It’s easy to criticize smartphones for becoming stagnant or leaning too heavily into gimmicky features, like AI. However, it’s worth remembering that these phones also offer critical safety features that could save lives in an emergency. Google Pixel phones in particular are loaded with safety and emergency features, such as Car Crash Detection, Safety Check, and Emergency SOS. These are features you hope to never have to use, but may give you peace of mind that your Pixel phone has your back in the event of a worst-case scenario.

No safety feature is more important on Google Pixel phones than Satellite SOS. Google added satellite communication support on the mainline Pixel 9 series, excluding the budget Pixel 9a. Now, the entire Pixel 10 series supports the Satellite SOS feature, including the A-series model for the first time. Satellite SOS lets you connect your phone to overhead satellites to contact emergency services when cellular coverage is unavailable. It’s free and easy to use, and it could even save your life. You never want to use a life-saving tool for the first time in an emergency — that’s why you should demo Satellite SOS on Pixel today to make sure you stay prepared.

Satellite SOS helps when cellular is unavailable

It uses overhead satellites to contact emergency services in dire situations

Credit: Brady Snyder / MakeUseOf

Satellite SOS is available in 33 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Most people never interact with it, because thankfully, they’re not in an emergency situation without cellular service. That said, understanding how Satellite SOS works and giving it a test run is crucial for ensuring you’re prepared to use it properly in an emergency. The technology behind Satellite SOS is simple — your support Pixel has a modem capable of connecting with geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites.

This kind of satellite matches the speed of the planet’s rotation, allowing it to remain permanently fixed in the exact same location. Relay systems transfer information from GEO satellites to ground stations, which then receive and share information using normal communication methods. These satellites are incredible at providing reliable connections for ground devices, as only three GEO satellites are required to provide coverage for almost the entire planet.

Satellite SOS works by connecting to these overhead satellites and relaying emergency messages to ground stations that are then shared with dispatchers and first responders. The feature works best when your Pixel has a clear view of the sky, avoiding obstructions like trees, terrain, or buildings. You need to point your Pixel in the direction of the overhead GEO satellite to use the Satellite SOS feature, and the software guides you through finding the perfect position.

This sounds simple enough right now, but the steps for activating Satellite SOS and getting help may be confusing in a high-stress emergency situation. Practice makes perfect, so you’ll want to demo Satellite SOS on your Pixel before you need it.

You can test it without sending a false alarm

There’s a demo mode on your Pixel phone for trial purposes

Satellite SOS is only for serious emergencies when cellular connectivity isn’t available — Google reminds Pixel users that they should only activate Satellite SOS when calling the standard emergency services number won’t work. Of course, any unnecessary Satellite SOS communication could divert resources away from the people who really need them. That’s why most Pixel users never try out their Satellite SOS feature in a non-emergency test. Google thought of this, though, and built a Satellite SOS demo right into the Settings app.

To be clear, you should not use the Satellite SOS feature unless there is an emergency, and you can’t call emergency services. However, the Satellite SOS demo is excellent for testing, and it doesn’t actually contact emergency services. You can try it on your Pixel phone as many times as you’d like. Keep in mind that running the Satellite SOS demo will temporarily disable your mobile network during the test, and it will automatically turn back on when you’re finished.

Trying out the Satellite SOS demo mode is as easy as opening the Settings app, tapping Safety & emergency, and pressing Satellite SOS. Read the explainer about how the feature works, and then scroll down to the Demo button. Tap it, and you’ll be guided through the exact same Satellite SOS experience you’d see in a real emergency. The software guides you through locating the satellite, centering the satellite, and sending messages as part of the demo. You can practice sending 168-character messages and receiving responses from a ground station in the Satellite SOS demo mode, but emergency services won’t be contacted, since this is only a test.

Why every Pixel user should demo Satellite SOS

You want to know how Satellite SOS works in case you ever need it

Emergencies are trying for everyone involved. Time is of the essence, people start panicking, and even basic tasks — like using your phone to get help — feel complicated. Google Pixel users have a way of contacting emergency dispatchers with Satellite SOS even when cellular service is unavailable. However, using Satellite SOS is hardly as easy as dialing 9-1-1, or your local emergency services number. It can be a tricky process to find open skies, locate satellites, and send messages without losing connection to the overhead satellite. You don’t want to waste time figuring out how to use Satellite SOS in a real emergency when you need it most.

There’s no harm in giving Satellite SOS a try in the demo mode on your Pixel right now. The more you familiarize yourself with the feature’s demo mode, the more it’ll feel like muscle memory if you ever need it in a real emergency. Try the demo as many times as you need to feel comfortable using Satellite SOS. We sincerely hope you never need to use it, but it’s always better to be prepared.

Brand

Google

SoC

Tensor G5

Display

6.3″ Super Actua display

RAM

16 GB

Storage

128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB

The Pixel 10 Pro is Google’s highest-end flagship smartphone. It features an improved rear camera system, the Tensor G5 chip, seven years of software updates, and a 6.3″ Super Actua display.