Your Objective Has a Backup Plan. Sometimes plans change fast, and when they do, help shouldn’t be hard to find. onX SOS is there the moment you need it.
Real People Respond
A trained coordinator assesses your situation, coordinates the response, and stays engaged until help arrives.
Coverage Comes With You
No matter where the trip takes you, your rescue coverage follows.
Eligible Costs Paid Directly
No reimbursement process. No surprise rescue bills. Overwatch x Rescue pays eligible rescue and evacuation costs directly.
What is onX SOS?
onX SOS is an emergency rescue add-on subscription that connects you directly to Overwatch x Rescue’s 24/7 Crisis Response Center when you need help.
Their team assesses the situation, coordinates the response, stays engaged until help arrives, and covers eligible rescue and evacuation costs.
Included With onX SOS
Available as an add-on to any onX Backcountry account
for $49.99/year.
Powered By Overwatch x Rescue
Two Trusted Teams. One Backup Plan.
onX Backcountry helps you confidently explore everything from the back 40 to the backcountry. But we also know that when something goes wrong out in the field, sometimes maps alone aren’t enough. That’s why we partnered with Overwatch X Rescue to help get you home when things don’t go according to plan.
OxR is a global emergency response organization operated by FocusPoint International. Their Crisis Response Center is staffed by former military personnel, medical professionals, and first responders who coordinate more than 15,000 rescues annually across 220+ countries and territories.
How onX SOS Works
Emergency support and rescue coordination from a real person is just a few taps away.
STEP 1
Activate an SOS
At the bottom left of the map, tap the “SOS” button.
STEP 2
Send Your Emergency Alert
onX prepares a message in your phone’s native messaging app with your GPS coordinate location and account information to help responders quickly understand where you are.
STEP 3
Connect with a Professional Coordinator
A member of Overwatch x Rescue’s Crisis Response Center responds to assess the situation and coordinate the appropriate response.
STEP 4
Get Help
Your coordinator stays engaged throughout the rescue process, providing updates and support until help arrives.
onX SOS Device Compatibility +
Satellite Communication Capability
onX SOS uses cellular coverage or satellite messaging to create a two-way text conversation with Overwatch x Rescue coordinators to receive your location, assess the situation, and communicate with you throughout the process, and dispatch emergency services to your location.
onX SOS works with both cellular coverage and satellite communication devices.
Here’s how to tell:
📶 Within Cell Service: Any smartphone capable of sending SMS messages can use onX SOS (if you have service, trying 911 first is recommended).
🛰️ Outside Cell Service: Satellite SMS messaging capabilities are required.
📱 To use onX SOS outside cell coverage, you’ll need one of the following:
- An eligible iPhone or Android device with a carrier-supported satellite messaging plan
- A linked Garmin inReach, SPOT X, or ZOLEO satellite communicator
- iPhone 14 or newer running iOS 18.5+
Rescue in Action
While backcountry skiing in Idaho, a skier watched a friend take a bad fall and suffer what appeared to be a broken leg. Far from the nearest trailhead, they sent an SOS using a satellite-enabled device.
OxR quickly gathered details from the group and alerted local first responders. The Sun Valley Fire Department responded to the remote location, where EMS treated the injured skier and prepared them for transport to receive further medical care.
Take a deep dive into setup and use—including how to test your onX SOS in the field—in our comprehensive User Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. onX SOS is an emergency assistance subscription, not an insurance policy. Overwatch x Rescue directly manages and pays eligible rescue costs on your behalf.
onX SOS is available as an add-on to any onX Backcountry account (Basic, Premium, and Elite) for $49.99/year.
Yes. Compatible devices can use cellular or satellite messaging capabilities to connect with Overwatch x Rescue when traditional cell service isn’t available. Compatible phones include: Android devices and iPhones with an active T-Satellite plan, iPhone 14 and newer running iOS 18.5 (even without a satellite messaging plan), and Android devices on the Verizon network with satellite messaging functionality.
Yes. You can register one compatible satellite communicator device as a backup to your onX SOS subscription.
Eligible rescue, evacuation, and emergency transportation costs are covered directly by Overwatch x Rescue with no claims process, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses for covered services.
Yes. Coverage is available across 220+ countries and territories, subject to terms, conditions, and exclusions.
Yes. You can activate SOS on behalf of another person. Financial coverage applies only to individuals with their own active onX SOS subscription.
Check the complete FAQ for details, including Terms & Conditions.
Built For The Backcountry. Backed For The Unexpected.
Whether you’re deep in the backcountry, injured on a solo hike, or simply exploring beyond cell service, onX SOS gives you a professional backup plan when the unexpected happens.