Many Pixel telephones are
now capable of sending text messages via satellite, a characteristic that gives essential communication in areas the place conventional cell service is unavailable. This functionality, not too long ago highlighted in Google’s March 2025 Google Pixel characteristic drop, is designed to boost emergency communication, significantly in distant or disaster-stricken areas.For T-Cell and Dash Pixel customers in america, the characteristic was initially activated for particular Pixel fashions, together with the Pixel 7 collection, Pixel 8, and eight Professional. Nevertheless, with this latest characteristic drop, it has expanded to the Pixel 9 collection in addition to been launched to new areas with Verizon now in tow. This enlargement addresses a vital want for dependable communication in conditions the place typical networks fail.For
Verizon customers, the replace permits emergency service connectivity by way of satellite tv for pc, powered by Skylo satellite tv for pc eSOS and SMS messaging. Nevertheless, this characteristic is at the moment restricted to the
Pixel 9,
Pixel 9 Professional, Pixel 9 Professional XL, and Pixel 9 Professional Fold fashions, and operates in English and Spanish inside america. It is essential to notice that this technique is designed for textual content messaging solely, and doesn’t assist voice calls, video, group messages, media attachments, emojis, encryption, or detailed sender/recipient exercise.Equally,
T-Cell customers achieve the flexibility to textual content 911 throughout emergencies, using Starlink satellite tv for pc connectivity. This characteristic can also be unique to the
Pixel 9 collection and operates below related limitations, primarily targeted on textual content messaging. Each
Verizon and
T-Cell have said that connection and response instances can differ relying on location and environmental situations, and require a transparent line of sight to the satellite tv for pc.
Settings to activate satellite tv for pc messaging on Android 15. | Picture credit score — Androidsage
The expertise behind satellite tv for pc messaging includes low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which facilitate direct communication with suitable cell units. When a cellphone detects an absence of mobile community, it makes an attempt to hook up with a satellite tv for pc, permitting customers to ship textual content messages to anybody, together with emergency providers. As soon as a mobile community turns into accessible, the cellphone mechanically reconnects. Accessing this characteristic on a Google Pixel includes navigating to Settings, then Community & Web, deciding on SIMs, selecting the related community, and checking for the Satellite tv for pc Messaging choice.
For a lot of, yours actually included, this characteristic represents a major step in direction of better private security. Understanding {that a} system can hook up with emergency providers, even with out conventional cell service, gives a way of safety — particularly when touring.
