Iridium GO! setup and first call
A condensed step-by-step for getting your Iridium GO! talking to your phone and making the first call. Allow about ten minutes the first time.
Before you start
You need:
- The Iridium GO! unit, fully charged
- The active Iridium SIM card (already inserted by us before shipping)
- A smartphone or tablet with the Iridium GO! app installed (App Store / Google Play)
- A clear view of the open sky
1. Power on the unit outside
Take the GO! into open sky. Lift the antenna into the upright position — this powers the unit on. Wait for the satellite signal bars on the front display to fill. Typical lock takes 30 to 90 seconds.
2. Connect your phone
The GO! creates a WiFi network called something like Iridium-12345. Connect to it from your smartphone’s WiFi settings. The first time, you’ll need the password printed on the back of the unit (or in the supplied paperwork).
3. Open the Iridium GO! app
The app should auto-detect the unit and show signal strength, battery, and the menu of services: Phone, Mail, SMS, Tracking, SOS.
4. Make a test call
Tap Phone and dial a normal number. The first call always feels slow — there is a brief satellite handshake, then the call connects. Speak clearly, expect a small latency.
5. Check messages and tracking
In Settings → Tracking, you can enable position reports to a chosen email address. In Mail, configure your incoming/outgoing addresses if you want compressed satellite email.
Common issues
- No signal. You need open sky — move away from buildings, trees, and below-deck.
- App can’t see unit. Re-connect to the GO! WiFi network on your phone.
- Calls drop. Move to clearer sky; check the unit is upright and stable.
We’ll talk you through it
If you’d like a guided first-call setup over the phone, the hotline 0800 747 6747 is the fastest route — five minutes is usually enough.