iPhone Roadside Assistance via Satellite Feature Expands to UK

Apple’s Roadside Assistance via Satellite feature for iPhones has expanded to the United Kingdom, according to a recent update to Apple’s support documentation for the feature. (Via MacRumors)

During Apple’s September iPhone 16 event it was mentioned that the feature would be coming to the UK this year.

Roadside Assistance via Satellite lets iPhone users connect to roadside assistance services in areas where they have no cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Connecting to a satellite (on an iPhone 14 or newer, with iOS 17 or later installed), will require being outside, with a clear view of the sky and horizon.

In the UK, breakdown rescue service Green Flag will provide assistance to stranded motorists via the feature. Non Green Flag members will pay for the service on a pay-per-use basis. Specific pricing has not yet been announced. All of Apple’s satellite services, including Roadside Assistance, are free for two years when you purchase a new iPhone 14 or newer.

Apple’s Roadside Assistance via Satellite in the United States, is handled through partnerships with AAA and Verizon Roadside Assistance.

How To Request Roadside Assistance via Satellite in the Messages App

To request roadside assistance via satellite in the Messages app, do the following:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Start a new message.
3. Type “roadside” into the text address field.
4. You’ll see a “Roadside Assistance” option appear. (Only when you don’t mobile and Wi-Fi coverage, will you see the option to request Roadside Assistance via satellite.)
5. Tap on “Roadside Assistance.”
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to a satellite and request roadside assistance.

How To Request Roadside Assistance via Satellite Through Connection Assistant

To request roadside assistance via satellite through the Connection Assistant, you’ll be required to have iOS 18 or later installed on your iPhone 14 or newer.

To use the feature, doing one of the following:

1. Open Connection Assistant. You can do this in one of two ways:

   Swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone’s screen to open Control Center.

   Tap the “Mobile Data” button on the right (it resembles an antenna emitting radio waves)

   Tap “Satellite.”

   The onscreen instructions will walk you through connecting to a satellite.

   Choose “Roadside Assistance” to request help for your vehicle.

2. You can also initiate the roadside assistance request by going into the Settings app and tapping “Satellite.”

   Follow the onscreen instructions to connect to a satellite.

   Choose “Roadside Assistance” to request help for your vehicle.

Please keep in mind that if a cellular or WiFi connection is available, the Satellite option in Settings will not appear, and tapping the Satellite option in Control Center will simply open the Satellite Connection demo.

When Using Roadside Assistance via Satellite, Remember…

• An iPhone 14 or newer (any model) is required to use the feature.
• iOS 17 or later must be installed on your iPhone to connect to AAA for roadside assistance in the US, or iOS 17.2 or later and a Verizon SIM installed in your iPhone to connect to Verizon for roadside assistance in the US.
• United Kingdom users must have an iPhone 14 or newer and have iOS 17 or later installed to connect to Green Flag for roadside assistance.
• The service is unavailable in areas where mobile or Wi-Fi coverage is available.
• You will need to connect to a satellite with your iPhone, so you will need to be outside, with a clear view of the sky and horizon.
• An active SIM must be installed in your iPhone.
• The service is currently available only in the US (including Puerto Rico) and the UK. Roadside service providers may not offer support in all states or territories.
• International travelers visiting the US or UK can use the feature while visiting, unless they bought their iPhone in Armenia, Belarus, China mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan or Russia. (Satellite connectivity isn’t offered on iPhone models purchased in those countries.)