# SARLOC

> Location sharing app for Search and Rescue teams, with or without a data signal. (iPhone/iPad app by Russell Hore.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sarloc/id1456589769 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Russell Hore](https://appshunter.io/developer/1456589768)
- Category: Navigation, Utilities
- Price: Free (on sale, was $1.99)
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 1 MB
- Languages: American English, French (France), German (Germany), Polish, Swedish, Welsh
- Released: 2019-06-03
- Data updated: 2026-06-06
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sarloc/id1456589769/reviews.md

## What is SARLOC?

SARLOC was originally developed in 2009 by Russ Hore as a web application that allowed Search & Rescue (SAR) teams to locate you if you were unsure of your position. If you had a data signal, the SAR team could send you a message that allowed SARLOC to obtain your location and add it to the SAR teams mapping systems. Although it has been hugely successful, it does require a data signal to show you a location before it can be passed to the SAR teams.

The SARLOC App will show you a location even if you do not have a data signal. If you are in voice communication with the SAR team you can tell them your location. If they provide you with a SARKey to enter into the App, you can share your location with them directly to their mapping systems.

SARLOC is not a substitute for knowing how to navigate the outside world and it is essential that you learn proper navigation techniques before venturing into the wild.

SARLOC requires you to be in contact with a SAR team before you can share your location with them. Starting SARLOC will not automatically notify anybody you require assistance.

## Key features

- Location sharing without data signal
- Voice communication relay
- SARKey integration
- Direct mapping system sharing
- Offline location display

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sarloc/id1456589769/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Life saver

*2024-09-20*

Used by people in the know. I’ve been advised to use this as a safer choice than the three word option because there is no ambiguity or risk of getting words wrong, which has led to problems for some unfortunates.

## Frequently asked questions about SARLOC

### Does SARLOC automatically notify anyone if I need assistance?

No, SARLOC does not automatically notify anyone. You must be in contact with a SAR team before you can share your location with them. Starting the app will not alert anyone to your need for assistance.

### Can SARLOC be used without a data signal?

Yes, SARLOC is designed to show you a location even if you do not have a data signal. This allows you to relay your position via voice communication if necessary.

### How does SARLOC share my location with SAR teams?

If you have voice communication with a SAR team, you can tell them your location. If they provide you with a SARKey, you can enter it into the app to share your location directly to their mapping systems.

### What devices does SARLOC support?

SARLOC is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is compatible with iOS devices.

### What is the age rating for SARLOC?

SARLOC has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for users of all ages.

### When was SARLOC last updated?

SARLOC was last updated on January 20, 2026, with version 2.8. This indicates regular updates to the application.

### Is SARLOC a substitute for navigation skills?

No, SARLOC is not a substitute for knowing how to navigate the outside world. It is essential to learn proper navigation techniques before venturing into the wild.

### Does SARLOC have ads?

No, SARLOC does not contain advertisements. The app is free to use without any ad interruptions.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.8 — 2026-01-20

This is a major update allowing users to send SARLOC Technology tokenised SMS messages directly from their 'phone. The token system was developed for SARLOC V1 to prevent misuse. The users does not need internet access to do this.
If the user has internet access, they can also request SARKeys's directly from the app to provide to LostPer's who also have the app.

### 2.7 — 2024-12-16

This version allows the Lost Person to upload a photo from their Photo Gallery. This could be of imagery useful to the rescue teams, injuries, etc. These images are stored encrypted so only the calling agency (the one who provided the SARKey) can access the image(s)

### 2.4 — 2024-04-10

After user feedback I have added changed SARLOC v2 to a tabbed application.
The settings tab allows you to show/hide fields on the home screen and set the Latitude/Longitude format (DMS/DM/D)
You can also force the display to UTM rather than OSGB or OSI

### 2.3 — 2023-08-22

This version should now work correctly in both Light and Dark mode

### 2.2 — 2023-07-06

Whilst I recode SARLOC to work in Dark mode it will be restricted to Light mode.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-06.*