A viral social media post has resurfaced with misleading advice for outdoor enthusiasts, suggesting that if you’re lost in the wilderness with a low phone battery, you should change your voicemail message to include your location and a call for help. While this advice seems practical at first glance, it’s not only false but potentially dangerous. Alpine Rescue Team, an experienced search and rescue group, is warning hikers and adventurers to ignore this harmful tip.
What the Viral Post Says
“If ever lost while hiking, stranded with a broken-down vehicle or other emergency situation, if your cell phone battery is low here is a tip that can very well save your life. Change your outgoing voicemail on your phone to a message that gives your approximate location, the time, the date, your situation; lost, out of gas, car broken down, injured, etc… plus any special instructions such as; ‘You are staying with the car’, ‘You are walking towards a town’ If your cell phone dies, stops working or loses signal your voicemail will still be working. Anyone calling your phone will hear your emergency instructions. They will know you need help and know where to find you or where to send help.“
While this might sound logical, the reality of how voicemail systems work means this strategy simply won’t help. Alpine Rescue Team responded to the viral post with an urgent correction and important safety tips.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Why Changing Your Voicemail Won't Work
You Can’t Change Your Voicemail Without Cell Service
One of the biggest problems with this advice is that you need an active cellular signal to change your voicemail. Voicemail systems are managed by your cell provider, not stored on your phone. In order to update your greeting, you’d have to call into your voicemail, navigate menus, and record the new message—none of which is possible without signal. If you’re lost with poor or no service, you won’t be able to change your voicemail at all.Don’t Waste Precious Battery Power
With a low battery, the last thing you should be doing is calling your voicemail to change a greeting. Alpine Rescue Team emphasizes that if you’re in trouble, your priority should be to contact 9-1-1, not friends or relatives. Every moment of battery life is precious. If there’s no signal for a call, text 9-1-1 instead, as many emergency centers can receive texts. Text messages use less power and have a better chance of going through in areas with spotty reception.
Proper Emergency Protocol in the Wilderness
Here’s what to do if you find yourself lost or in an emergency situation with a low battery:
Call 9-1-1 Immediately
If you have any signal, your first call should be to emergency services. They can dispatch a search and rescue (SAR) team to your location quickly.Use Text Messages for Help
If a call won’t go through due to poor signal, try sending a text to 9-1-1. Texts require less signal strength, can automatically retry, and provide a record of your communication. SAR teams can also respond with specific instructions or updates.Stay Put After Calling for Help
Once you’ve called for help, stay in one place unless it’s unsafe. Moving can make it much harder for search teams to locate you. Staying still allows rescuers to use your GPS coordinates or triangulate your position more quickly.Maximize Battery Life
Turn off unnecessary phone features like WiFi, Bluetooth, and background apps. Avoid using your phone’s GPS or compass, as these features are battery drains. Keep your phone warm to prevent battery depletion in cold conditions, and be prepared to turn your phone off between text attempts to conserve power.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Don’t Spread Harmful Misinformation
The viral voicemail suggestion might seem helpful, but it can lead to wasted time and battery life—two things you can’t afford in an emergency. Always prioritize contacting 9-1-1 and using your phone efficiently.
By following these tips from the Alpine Rescue Team, you’ll improve your chances of being rescued quickly and safely. Remember: when in doubt, don’t follow advice you see on social media without verifying it from trusted sources.
PS: Support Search and Rescue teams like Alpine Rescue Team by purchasing a COSAR Card. Learn more or buy one here.
RECENT MOUNTAIN NEWS
