Verizon now supports texting via satellite on the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25

Verizon has announced that it will now support sending text messages via satellite on phones from the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25 lineup. Both Google and Samsung's current phones support satellite connectivity, but neither has really leveraged the skill outside of the Satellite SOS feature that was added to Android 15.

Sending texts via satellite will be available when Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25 phones are "outside the reach of terrestrial cellular networks," Verizon says, and should come with same limitations as other satellite tools, like the need to position yourself so that there's no large structures or tree cover getting between your phone and the sky. It's also worth noting: the necessary changes "enabling this service start today and will continue over the next two weeks," so you might want to wait a bit longer before you start your next off-grid adventure.

Apple introduced Messages via Satellite alongside iOS 18, which doesn't rely on carriers for support, but should offer a good illustration of how Verizon's satellite messaging will work when it's fully available on the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25. 

The carrier is partnered with satellite provider AST SpaceMobile for its expanding list of satellite-connected services, and the companies have experimented with even more demanding communication options, like video calls. Competitors like T-Mobile already offer satellite messaging through a partnership with SpaceX's Starlink.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/verizon-now-supports-texting-via-satellite-on-the-pixel-9-and-galaxy-s25-193348606.html?src=rss https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/verizon-now-supports-texting-via-satellite-on-the-pixel-9-and-galaxy-s25-193348606.html?src=rss
Created 4mo | Mar 19, 2025, 8:50:10 PM


Login to add comment

Other posts in this group

FCC approves Skydance's $8 billion Paramount acquisition

Regulators won't stand in the way of Skydance's Par

Jul 25, 2025, 4:10:06 AM | Engadget
Intel confirms it will cut a third of its workforce by the end of 2025

Intel provided more detail about the scope of its planned job cuts and other business changes while sharing its second-quarter earnings

Jul 24, 2025, 11:30:19 PM | Engadget
Starlink outage: Service returns after over two hours down

SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service experienced a global outage on Thursday that lasted for over two hours. Reports of connectivity issues started around 3:20PM ET,

Jul 24, 2025, 11:30:18 PM | Engadget
Google will use AI to organize search results with Web Guide

Google's latest AI adventure is a new option for search.

Jul 24, 2025, 9:10:31 PM | Engadget
The Pixel Watch 4 might charge via a wireless charging stand

The Pixel Watch 4 could use an entirely different charging system when its officially announced in a few weeks, according to

Jul 24, 2025, 9:10:30 PM | Engadget