What Is iPhone Road Assistance? A Look at the iPhone 14 and 15 Satellite Feature

What Is Roadside Assistance via Satellite?

The Roadside Assistance feature via satellite allows iPhone 14 and later models to contact a roadside service provider when you’re stranded in areas with no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. This feature is specifically designed for those moments when your car breaks down, whether due to a flat tire, lockout, or running out of fuel, and there are no regular communication channels available to request help. Through a direct satellite link, users can text roadside service providers to get the help they need, ensuring that they are never left stranded in areas that are out of the reach of conventional mobile networks.

The service is free for the first two years after activating your iPhone 14 or later model. After this period, roadside service providers will charge according to their pricing plans, and you’ll be notified about the cost before help is dispatched.

How Does the Feature Work?

Using the Roadside Assistance via satellite feature is fairly straightforward. First, you must be in an area with no mobile or Wi-Fi coverage. You also need a clear view of the sky and horizon to establish a connection with the satellite.

• Connection Assistant: Go to Control Center, tap the mobile data button, then select "Satellite." You can also access the satellite features by going to Settings and tapping "Satellite." From there, follow the on-screen instructions to connect to a satellite. Once connected, choose "Roadside Assistance" to request help.
• Messages App: If you open a new message and type "Roadside" in the address field, the option to request Roadside Assistance via satellite will appear. You can use keywords like “roadside assistance,” “help,” “send help,” “emergency,” or “flat tire” to trigger the feature. Alternatively, if you try to call 911 (or your country’s emergency number) and it doesn’t go through, you will be prompted to text either emergency services or a roadside assistance provider via satellite.

Once connected, you can communicate with a roadside service provider, explaining your situation. The satellite connection ensures that your message gets through, even when you’re off the grid.

Compatible Devices

To use this feature, you need an iPhone 14 or later model. Additionally, the device must run on iOS 17 or later versions. To access all the features, it's important to keep your device updated to the latest version of iOS, especially before traveling to remote areas. iPhones with a Verizon SIM in the U.S. require iOS 17.2 or later for Verizon roadside assistance.

International iPhone users can access the satellite feature in the United States and the United Kingdom if they are traveling there, except for models bought in certain countries such as China, Russia, and a few others.

Availability of the Feature

As of now, the Roadside Assistance via satellite feature is available to iPhone users in the United States, including Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., AAA and Verizon are the main service providers, while in the U.K., Green Flag offers the service. It’s important to note that not all service providers cover every state or territory in these countries, so availability may vary depending on the location. Additionally, users who have bought iPhones in specific countries, like China, Russia, and some Eastern European and Central Asian nations, won’t have access to the satellite connectivity feature.