Using a Satellite Device with Ok Alone

When you’re outside cell service—on offshore rigs, remote wilderness, or in vehicles—your satellite device can send SMS to Ok Alone just like a basic phone. You’ll use PIN-based commands to start/end shifts, check in, request help, and more.

 

1. Supported Devices & Integrations

 

2. Country-Specific Phone Numbers

Send your SMS commands to the number for your region:

  • Canada: +1 604 256 5739 or +1 438 500 1809

  • USA: +1 650 402 3018

  • UK: +44 7380 336757

  • Australia: +61 417 667 857

  • New Zealand: +64 9 887 8405

  • Ireland: +353 868 006 092

 

3. Checking In via SMS

Use the format <PIN> <action>:

Action Command Example Result
Start 123456 start Begins a shift
Check In / Start 123456 ok Sends/checks in; starts if needed
Help 123456 help Sends an emergency alert
End 123456 end Ends the current shift
Status 123456 status Returns your current status
  • To send an additional message just add the message after the action: 
      PIN action message
 

4. Pre-Set Message Templates

Many satellite devices let you program “pre-set” messages. Save your three essential commands as templates to save time:

  • PIN ok (start/check in)

  • PIN help (emergency alert)

  • PIN end (end shift)

You can include default text or coordinates in each template as needed.


5. Including Location Coordinates

If your device supports auto-attaching GPS coordinates, enable it in your device or provider portal (e.g., Garmin’s explore.garmin.com). Otherwise, manually add latitude/longitude after your action:

  • PIN action 33.812511,-117.918976

6. Check-In Reminders on Satellite Devices

  • You’ll receive SMS reminders when a check-in is due, just as you would in the app.

  • If your satellite device has an inbound number assigned, Ok Alone can send shift start, check-in, and end-shift reminders there.

  • You may also run both the mobile app and satellite device together: start your shift in the app for visual reminders, then check in via SMS when out of coverage.

 

7. Dashboard Setup for Satellite-Only Users

In the Ok Alone dashboard, choose Older Phone when adding a worker who uses only SMS or calls. This ensures they receive SMS-based setup instructions rather than app download links.

How a worker will use Ok Alone, a smartphone app or with an Older Phone using SMS or calls.

 

8. Sending a High-Risk Check-In

To shorten your next check-in interval during a hazardous task, send:

  • 123456 highrisk 10 – set up a high risk for 10 minutes
  • 123456 highrisk 30 – set up a high risk for 30 minutes
  • 123456 highrisk 60 – set up a high risk for 60 minutes



9. Automated Status Replies (Comms Plan)

If your account includes the Comms plan, enable Automated-Comms-Reply under Dashboard > Settings > Company Settings. You’ll then receive an instant status SMS whenever you send any valid command.

Automated-Comms-reply

 

10. Feature Limitations

  • Worker-Down alerts and other advanced mobile-app functions are not available via SMS.

  • Some device-specific features (e.g., SOS button) may not integrate—consult your provider.

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