Only Pixel phones launched in 2024 — the Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold—support this right now:. Before you have to use the feature for real, you can try a demo of it.

• Open Settings.

• Choose Safety & emergency then Satellite SOS.

• Tap Try a demo and follow the instructions.

Your phone will ask you to keep the device steady, and align the direction the Pixel is pointing in with a satellite: This is done via a very straightforward graphic on the screen, so you don’t have to squint into space.

When the satellite lock is confirmed, you’ll be put into an instant messaging interface, where you can communicate with the emergency service provider Google has connected you to—although this won’t actually work, as it’s a demo.

You can’t manually launch the feature for real. You need to be in the Phone app on your Pixel and have dialed 911. Wi-Fi and cell networks will be tried first, and if none are available, you’ll see a Satellite SOS option.

• Tap Satellite SOS > Use Satellite SOS > Start.

• You’ll be asked to fill out a short questionnaire about what happened and where you are. This information is sent to emergency responders and saves a lot of back and forth.

• Next, you’ll be asked if you want to share this info with the emergency contacts on your phone, as well as emergency responders.

• With that done, you’ll be into the satellite lock screen that matches the demo.

Google says you can expect a reply from emergency services within a few minutes—but make sure your phone stays somewhere it has a clear view of the sky.

A couple of extra notes. You need Google Messages to be set as your default messaging service for this to work (via Apps > Default apps in Settings). Also, if you want emergency contacts to be notified too, you need to set them through Settings: Choose Safety & emergency then Emergency contacts.

Any model from the iPhone 14 onward has satellite support included— that’s every iPhone launched since late 2022. As with the Pixels, there’s a demo mode you can access before you actually have to use it for real.

• Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to launch Control Center.

• Tap the cellular icon (the antenna) then Satellite.

• Choose Try Demo and follow the instructions.

Your phone will use graphics on screen to help you try and align your phone with a passing satellite, and to keep it locked as it moves. Once a connection is established, you’ll see a chat box where you can give details about the assistance you need.

To use the feature for real on an iPhone, try to make a 911 call from the Phone app—even if you don’t have cell signal or Wi-Fi, your iPhone might be able to route it through another carrier.

If there’s definitely no way through using the conventional methods, you’ll see a message to that effect, and an Emergency Text via Satellite button will pop up in the lower right corner: Tap this to continue.

• Tap Report Emergency, then choose an emergency type (like Lost or Trapped).

• Continue to answer the questions on screen, the responses to which will be sent to emergency services.

• During the process you’ll get the option to share the details of your situation with your emergency contacts, if you have any saved in your phone.  

• You’ll then be taken to the same satellite lock screen as in the demo—as soon as a connection is established, the details of your emergency get sent.

If you need to change your position to maintain a satellite link while you’re communicating with the authorities, you’ll see a message on screen.
Details like your current location and iPhone battery level are automatically transmitted while you’re connected, as are any details in your Medical ID data. To set your Medical ID data, including your emergency contacts, open the Health app on iOS, then tap your profile picture (top right) and Medical ID.

Getting a new Android phone is exciting! But one of the first things that comes to mind is how to move everything from your old device to the new one. Many people think transferring data has to be complicated, especially when switching phones. But with Google’s built-in data transfer tool, it’s actually quick and easy.

This method doesn’t require any third-party apps, backups, or manual copying. It’s a direct transfer using the Google feature built right into Android’s Settings. Once Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on, your new phone can pull in all the data from the old phone — including Google accounts, apps, photos, videos, contacts, call logs, messages, and other files.

Whether you’re switching to a new brand or just upgrading your phone, this method works smoothly. It’s secure, simple, and perfect for anyone who wants to get started with their new device quickly. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to follow along. As long as both phones are running Android and meet basic requirements, you’ll be able to complete the process in less than an hour. It’s the ideal solution for anyone who wants to avoid the hassle of cloud backups or external storage devices.

With this tool from Google, your new phone will feel just like the old phone. You would not have to go through the extra street of trying to download all apps again. You also wouldn’t need any third-party app to transfer your files to your new device.

Things to Consider Before Transferring

Before you begin the data transfer, make sure:

• Both phones are charged, at least over 80%.

• Both devices have Bluetooth and WiFi turned on.

• The new phone must be empty or preferably, factory resetted.

• You have kept both devices closer to each other

• Your Google account details must also be at your fingertips.

Follow these Simple Steps to Transfer your Data to your New Device

1. Turning on your new Android device

• After making sure that the new device is charged at least 80%, turn it on.

• Go through the initial setup guide until you reach the “Copy apps & data” screen.

2. Getting your new phone ready for the Android data transfer.

• On this screen, you should tap on the “Copy Data from Old Android” option.

• This should prepare your new phone for the data transfer process.

3. Enable connectivity on both devices.

• Go to the old phone’s Settings app to turn on the Bluetooth

• The phone usually comes with Bluetooth already turned on, so you may not need to turn it on again.

• If prompted to turn on location services, go ahead and turn it on.

4. Connecting both Phones

• Tap the ‘Next’ button on the new phone.

• Select your old phone from the list of nearby devices that will appear.

• On both devices, you will receive a pairing code. Check to confirm that both codes match, then tap on ‘Pair’ on both devices.

5. Selecting the Files to Be Transferred

• After successfully connecting both phones, your new phone will scan through the old phone.

• After scanning, a list of data types to be transferred will appear on the new phone. They usually include apps, contacts, photos, messages etc.

• You can either leave them all checked in order to transfer everything or select each data type you would like to transfer.

6. Beginning with the Android Data Transfer

• To begin the transfer process, tap “Copy”.

• This may take a couple of minutes or hours, depending on the number of files on your old device.

• To prevent interruption and smoother transfer, avoid using either phone during this time.

• Also, maintain the closeness of both phones to each other and plug them in if necessary.

7.  Post-Transfer Setup

• After successfully transferring all select files, you will receive a prompt on the new phone to continue with the setup process.

• Sign in to your Google account to allow automatic installation of apps.

• Whilst apps are downloading, photos and files stored in your Google Drive will also begin syncing.

• Once this is done, double-check all apps to make sure all data is there.

• Check photos, contacts, videos and other files too.

• Apps like banking apps may require logging in again.

What Gets Transferred in this Android Data Transfer?

This method moves:

• Google account(s)

• Installed apps (note: some may need re-login)

• Contacts, messages, and call logs

• Photos, videos, and documents stored on the device

• Calendar events and Wi-Fi passwords

• Some device settings, like wallpapers and ringtones

Keep in mind:

• App data might not fully transfer for every app.

• WhatsApp chats require a separate backup process through Google Drive.