onX Announces New In-App SOS Feature
July 14, 2026
Whether you’re chasing elk deep in the backcountry, navigating rugged 4×4 trails, or hiking beyond the reach of cell service, help is never guaranteed when something goes wrong. That’s why onX has introduced onX SOS, a new in-app emergency assistance service designed to give outdoor adventurers an added layer of confidence wherever their journeys take them.
Powered by Overwatch x Rescue (OxR), onX SOS integrates professional emergency response directly into the onX navigation apps that millions of hunters, off-roaders, and outdoor enthusiasts already rely on. Rather than carrying dedicated satellite rescue hardware or maintaining multiple emergency memberships, users can access emergency coordination and rescue coverage through a single annual subscription priced at $49.99.
The new service is designed for people who intentionally leave cell coverage behind in pursuit of adventure. Whether exploring remote public lands, camping off the grid, riding remote OHV trails, or backpacking into the wilderness, users can connect with a 24/7 emergency response team through cellular or satellite SMS capabilities built into compatible smartphones.
According to onX, nearly all of its customers consider safety an essential part of spending time outdoors.
“We designed onX SOS around a simple insight: nearly all of our customers consider safety to be a critical part of their outdoor experience,” said Preethi Ramani, Chief Product Officer at onX. “Whether you’re finding a new perch to glass from, peak to summit, or trail to ride, onX SOS goes wherever you do. And if something goes wrong, even miles away from another human or cell service, a professional emergency coordination team is just a few taps away.”
The need for reliable emergency assistance is significant. An onX analysis found that more than 646 million acres across the United States—roughly 28 percent of the country’s landmass—have no cellular coverage. Yet between 77 and 91 percent of onX users report regularly recreating in these signal-free areas. Among onX Offroad users, more than half say they’ve needed assistance while exploring remote terrain.
When an emergency occurs, activating the in-app SOS button automatically generates a text message containing the user’s GPS coordinates and account information. That message is transmitted via cellular or satellite SMS to OxR’s 24-hour Crisis Response Centers, where trained coordinators begin communicating with the user, coordinate rescue resources, and remain engaged until the emergency has been resolved.
Unlike many rescue memberships, onX SOS also covers rescue and evacuation costs directly, eliminating reimbursement claims and out-of-pocket expenses. That financial protection can be especially valuable considering the U.S. Government Accountability Office estimates the average air ambulance flight costs approximately $36,400, an expense often not fully covered by private insurance.
OxR, a service of FocusPoint International, brings more than 15 years of emergency response experience to the partnership. The organization has coordinated more than 15,000 rescues across over 220 countries and territories while helping adventurers avoid more than $10 million in rescue and medical expenses.
“At Overwatch x Rescue, we believe going further outdoors should never mean facing the risks alone,” said Greg Pearson, CEO of FocusPoint International. “By powering onX SOS, our team brings decades of rescue coordination experience to the adventurers who rely on onX every day.”
onX SOS is available now for onX Offroad and onX Hunt users on both iOS and Android across all membership levels, with support for onX Backcountry scheduled to arrive later this summer. A single subscription works across all three apps, providing consistent emergency protection whether your next adventure takes you onto forest roads, remote hunting grounds, or deep into the backcountry.
OutdoorX4 – Promoting responsible vehicle-based adventure travel and outdoors adventure
