You can use built-in satellite features only if your phone model and location are supported. Apple offers Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone 14 and later in supported regions; Google’s Pixel Satellite SOS is available on Pixel devices since Pixel 9, except Pixel 9a, in supported locations. These are not general satellite-internet connections. Check eligibility first, then follow the phone’s on-screen guidance when cellular and Wi-Fi are unavailable.
Check whether your phone and location are eligible
- iPhone: Apple says Emergency SOS via satellite is supported on iPhone 14 or later, subject to regional availability. Some phone purchase regions are excluded, so confirm both your current location and the phone’s origin on Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite page.
- Pixel: Google documents Satellite SOS for Pixel devices since Pixel 9, except Pixel 9a, in supported locations. Check the current country list and conditions on Google’s Satellite SOS help page.
- Other Android phones: The Google guidance cited here covers Pixel, not every Android model. It does not establish that other Android phones offer the same feature or setup path.
Availability also depends on local approvals, carrier or service support, and conditions where you are. A compatible model and supported country do not guarantee that a connection will be possible at a particular moment.
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How to use satellite SOS on iPhone
Emergency SOS via satellite is for emergencies when the iPhone cannot connect to cellular or Wi-Fi. It is a guided connection process, not a switch that provides satellite service everywhere.
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- When an emergency occurs and ordinary networks are unavailable, start Emergency SOS using the emergency interface on the iPhone. You can also review the satellite option through the Emergency SOS route in Settings.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the phone to a satellite. The prompts guide you through positioning the phone; an unobstructed view of the sky can help establish the link. See Apple’s connection instructions and availability details before relying on the feature.
- Use the options the interface offers for your location and device. Apple’s satellite services may include Emergency SOS, Messages via satellite, Find My location sharing, and Roadside Assistance, but availability varies.
Apple also supports Messages via satellite on compatible iPhones outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Satellite messaging does not include every messaging feature, and SMS use depends on carrier support. Details are in Apple’s Messages via satellite guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
How to set up Satellite SOS on Pixel
Google’s Satellite SOS is an emergency feature for supported Pixel devices, not a general-purpose satellite internet connection.
- Open Settings > Safety & emergency > Satellite SOS on an eligible Pixel.
- Make sure Google Messages is set as the default messaging app, as Google specifies for setup.
- If you have no Wi-Fi or mobile network during an emergency, follow the phone’s prompts to use Satellite SOS and connect as directed.
Google cautions: “Connectivity depends on network coverage, network conditions, and the government agency of each respective carrier.” Its location list does not guarantee coverage. Confirm current availability and setup details on Google’s Satellite SOS page.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Can you text by satellite when there is no service?
On supported iPhones, Messages via satellite can send messages outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, subject to feature and regional limits. Some messaging features are unavailable, and sending SMS depends on carrier support. Apple’s satellite messaging is distinct from Emergency SOS.
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Google’s Pixel Satellite SOS is documented as an emergency option. The cited Google material does not establish it as a way to use ordinary satellite messaging or browse the internet. Do not assume that a satellite SOS setup enables routine texting on every phone.
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
What to check before depending on a satellite feature
- Exact phone model and generation.
- Whether the service is available where you will use it, including any purchase-region restrictions for iPhone.
- Whether you need emergency SOS or ordinary messaging; the available features differ.
- Carrier support if you intend to send SMS via satellite on iPhone.
- On-screen positioning instructions and whether you can establish a satellite link in the conditions around you.
Satellite SOS does not guarantee a connection, rescue, or response. Follow the device prompts and contact emergency services through any available channel.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What if your phone does not support satellite SOS?
A dedicated satellite communicator is separate hardware; it does not enable native satellite connectivity on an unsupported phone. Garmin says the inReach Messenger can work on its own or pair with a smartphone app. Garmin’s Iridium network overview says inReach messaging and SOS work beyond cellphone tower range and require an active satellite subscription.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
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