Apple’s satellite features are designed for situations where cellular and Wi-Fi coverage are unavailable. In supported regions, compatible iPhone 14 or later models can connect directly to a satellite to send messages, access Emergency SOS and share location data. Location sharing via satellite is particularly useful when traveling in remote areas, hiking or driving through regions with limited network coverage. This guide explains what is required to use location sharing via satellite on an iPhone, how to prepare the feature in advance and how to send your location when no signal is available.

How to share your location via satellite

When there is no cellular or Wi-Fi signal available, open the Find My app. If satellite connectivity is possible, the app will prompt you to connect to a satellite. Onscreen instructions will guide you to point the iPhone toward the sky and adjust its position to maintain a connection.

Once connected, select the option to share your location. The iPhone will record your current location and send it via satellite to the selected contact. During this process, it is important to keep the device steady and follow the visual guidance until the transmission is complete.

After the location is sent, the contact can view it in their Find My app. The shared location represents a specific moment in time rather than ongoing movement.

What you need before using satellite location sharing

Location sharing via satellite is available on iPhone 14 models and later that are running iOS 18 or newer. The feature is supported only in specific countries and regions, and its availability may vary by local regulations. Satellite services also require a clear view of the sky, which means dense tree cover, buildings, mountains or being indoors can interfere with connectivity.

Apple offers satellite features free of charge for two years with the activation of an iPhone 14 or later, although this policy may change over time. It is important to confirm that satellite services are active on the device before relying on them in a remote setting.

Location sharing via satellite works through the Find My app. Unlike Emergency SOS, it is not intended for urgent situations and does not contact emergency services. Instead, it allows trusted contacts to see your current location when standard connectivity is unavailable.

Preparing your iPhone for satellite use

Before heading somewhere with limited coverage, it is important to confirm that location services and Find My are properly configured. On the iPhone, open the Settings app and tap Privacy & Security, then select Location Services and ensure the feature is turned on. Scroll down to Find My and confirm that location access is set appropriately.

Next, open the Find My app and make sure location sharing is enabled. If location sharing has not been set up, the app will prompt you to choose contacts who are allowed to view your location. Only contacts added in advance can receive location updates via satellite. If you are somewhere without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, you’ll need to use Apple’s Connection Assistant. Open Settings, then tap Satellite and choose a satellite feature.

Apple also recommends reviewing the satellite connection demo, which is available within the Find My app and other satellite features. This demo shows how to hold the iPhone and move it to maintain a satellite connection. Practicing this step ahead of time can make the process quicker and less stressful when it is actually needed.

Viewing shared locations and managing access

Contacts who receive a satellite location update can see it in the same way as standard Find My location sharing. The location appears on the map with a timestamp indicating when it was sent. If additional updates are needed, the process must be repeated, provided satellite connectivity is still available.

Location sharing permissions can be managed at any time. In the Find My app, users can add or remove contacts and adjust how long location sharing remains active. These settings apply to both standard and satellite-based sharing.

How location sharing via satellite works

When an iPhone loses access to cellular and Wi-Fi networks, the Find My app can switch to satellite mode. This allows the device to send limited data packets to a satellite, which then relays the information to Apple’s network and on to the selected contact.

Because satellite bandwidth is limited, location updates are not continuous — the iPhone sends a snapshot of the user’s location rather than live tracking. Updates may take several minutes to send, depending on conditions and satellite availability.

Battery level can also affect satellite performance. Apple recommends ensuring the iPhone is sufficiently charged before relying on satellite features, especially during extended outdoor activities.

Important limitations to keep in mind

Satellite location sharing is not a replacement for Emergency SOS. In situations involving immediate danger, Emergency SOS via satellite should be used instead, as it connects directly with emergency services.

Environmental factors can significantly affect satellite connectivity. Cloud cover, terrain and obstructions can slow or prevent successful transmissions. The feature also works best outdoors with a clear view of the horizon.

Finally, satellite services are designed for occasional use rather than frequent messaging or tracking. Location updates may take longer than expected and should not be relied on for real-time navigation or coordination.

Sharing your location via satellite can provide peace of mind when traveling beyond the reach of traditional networks. By setting up the feature in advance and understanding its limitations, iPhone users can make better use of Apple’s satellite tools when they matter most.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-share-your-location-via-satellite-on-iphone-130000085.html?src=rss

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If you’ve upgraded your phone recently, there’s a good chance it supports wireless charging. Battery life can be one of the first things to deteriorate as your phone ages, so you’ll need quick and easy ways to power up wherever you are. You may not always be able to have a cable on your person, but investing in a wireless phone charger (or a few) can make it more convenient to plop your phone down and know it’ll have more juice when you pick it back up again.

