Sending Location via SMS
The SOS App allows you to instantly share your real-time location with trusted contacts via SMS, even if your device is offline.
This ensures you remain connected and protected in any emergency situation.
Overview
The SOS App automatically sends your live GPS location to all saved emergency contacts when an SOS alert is triggered.
Depending on network availability:
- If internet is available: The SMS includes a clickable Google Maps link along with GPS coordinates.
- If no internet: Only raw latitude and longitude coordinates are shared via SMS.
- If signal is temporarily lost: The SMS is queued and sent automatically once the network is restored.
This dual-mode system guarantees your alert is always sent, regardless of connectivity status.
Requirements
Before using this feature, ensure the following permissions are granted:
- Location Access: Must be set to "Allow all the time."
- SMS Permission: Required to send emergency alerts via text messages.
- Background Location Access: Necessary for sharing your location even when the app is minimized or the screen is off.
You can manage and verify permissions at Settings → App Permissions within the SOS App.
How It Works
| Network Condition | Message Content |
|---|---|
| Internet Available | SMS contains a clickable Google Maps link and coordinates. |
| No Internet Available | SMS contains only raw GPS latitude and longitude. |
| No Signal (e.g., airplane mode) | SMS is queued and sent automatically once the connection is restored. |
- The app intelligently detects network status and selects the appropriate method without user intervention.
- Emergency action is prioritized over formatting or message style to ensure speed.
Setup Guide
Follow these steps to enable and configure Sending Location via SMS:
- Open the SOS App.
- Go to Settings → Permissions.
- Confirm that Location Access and SMS Permission are enabled.
- Add trusted emergency contacts through Emergency Contacts section in the dashboard.
- (Optional) Save your customizesd SOS message in Customize SOS Message.
- Perform a test SOS trigger by clicking One-Tap-Alert button to send location by SMS.
- After the successful testing, validate the configuration.
View Screenshot
Send Alert by Tapping One SOS Button:
Testing your SOS setup after configuration is highly recommended to ensure everything functions correctly during an actual emergency.
Example SOS Messages
When you are offline or online:
Emergency detected! Message: "Need help urget" Location: https://maps.google.com/?q=28.6139,77.2090 Help needed urgently.
Common Questions
Will the SOS App still send alerts without an internet connection?
Yes. If mobile data or Wi-Fi is unavailable, the app automatically sends your GPS coordinates via standard SMS.
Can I customize the SOS SMS message?
Yes. You can personalize the message content through Settings → Customize SOS Message.
Does the app track my location continuously?
No. Location access occurs only when an emergency is triggered or when explicitly enabled for family tracking.
What happens if the SMS fails to send?
If an SMS fails due to signal loss, the app will automatically attempt to resend once the connection is restored. You can also manually resend if necessary.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| SOS alert not sending | Verify SMS permissions. Ensure SIM card is active and has sufficient balance. |
| Incorrect location sent | Calibrate GPS under your device’s location settings. Confirm "Allow all the time" location access is granted. |
| No location in SMS | Ensure Location Services are enabled. Verify that background location access permission is active. |
On some devices, aggressive battery-saving modes may block background location updates.
Whitelist the SOS App in your device's battery optimization settings if necessary.
The SOS App’s Sending Location via SMS feature ensures you remain reachable and findable during emergencies, even in areas with poor connectivity.
By combining offline SMS capability with intelligent internet fallback, the SOS App delivers fast, reliable, and life-saving communication when it matters most.
Next Step
Learn how to personalize your emergency alert.