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How To Connect To Emergency Satellite On IPhone And Android Before Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton is forecast to bring a slew of devastation to Florida's west coast as the Category 3 storm makes landfall in the Tampa area Wednesday evening.
In addition to physical damage to the region, power blackouts and cell service outages could last for days after the storm hits, as was seen in the wake of Hurricane Helene late last month.
A weather alert is displayed on a phone as Hurricane Milton churns in the Gulf of Mexico, on Oc. 7, 2024, in Tampa, Fla.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
MORE: Hurricane Milton tracker: Florida braces for Wednesday night landfall near Sarasota
As residents prepare for impact, there are several satellite connection options available for the latest iPhone and Android models to facilitate contact with loved ones and emergency personnel in the face of outages.
iPhoneWith iPhone 14 or more recent models, users can connect devices to a satellite to text emergency services, request roadside assistance, message friends and family and share locations, even without cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, according to Apple.
However, because satellites are located hundreds of miles away from Earth and move rapidly the user experience may be impacted by the low bandwidth, according to the company.
"In ideal conditions with a direct view of the sky and the horizon, a message might take 30 seconds to send. It might take over a minute to send under trees with light or medium foliage," the company notes on its website.
A person uses a mobile phone as Hurricane Milton approaches, in Hillsborough Bay, Tampa, Fla., on Oct. 9, 2024.
Octavio Jones/Reuters
Apple recommends being outside with a clear view of the horizon, moving away from obstructions such as trees, sending shorter messages and updating to the latest IOS for best results.
MORE: What to know about FEMA disaster relief ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall
To connect to a satellite, swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center, then tap the Cellular button on the right. Tap Satellite, then choose a satellite feature.
Ahead of the storm and for emergencies at large, Apple recommends having emergency contacts and important medical information added to your Medical ID within the Health app.
AndroidFor Android users hoping to connect to Google's satellite services, the models with the capability include the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Called Satellite SOS, "This feature will be activated once all the necessary software and APIs are updated and the service is registered with the satellite network," according to Google.
The company says users will be notified once the feature is active but the status can be checked in the settings app.
Workers load boxed meals on a Farm Share food bank truck before it leaves to aid those that may be affected Hurricane Milton as it approaches central Florida, on Oct. 9, 2024, in Doral, Fla.
Wilfredo Lee/AP
On the Pixel models listed above, if you need to contact emergency services without a mobile or Wi-Fi network, dial 911 and you'll find an option to use Satellite SOS in the dialer.
Tap Satellite SOS and then press start, from there you'll fill out the emergency questionnaire.
To set up emergency contacts to receive updates on your location and status when using Satellite SOS, Android users should go to the phone's Personal Safety app.
StarlinkIn a collaboration with T-Mobile, Elon Musk's Starlink is offering direct-to-cell service for areas expected to be impacted by Hurricane Milton.
"We have accelerated the rollout of Starlink direct to cell phone connectivity for areas affected by the hurricanes," Musk wrote on X early Wednesday morning. "This is being provided free of charge by SpaceX and TMobile to help those in need," he added.
A couple fills trash bags with water to use as a flood barrier after a passing tornado affected the area as Hurricane Milton approaches Fort Myers, Fl., on Oct. 9, 2024.
Ricardo Arduengo/Reuters
New users can activate Starlink for free and the service will work for carriers outside of T-Mobile, according to Musk.
If a phone connects to a Starlink satellite, it will have one to two bars of signal and show "T-Mobile SpaceX" in the network name, according to SpaceX.
In this Oct. 28, 2020, file photo, a satellite tracker image is seen displayed on a smartphone with a Starlink logo in the background.
Pavio Gonchar/Sopa Images via LightRocket via Getty Images, FILE
"Users may have to manually retry text messages if they don't go through at first, as this is being delivered on a best-effort basis," the company wrote on X.
"The service works best outdoors, and occasionally works indoors near a window," SpaceX added.
Big-Screen Viewing: How To Connect Your IPhone Or IPad To Your TV
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Mobile devices have bigger screens than ever before, but they're not always ideal for streaming video or watching the game. Most TVs now have their own native apps for content streaming, but if you don't have a smart TV or need to project something specific, like a web page, it's easy enough to connect your Apple device to any TV for a true big-screen experience.
