TAKE THIS DOWN!! You may cause somebody to die by trying to follow this stupid, debunked advice. Look up the MANY articles that explain this. If you have enough battery and cell service to save a voicemail, you have enough to call 911. Call 911!!!!
But many times you really don't know where you are, right? If you don't have location services on you aren't broadcasting coordinates. Maybe I have this all wrong. Best thing: satellite phone of course.
If your phone has no signal, it also has no communication with your provider. To change the message the phone needs to communicate with the service provider.
It should be noted that newer iPhones can connect to satellites when there's no cell service for just such emergencies. I don't know about Android phones.
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If you can access your voicemail settings you can reach the emergency services. Do it!
Even if you only have a few seconds- it will make them aware of that you need help. And help tracking your position.
https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2021/10/26/lost-outside-phone-voicemail-search-rescue-hiking/8549035002/
https://archive.is/2025.06.22-140508/https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2021/10/26/lost-outside-phone-voicemail-search-rescue-hiking/8549035002/