Kerry Wan

Satellite texting is still a fairly new feature to Android,but it can be life-saving in certain situations. 

Also: How to use your iPhone's emergency satellite features if you lose cell coverage

Satellite messaging,which lets you communicate via text when you don't have a cell signal or Wi-Fi, is limited to 911 texts on Android right now and it's limited to Pixel phones, but there is an exception for Florida residents in the path of Hurricane Milton. 

That exception: Satellite texting on Android with T-Mobile

For people in the path of Hurricane Milton in Florida, you have a temporary satellite texting option, even if you don't have a Pixel. SpaceX has announced a partnership with T-Mobile to allow any customer access to basic texting through Starlink. 

Also: 5 hurricane-tracking apps I'm using to keep an eye on Hurricane Milton

You can text friends and family, text 911, andreceive emergency alerts. You'll know you have this feature if you see "T-Mobile SpaceX" for your network name. You might have to try messages a few times, SpaceX says. You'll want to be outdoors if possible, or at the very least near a window.

In addition to the thousands (>10k) of Starlink kits we are delivering in response to Hurricane Helene, the @Starlink team and @TMobile activated our Direct to Cell satellites to provide emergency alerts for all phones and carriers of those in affected areas.
The @FCC has also...

- SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 8, 2024

How to send a satellite text with Pixel

Right now, the only Android phones with satellite texting by default are the latest from Google -- thePixel 9 , Pixel 9 Pro , Pixel 9 Pro XL , and Pixel 9 Pro Fold . Additionally, this feature is currently only available in the US, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.

Also: Starlink's Hurricane relief offer is not quite as free as advertised

If you have one of these phones, you will need to have Google Messages as your default messaging app to text via satellite. This option is only for emergencies. Pixel phones do not have satellite texting for messages other than ones to 911.

1. Make sure Google Messages is your default texting app
2. Dial 911. You'll see "Satellite SOS." Tap it, then "Use Satellite SOS," then "Start."
3. Answer the emergency questions.
   
4. When done, you'll be given the option to notify your emergency contacts.
5. Prompts will show you how to aim your phone at the satellite for best reception. The connection quality will depend on a number of factors, but you'll want to be outdoors or near a window for best results.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen

What is Android Emergency SOS?

Screenshot by Artie Beaty

If you have an Android phone, you might have noticed an "Emergency SOS" feature. This feature, turned on by default, lets you call for help in an emergency, but it does require a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. If you press your power button five times, your phone will immediately dial 911, send a message with your location to preselected contacts, and record a video. 

Also: How to set up and and use your phone's lifesaving emergency features

You can choose which of these actions your phone does in the Emergency SOS settings. Be warned, if you try to press the power button five times to get to the settings for this feature, the actual process will begin and you'll only have a few seconds to stop it. If you want to set it up, find it in your phone's settings menu.

What Android phones have satellite texting capability?

Satellite texting debuted on Android with the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. No other Android phones have the feature, but T-Mobile customers with any device in the path of Hurricane Milton are temporarily allowed to use it. More Android phones are expected to get satellite texting in the future. 

Can Pixel phones send satellite texts to contacts?

Satellite texting on Pixel phones is only available to emergency services. You can't use it to text contacts.

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