Connect With Apple AirPlayThe easiest way to connect wirelessly is with Apple AirPlay, which comes built into your mobile device's operating system. It allows you to mirror or cast content from your iPhone or iPad to an AirPlay-compatible smart TV, Apple TV, or certain Roku devices. Chromecasts, which use Google's Cast protocol, support casting but not mirroring for Apple devices.
To use AirPlay, make sure your streaming device or smart TV is connected to the same home Wi-Fi network as your iPhone or iPad. Open the Control Center on your device and tap AirPlay Mirroring, then select the appropriate destination. Whatever is on your mobile device's screen will be mirrored onto the TV's screen.
You can also send individual pictures and videos to the television by selecting the Share icon inside the Photos app. Tap AirPlay from the pop-up menu and choose a destination. AirPlay works with third-party apps to stream media—including music, podcasts, movies, TV shows, and more—to the television.
If you're frequently sending media from a phone to the TV, simplify the process by going to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff. Tap Automatically AirPlay to TVs and set to Automatic. If you pick Ask, you'll see a prompt before media is sent to the TV. Security-conscious people can require an AirPlay code before a device connects with an Apple TV.
One warning regarding this method, though: In crowded Wi-Fi environments, AirPlay video might break up or stutter. It should work fine in most homes, but if you have a problem, a cable might be the best choice.
Connect With a CableYou can also connect an iPhone or iPad to the TV via cable, as long as you have the right adapter. Apple makes digital AV adapters for USB-C and Lightning devices to connect with your TV's HDMI port, and a Lightning or USB-C adapter to plug into VGA-compatible peripherals.
Amazon also sells many third-party Lightning- or USB-C-to-HDMI cables, which are cheaper than options from Apple, but be warned: They won't work if they lack High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), which prevents pirates from capturing high-def digital content.
If you don't already have one, you'll also need an HDMI or VGA cable that can connect from the iPhone adapter to the compatible plug in the back of the TV. Any one will do, so buy the least expensive one. If you don't know which cable is right for your TV, read our cable guide.
Connect your iPhone or iPad to the adapter via the Lightning or USB-C port, then connect the adapter to the cable. Hook the cable into the back of the television. You should then be able to switch the TV's input to the corresponding port to view your device's screen.
When playing television or films from iTunes or a streaming service like Netflix, the adapter will max out at 1080p, even if you're trying to watch something in 4K or higher. Also be aware that certain games and services do not work with dongles, and anything sent from your device to the TV will be delayed by a few seconds, making it less ideal for gaming.
The adapter does not require power to work, but you may want to keep your device charged if you plan to use it for a prolonged period of time. Apple's official adapters have an extra port that can be used to connect a iPhone or iPad to a charging cable while you watch media. However, third-party adapters may not have this feature.
Connect With a DLNA AppIf you have an internet-enabled TV, it probably supports DLNA, a generic form of media streaming available on many different manufacturers' products. Check the DLNA database to make sure your television is compatible. With a DLNA app like VLC media player or Castify on your phone, you can share media files and stream them to a smart TV.
These apps allow you to view unprotected music and video files, such as home movies, personal recordings, and anything not protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM) on your iPhone or iPad. Media purchased through the iTunes Store, and other official channels, won't work.
However, when it comes to DLNA, you're not limited to your iOS device. Some apps will look at media stored on other devices, like a PC, and act as a go-between to set up streaming from PC to TV, for example. You don't have to convert any videos or install special codecs to make it work.
If your TV doesn't show up when trying to use an app, you may need to activate its DLNA function. Go to the TV's internet connection menu and look for an option to stream from a PC or home server. That's DLNA.
DIY Media StreamingThere are more DIY ways to connect a iPhone or iPad to your TV. For instance, you can get an Android-powered TV stick, plug it into the back of your TV, and install the Kodi media server app. The stick will play unprotected music and video from the built-in apps on your device by using the AirPlay button, but it won't support screen mirroring or protected video streaming (so no Netflix).
However, if you're not interested in learning how to set up Kodi properly, this approach can be more trouble than it's worth. The sticks are slow, buggy, and unreliable, and Kodi support tends to break. While this is definitely a way to save money over an Apple TV (and the stick can run any Android app on your TV, which is cool), what's your time worth? Probably more than the price difference.
Plex is an alternative media server for your PC that may be easier to manage, since you can use your phone to cast or screen mirror content to the TV. However, be warned that certain app functionality is locked behind a premium Plex Pass subscription.
