Are there any specific settings I need to enable before using satellite messaging

Before leaving cellular and Wi-Fi coverage

To use iMessage via satellite, do the following before you're outside cellular or Wi-Fi coverage:

- Make sure anyone you want to communicate with using iMessage via satellite recently updated their iOS and is in your contacts, including their phone number.
- Make sure you sent or received a message using iMessage recently (in the last month or so) from anyone you want to contact using iMessage via satellite.[4]

When iMessage isn't available, iPhone uses SMS via satellite to reach any mobile phone number. Do the following before you're outside cellular or Wi-Fi coverage:

- If you want someone to use SMS via satellite to contact you, add them to your Family Sharing group or emergency contacts. For all others, you must first send a message using SMS via satellite before they can reply.
- Make sure your SIM is active. You can't send or receive a message using SMS via satellite without a supported carrier.[4]

Turn on Send as Text Message

Go to Settings > Apps > Messages and turn on Send as Text Message. This enables SMS via satellite when iMessage is not available.[4]

Enable iMessage

To use iMessage via satellite, you need to turn on iMessage before you're outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.[1]

By enabling these settings ahead of time, you'll be ready to send and receive messages via satellite when you're in an area with no cell service. Remember, satellite connectivity is only available on iPhone 14 models or later with iOS 18 or later in the U.S. and Canada[4].

Citations:
[1] https://support.apple.com/en-us/120930
[2] https://docs.redhat.com/en/documentation/red_hat_satellite/6.15/html/installing_satellite_server_in_a_connected_network_environment/preparing_your_environment_for_installation_satellite
[3] https://www.androidauthority.com/smartphone-satellite-connectivity-3295162/
[4] https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/text-via-satellite-iphb9262f4dd/ios
[5] https://www.satellitetoday.com/connectivity/2024/06/11/apple-expands-satellite-messaging-capabilities-with-ios-18/
[6] https://github.com/seemoo-lab/satellite-messenger
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/tmobile/comments/1ct1no1/satellite_messaging_option_appeared_on_my_pixel_7/
[8] https://docs.redhat.com/en/documentation/red_hat_satellite/6.6/html/installing_satellite_server_from_a_connected_network/preparing_your_environment_for_installation

How do I enable iMessage for satellite use

To enable iMessage for satellite use on your iPhone, follow these steps:

Requirements

1. Device Compatibility: Ensure you have an iPhone 14 or later model running iOS 18 or later.
2. Contacts: Make sure the people you want to communicate with via satellite have updated their devices to iOS 18 or later and are saved in your contacts.

Enable Necessary Settings

1. Turn on iMessage:
- Go to Settings > Messages and ensure that iMessage is enabled.

2. Enable Send as Text Message:
- Navigate to Settings > Messages and toggle on Send as Text Message. This setting allows your device to use SMS when iMessage is unavailable.

Prepare Before Going Off-Grid

1. Recent Activity: Ensure you have sent or received an iMessage from the contacts you wish to reach within the last month.

2. Set Up Emergency Contacts: Add important contacts to your Family Sharing group or emergency contacts list. This allows them to message you via SMS without needing a prior message from you.

3. Active SIM Card: Confirm that your SIM card is active, as you cannot send or receive messages via satellite without a supported carrier.

Using Satellite Messaging

When you're outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, follow these steps:

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. If you're in an area without cellular service, a prompt will appear asking if you want to use Messages via Satellite. Tap on this option.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to a satellite, ensuring you are in an open area with a clear view of the sky.
4. Once connected, compose your message and send it as usual.

Important Notes

- Messages sent via satellite may take longer than typical messages, especially under foliage or obstructions.
- Features like sending photos or group messages are not supported over satellite.
- Only contacts in your Family Sharing group can send you SMS messages via satellite without prior communication from you[1][2][3].

Citations:
[1] https://support.apple.com/en-ng/guide/iphone/iphb9262f4dd/ios
[2] https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/text-via-satellite-iphb9262f4dd/ios
[3] https://support.apple.com/en-us/120930
[4] https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to-send-satellite-messages-iPhone
[5] https://www.phonearena.com/news/apple-messages-via-satellite_id159655
[6] https://www.bcsatellite.net/blog/apple-introduces-satellite-powered-imessage/
[7] https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/10/24175479/ios-18-satellite-imessage-wwdc-2024
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v30z-0bGbHQ

Can I send photos or videos via satellite messaging

You cannot send photos or videos via satellite messaging on your iPhone. The satellite messaging feature allows for sending and receiving only basic text messages, emojis, and Tapbacks. Specifically, the following features are not supported when using satellite connections:

- Sending or receiving photos or videos
- Audio messages
- Stickers
- Group messages

This limitation is in place to ensure reliable communication in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, where bandwidth is significantly restricted[1][2][4][5].