While you’re not going to get the same charging speed with a wireless charger that you would with a power cable, the convenience of a power source like this is undeniable. Stick a wireless charger on your bedside, on your desk at work, in your kitchen or wherever you spend a good chunk of your time and you’ll have a reliable way to power up your phone, sans bulky, messy cables. Needless to say, there are a ton of options out there with different charging capabilities and price ranges. Below, we’ve collected the best wireless chargers we’ve tested to make your search a little easier.

Table of contents

• Best wireless chargers for 2026

• What to look for in a wireless charger

• Where and how will you use your charger?

• Wireless charging performance

• Quality and box contents

• Wireless chargers FAQs

Best wireless chargers for 2026

What to look for in a wireless charger

While it’s tempting to buy a wireless charging pad optimized for the specific phone you have now, resist that urge. Instead, think about the types of devices (phones included) that you could see yourself using in the near future. If you’re sure you’ll use iPhones for a long time, an Apple MagSafe-compatible magnetic wireless charger will be faster and more convenient. If you use Android phones or think you might switch sides, however, you’ll want a more universal design. If you have other accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch that supports wireless charging, maybe you’d be better off with a 3-in-1 wireless charger or full wireless charging station.

Where and how will you use your charger?

Odds are that you have a specific use case in mind for your charger. You may want it by your bedside on your nightstand for a quick charge in the morning, or on your desk for at-a-glance notifications. You might even keep it in your bag for convenient travel charging instead of bulky portable chargers or power banks. Think about where you want to use this accessory and what you want to do with the device(s) it charges while it’s powering up. For example, a wireless charging pad might be better for bedside use if you just want to be able to drop your phone down at the end of a long day and know it’ll be powered up in the morning. However, a stand will be better if you have an iPhone and want to make use of the Standby feature during the nighttime hours.

For a desk wireless charger, a stand lets you more easily glance at phone notifications throughout the day. For traveling, undoubtedly, a puck-style charging pad is best since it will take up much less space in your bag than a stand would. Many power banks also include wireless charging pads built in, so one of those might make even more sense for those who are always on the go. Some foldable chargers are also designed for travel, collapsing flat to take up less space.

Wireless charging performance

Although wireless charging is usually slower than its wired equivalent, speed and wattage are still important considerations. A fast charger can supply enough power for a long night out in the time it takes to change outfits. Look for options that promise faster charging and support standards like Qi2 certified charging for the best balance of efficiency and compatibility.

In general, a 15W charger is more than quick enough for most situations, and you’ll need a MagSafe-compatible charger to extract that level of performance from an iPhone. With that said, even the slower 7.5W and 10W chargers are fast enough for an overnight power-up. If anything, you’ll want to worry more about support for cases. While many models can deliver power through a reasonably thick case (typically 3mm to 5mm), you’ll occasionally run into examples that only work with naked phones.

There are some proprietary chargers that smash the 15W barrier if you have the right phone. Apple’s latest MagSafe charging pad can provide up to 25W of wireless power to compatible iPhones when paired with a 30W or 35W adapter — the latter being another component you’ll have to get right to make sure the whole equation works as fast as it possibly can.

Quality and box contents

Pay attention to what’s included in the box. Some wireless chargers don’t include power adapters, and others may even ask you to reuse your phone’s USB-C charging cable. What may seem to be a bargain may prove expensive if you have to buy extras just to use it properly. As mentioned above, you’ll want to make sure all of the components needed to use the wireless charger can provide the level of power you need — you’re only as strong (or in this case, fast) as your weakest link.

Fit and finish is also worth considering. You’re likely going to use your wireless charger every day, so even small differences in build quality could make the difference between joy and frustration. If your charger doesn’t use MagSafe-compatible tech, textured surfaces like fabric or rubberized plastic are more likely to keep your phone in place. The base should be grippy or weighty enough that the charger won’t slide around. Also double check that the wireless charger you’re considering can support phones outfitted with cases — the specifications are usually listed in the charger’s description or specs.

You’ll also want to think about the minor conveniences. Status lights are useful for indicating correct phone placement, but an overly bright light can be distracting. Ideally, the light dims or shuts off after a certain period of time. And while we caution against lips and trays that limit compatibility, you may still want some barriers to prevent your device falling off its perch on the charging station.

Wireless chargers FAQs

Do wireless chargers work if you have a phone case?

Many wireless chargers do work if you leave the case on your phone. Generally, a case up to 3mm thick should be compatible with most wireless chargers. However, you should check the manufacturer’s guide to ensure a case is supported.

How do I know if my phone supports wireless charging?

Checking the phone’s specification should tell you if your phone is compatible with wireless charging. You might see words like “Qi wireless charging” or “wireless charging compatible.”

Do cords charge your phone faster?

Most often, wired charging will be faster than wireless charging. However, wired charging also depends on what the charging cable’s speed is and how much power it’s designed to carry. A quick-charging cable that can transmit up to 120W of power is going to be faster than a wireless charger.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-wireless-charger-140036359.html?src=rss

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