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Spotify On Garmin: How To Download The App And Add Music For Offline Listening
Everything you need to know about Garmin's integrationUnlocking Spotify on your Garmin watch is the perfect way to listen to music and podcasts while exercising – and there's now a wide range of devices supporting the streaming app.
Whether you need help downloading Spotify from Garmin Connect IQ, adding playlists for offline listening, or simply understanding whether your watch is compatible, this guide explains all.
Which Garmin watches support Spotify?
If your Garmin watch launched after 2018, there's a good chance your watch can support the Spotify app, given this is when the integration was first introduced.
Spotify is available on the following Garmin models, among plenty of older models listed on Connect IQ:
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Requirements for Spotify on Garmin 
Below, we'll cover the steps required to download Spotify to your watch and get started.
For tips on adding music or podcasts, skip to the next section.
1. Get everything updatedBefore you get started, you'll need to ensure everything is up to date. This part can take longer than anything else, in our experience.
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Hook your compatible watch to the Garmin Connect mobile app or your PC/Mac to Garmin Express (this might also need updating).
Then, when that's done and you're updated, you're good to move on.
You can read our guide on how to update your Garmin watch for more details.
2. Download Spotify from Garmin Connect IQSpotify is an app within the Garmin Connect IQ ecosystem, which you can find via the smartphone app.
First, open Garmin Connect then hit the 'More' tab and scroll down to 'Connect IQ Store'.
Select your device, and then use the search bar to find Spotify. Press download and sync your Garmin watch.
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3. Find the Garmin Spotify app 
You should receive a notification on your Garmin watch saying a new music provider has been added.
To open and select it, press and hold the 'Down' button (positioned at 7 o'clock) for a couple of seconds.
On some models, this will also take you straight to the app, once everything is set up.
4. Add your login credentials 
On the watch, scroll through the Spotify app and it will tell you to sign in using your Garmin Connect smartphone app.
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And, handily, a notification will appear on your smartphone so you can jump straight to the sign-in page. Log in with your credentials, and the apps will be connected.
Now head back to the Spotify app on the watch and see all your playlists. You can now choose one.
5. Connect to Wi-FiIf your watch isn't connected to Wi-Fi, you must now connect it.
The process isn't actually that painful. Choose your network and use the on-screen keyboard to type in the password. You can now successfully choose a playlist to sync.
If you're struggling here, read our guide on how to connect your Garmin watch to Wi-Fi.
6. Connect headphones and get running 
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Just like that, you're done. The last bit you'll need is to connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones. That's simple, too.
Just choose your ideal beats from the Spotify app on the watch and you'll be prompted to add headphones.
Put your Bluetooth buds in pairing mode and let the watch find them – when they pair, it's time to run.
Using the app: Adding and deleting downloads 
Whether you want to add new playlists, edit your downloads, or update constantly rolling playlists like Discover Weekly or On Repeat, you'll need to know your way around the Spotify app for Garmin.
All these tricks can only be accessed from the watch itself, and the easiest way to access it is to hold the 'Down' button for a couple of seconds. Depending on your model, this should warp you directly to Spotify.
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From here, you should be met with your downloads and a set of options.
The app relies on connection to your Spotify account via Wi-Fi, so prepare everything you want to port over to your watch on your phone or computer prior.
Download a new playlist or podcast episodeTap 'Add music & podcasts' to begin syncing content for offline playback.
You can choose from 'Made for you', 'Workouts', 'Podcasts', 'Playlists', or 'Recently Played'.
Once you continue tapping through using the touchscreen or the 'Start/Stop' button, you should see the syncing screen above.
Update your downloadsThis is an option we employ frequently, as it ensures those rolling Spotify playlists can easily be updated and match up with what you'll get on your phone, rather than being stuck showing what you initially downloaded.
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Tapping 'Update downloads' should automatically see your watch search for a Wi-Fi connection and begin the syncing process.
This also happens automatically when you charge your Garmin watch (and are connected to Wi-Fi), if you're feeling lazy and don't want to do it while it's on the wrist.
Clear space and delete downloadsWe use the Epix Pro (Gen 2) as our daily driver partly due to the mammoth amount of music storage we can get away with, but most other models don't afford you the same space.
And with no option currently available to delete downloads automatically (like removing podcast episodes once you've listened), your next best option is to do this through the 'Edit downloads' tab.
This can be fairly manual and time-consuming, so we try to do this as often as we can to ensure we're not manually removing scores of downloads at once.
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