Google is rolling out a new safety feature called Satellite SOS to its Pixel smartphones. The aim of the Satellite SOS feature is to provide emergency communications for users when they are in a location where cellular networks are unavailable. Here’s everything you need to know about its availability and how it works.

As the name suggests, the Satellite SOS feature allows users to send messages to emergency services. This can be crucial in remote areas or during natural disasters when normal communication methods fail. Google explains how the feature works on the Satellite Gateway app page (formerly Play Store).

You will see the option to use Satellite SOS when you are trying to call emergency services and there is no wifi or mobile data. You can then fill out a simple questionnaire to send your details to emergency services and contacts.

One catch with Satellite SOS is that it only works through Google’s dialer app. Another catch is that you need to have Google Messages as your default messaging app to receive responses from the emergency dispatcher. The service will be disabled if you switch to another messaging app as your default.