Verizon Down: How to Send Messages via Satellite During Massive US Outage

A major Verizon outage across the United States has left many customers’ phones in SOS-only mode, severing regular cellular connections. Here’s a guide on using built-in satellite messaging features on iPhones and Android devices to stay connected during the disruption.

Key Steps to Use Satellite Messaging

• iPhone 14 and later models have Emergency SOS via satellite.
• Select Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models support similar features.
• These features allow texting emergency services and contacts without cellular signal.

For iPhone Users (iPhone 14 and Later)

Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite lets you message emergency services and share your location without cellular or Wi-Fi.

How to Use It

1. If your iPhone loses signal, an “Emergency SOS via satellite” option may appear.
2. Follow on-screen instructions to point your phone toward a satellite.
3. You can then text emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.

To enable in advance: Go to Settings > Emergency SOS and toggle on “Emergency SOS via satellite.”

For Android Users (Select Models)

Satellite messaging is available on newer Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones, though the setup varies.

Google Pixel (Pixel 7 and later)

• Use the “Satellite SOS” feature within the Safety app.
• It enables messaging to emergency contacts and services.

Samsung Galaxy (S24 Series and Recent Models)

• Find the “Emergency SOS via satellite” feature in Settings > Safety and emergency.

What to Do If Your Phone is in SOS Mode

1. Stay Calm: Your phone can still dial 911 for emergencies.
2. Use Satellite Messaging: Employ the features above to contact help or inform loved ones.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi: If available, use Wi-Fi for apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Telegram.
4. Restart Your Device: A reboot may help if service is partially restored nearby.
5. Check Outage Maps: Monitor the situation via Verizon’s official site or Downdetector.

Cause of the Verizon Outage

Verizon has not issued an official statement on the cause of the coast-to-coast outage. Social media and Downdetector reports indicate problems started early today, with some users experiencing intermittent service and others a complete loss of connectivity.

Until normal service resumes, satellite messaging or Wi-Fi connections remain the most reliable ways to communicate during this nationwide network issue.