Satellite texting is still a fairly new feature for Android, but it could be a lifesaver in certain situations. Satellite Messaging, which lets you communicate by text when you don’t have a cellular signal or Wi-Fi, is currently limited to 911 texts on Android and is limited to certain phones, but within the pass There is an exception for Florida residents. Impact of Hurricane Milton.
Related Article: 5 Hurricane Tracking Apps I’m Using to Monitor Hurricane Milton in South Florida
How to send satellite texts on Android
Currently, Google’s latest is the only Android smartphone with satellite texting capabilities by default. pixel 9, pixel 9 pro, pixel 9 pro XLand Fold your Pixel 9 Pro. Additionally, this feature is currently only available in the United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.
If you have one of these phones, you need Google Messages as your default messaging app to send text messages via satellite. This option can only be used in emergencies. Pixel phones do not have the ability to send satellite text messages other than 911 messages.
- Make sure Google Messages is your default texting app
- Dial 911 and you’ll see “Satellite SOS.” Tap on it, then tap on “Use Satellite SOS” and then “Start”.
- Answer urgent questions.
- Once completed, you will have the option to notify your emergency contacts.
- The prompt will tell you how to point your phone at the satellite for the best reception. The quality of your connection will depend on a variety of factors, but for best results you’ll want to be outdoors or near a window.
Those in the path of Hurricane Milton in Florida have a temporary option. SpaceX announced a partnership with T-Mobile to give all customers access to basic texting through Starlink. Text your friends and family, text 911, receive emergency alerts, and more. You’ll know this feature is available when you see “T-Mobile SpaceX” in the network name. SpaceX says you may need to try the message several times. Ideally, you should be outdoors if possible, or at least near a window.
If you have an Android smartphone, you may have noticed the “Emergency SOS” feature. This feature is turned on by default and allows you to call for help in an emergency, but requires a mobile phone or Wi-Fi connection. If you press the power button five times, the phone will immediately dial 911, send a message with your location to pre-selected contacts, and record a video.
You can choose which of these actions your phone takes in the Emergency SOS settings. Please note that if you try to press the power button five times to enter the settings of this feature, the actual process will start and you will only have a few seconds to stop it. If you want to set it up, find it in your phone’s settings menu.
Which Android smartphones have satellite texting capabilities?
Satellite texting comes to Android on Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. No other Android smartphone has this feature, but T-Mobile customers with devices in the path of Hurricane Milton will be temporarily allowed to use the feature. It is expected that more Android smartphones will be able to receive satellite text messages in the future.
Can my Pixel phone send satellite texts to my contacts?
Satellite text messaging on Pixel smartphones is only available to emergency services. It cannot be used to send text messages to your contacts.
