and the Satellite option in Control Centre will open the Satellite Connection Demo.
Roadside Assistance via satellite availability
You need an iPhone 14 or later (all models):
iOS 17 or later to connect to AAA for roadside assistance.
iOS 17.2 or later and a Verizon SIM to connect to Verizon for roadside assistance.
You'll need to be in a place with no mobile and Wi-Fi coverage.
You need an active SIM.
Roadside Assistance via satellite is available only in the US (including Puerto Rico). Some roadside service providers might not support all states or territories.
International travellers who visit the US can use the feature while visiting, except if they bought their iPhone in certain countries or regions3
1. AAA provides roadside assistance for four-wheeled, motor driven cars and 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.
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