Which phones have satellite texting in the US? iPhone, Pixel, Galaxy
Which phones have satellite SOS and satellite texting in the US: iPhone 14 and later, Pixel 9 and later, select Galaxy phones, and what Verizon and T-Mobile charge.
Apple says every iPhone 14 or later has Emergency SOS via satellite and Messages via satellite, and both are free for two years after you activate the phone (Apple says SMS over satellite depends on your carrier, and carrier fees may apply). Google lists Satellite SOS on all Pixel phones since the Pixel 9, except the Pixel 9a. For texting anyone on Android you need a carrier service: Verizon names the Galaxy S25, Z Fold7, Z Flip7 and Pixel 9 series or later, and T-Mobile sells its own.
Which phones have satellite SOS?
Satellite SOS is the emergency-only feature. It works when you have no cell signal and no Wi-Fi.
- iPhone: Apple's page says it works on iPhone 14 or later (all models), including in the US. Apple says it is free for two years after activation and does not say what it costs afterward.
- Pixel: Google says the feature is available on all Pixel devices since Pixel 9, except Pixel 9a. You need Google Messages as your default messaging app, and Google's page covers Canada, the US and Puerto Rico among other countries.
- Galaxy: AT&T's support page for the Galaxy S26 describes Satellite SOS under Settings, Safety and emergency. If a 911 call does not connect, you see an "Emergency text via Satellite" option or a green satellite icon.
None of these is a substitute for a call. Google says satellite emergency help should be used only when no other means of reaching emergency services are available.
Which phones can text friends by satellite?
Texting to anyone, not just 911, depends on the phone maker or the carrier.
Apple's Messages via satellite needs iOS 18 or later and sends iMessage and SMS. It is available in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Japan, and it is free for two years after you activate an iPhone 14 or later. Apple says SMS over satellite depends on your carrier and carrier fees may apply. The person you text needs iOS 18 or later to get an iMessage, or iOS 17.6 or later (or a non-Apple phone) to reply to an SMS.
On Android, texting runs through the carrier. The service uses Google Messages on the phone, so there is no extra app to install, according to Verizon.
Which phones does Verizon satellite texting work on?
Verizon says satellite messaging works on the Samsung Galaxy S25, Z Fold7, Z Flip7 and the Google Pixel 9 series or later. It describes this as "select new model Android phones with updated software," so a phone outside that list is not covered by Verizon's page.
On cost, Verizon says satellite service is included at no additional cost with myPlan. The same page says coverage reaches the continental US, Hawaii and parts of Alaska, you must be outside with a line of sight to a satellite, and you cannot connect in airplane mode.
Verizon also points iPhone 14 and later owners to Apple's features instead. Verizon's own satellite service is for Android.
Does T-Mobile satellite texting work on my phone?
T-Mobile's service is called T-Satellite and it uses Starlink satellites. T-Mobile says it supports text messaging, location sharing, picture messaging, select apps and satellite data, and that text to 911 is part of it.
T-Mobile does not publish a short model list on the page. It tells you to check eligibility in the T-Life app or with the IMEI checker. The page links setup tutorials for the iPhone 16, Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Pixel 9, which shows the range is wider than Verizon's.
What it costs: T-Mobile says T-Satellite is included with its Experience Beyond plans and available as a paid add-on on other plans, which you add under "Manage Add Ons" in your account. The page also has a section for people who are not T-Mobile customers.
Satellite texting by phone family
| Phone family | Emergency SOS | Texting friends and family | Carrier needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 or later | Yes, Emergency SOS via satellite | Yes, Messages via satellite (iOS 18 or later) | None for iMessage; SMS depends on your carrier |
| Pixel 9 or later (not 9a) | Yes, Satellite SOS | Verizon lists the Pixel 9 series or later; T-Mobile lists the Pixel 9 | Verizon or T-Mobile for texting |
| Galaxy S25, Z Fold7, Z Flip7 | Per Verizon, emergency SOS | Per Verizon, texting | Verizon |
| Galaxy S26 | Satellite SOS per AT&T's support page | Not listed | Not listed |
How do I check my own phone before a trip?
- Update the phone. Verizon and Apple both say the feature needs current software.
- On an iPhone, open Settings, then Apps, then Messages, then Satellite Connection Demo, as Apple describes.
- On a Pixel or Galaxy, open Settings, then Safety and emergency, then Satellite SOS, and run the demo. Google notes the demo turns your mobile network off briefly.
- Check your carrier. See whether an unlocked phone works on Verizon and how unlocked and carrier phones differ.
- Go outside. Apple, Verizon and T-Mobile all say you need to be outside with a clear view of the sky.
If you are shopping for the feature, the Pixel 11 and Galaxy S26 pages cover those models' specs and prices.
