Drivers unlock ‘must-have’ iPhone trick to call roadside help with no signal, Wi-Fi or breakdown cover
BRITS can finally use a handy iPhone feature that will change driving forever – and one insider told The Sun that it’s a “must-have” perk.
It’s called Roadside Assistance via Satellite, and it’s designed to help you when you’re stranded without phone reception or Wi-Fi.
The feature was previously available in the USA and switched off on UK iPhones – but that’s all changed.
Now if you have a supporting iPhone model, you’ll be able to connect with Green Flag even when you can’t get online or make calls normally.
Apple says that around 18% of drivers whose cars broke down or were in accidents in the last five years had no phone signal.
With an iPhone, you can simply connect to a satellite and summon help via space.
Tech expert Paolo Pescatore told the Sun it was a “must-have feature” and said it would “help drivers navigate even in areas where there’s no cellular signal, thanks to satellite connectivity”.
“Satellite remains the next and last frontier in connectivity,” said Paolo, an industry analyst at PP Foresight, speaking to The Sun.
“It is great that selected devices now integrate a convergence of connectivity and services, providing users with a seamless services offering.”
It might sound farfetched but the satellite tech is already a reality.
Apple has been offered Emergency SOS via Satellite for calling an ambulance for several years now.
And the new iOS 18 update added the ability for users to send texts via satellite too.
Now Roadside Assistance via Satellite offers help to drivers with broken down motors thanks to a partnership with Green Flag.
HOW DOES ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE VIA SATELLITE ON IPHONE WORK
For a start, you’ll need to install iOS 18 or iOS 17.
That’s the latest iOS download that you’ll find in Settings > General > Software Update.
Then you’ll need to make sure you’re using one of the following iPhone models:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
To make a request for Road Assistance via Satellite, just head into the Messages app.
Then tap on the New Message button and type Roadside into the address field.
This will start a conversation where you’ll see the option to request Roadside Assistance via Satellite.
As well as that, if you try to call 999 and it won’t connect, you’ll be given the option to text either emergency services or Green Flag via satellite.
Once you begin the process, you’ll be asked to answer a few questions about your situation.
Then you’ll be connected via satellite with a Green Flag agent.
You’ll get guidance on how to connect to a satellite, as well as receiving info about the status of your request.
It’s worth noting that connections to satellite can be tricky.
You’ll need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.
And establishing a connection might take anything from a few seconds to a minute.
“Reducing risk for motorists and getting them back on the road quickly are at the core of our Green Flag business,” said Adam Winslow, chief exec at Direct Line Group.
“Which is why we are delighted to offer breakdown services through Apple’s Roadside Assistance via satellite.
“Using satellite-enabled iPhone models and Apple’s satellite services, we can provide drivers with the reassurance that even when they don’t have mobile reception or Wi-Fi access, or are in the most remote of locations, help is at hand.”
SPACE FARE
The good news is that you don’t need to have a policy with Green Flag to use the feature.
HOW TO DEMO THE SATELLITE FEATURE
Here's what you need to know...
You can try the Satellite Connection Demo to get to grips with this feature before you need to use it.
Remember: you’ll need to be outside with a clear view of the sky.
Trees and hills can block your signal, so try to go somewhere that’s very open.
Go to Control Centre by swiping down from the top-right corner of your iPhone.
Then tap on the Cellular button on the right of the Control Centre.
Next tap Satellite, and then choose Try Demo.
Choose what you want to test, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
You can also access it in the Settings app.
Go to either Settings > Apps > Messages and choose Satellite Connection Demo, or go to Settings > Emergency SOS to test out the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature.
However, if you don’t have a policy with them, you’ll incur a “one-off fee”.
The pricing info for your help will be sent to you by Green Flag before they send someone out to you.
So if you think the cost is too high, you can choose to decline.
The connection to the satellite feature itself is free for at least two years starting at the time of activation of your new iPhone.
And Roadside Assistance via Satellite is totally free for Green Flag members in the UK.