How quickly will a message go out after pushing a button? 

After your GPS location has been acquired, the first message is attempted and may reach their destination(s) within 2 to 5 minutes.  We recommend that when sending messages from your SPOT to allow the message cycle to complete.

Message Cycle
•    Check-in/Ok and Custom: Acquires your GPS coordinates and sends 3 messages in a 20-minute period.
•    Help: Sends a message every 5 minutes with updated GPS coordinates for 60 minutes, unless the Help message is canceled or the device is turned off.
•    SOS: Sends a message every 5 minutes with updated GPS coordinates until the batteries are depleted, the SOS message is canceled, or the device is powered off. 

Please note: If the SOS messaging mode is initiated, turning off your device does not cancel the SOS request and may still result in a Search and Rescue attempt.  For more information, click here.

How to Cancel SOS SPOT X: While SOS is active, long press the SOS button for 3 seconds to cancel the SOS initiation.
How to Cancel SOS Gen1, 2, 3, and 4: Press and hold the SOS button until the light blinks red. Let SPOT work until the SOS button stops blinking red to finish sending the cancellation message. The Message Sending light will blink green indicating it has sent the cancel message. Turning off your SPOT while in SOS mode DOES NOT send an SOS cancel message.

Please keep in mind that even when the SPOT system sends messages, message delivery is dependent on the status of your providers SMS and email networks. This could mean that messages, like any email or SMS messages you send and receive everyday, could be delayed. Please contact your mobile phone service provider, internet service provider or system administrator if you suspect irregular performance.