Stable Android 15 Does Not Include Satellite Messaging on Google Pixel
The Stable Android 15 software update rolled out worldwide to Google Pixel lineup yesterday, from Pixel 9 Pro all the way own to Pixel 6 series. As promised by Google, the October 2024 security patch included Android 15 public release alongside Pixel Feature Drop. While it equipped all the latest features, Android Satellite Messaging is still absent from on Google Pixel devices.
The update brought tons of new features like Private Space, Android Theft Protection, better multitasking for tablets and foldable, archive apps, predictive back gestures, and more. However, it left out the most anticipated feature — Satellite Messaging for Android.
Satellite Messaging was first spotted in the previous Android 15 beta where users with eligible devices on eligible network and regions. According to reports, the Satellite Messaging feature can be activated on Google Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8a, Pixel 8, 8 Pro, Pixel 9, 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
The above listed devices were reported of successfully activating Satellite Messaging on Android 15 beta 2 in the United States on T-Mobile and Sprint networks. But no option to be found in the Android 15 stable anymore on even Pixel 9 Pro XL.
While the Android 15 feature list and changelog also states satellite support with SMS and MMS apps as well as preloaded RCS apps to use satellite connectivity for sending and receiving messages.
This is not the same as Emergency SOS via satellite feature released by Apple with iOS 18, but it can send messages over satellite connection.
Eligible devices
Satellite Messaging can be activated on Google Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9, 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold through eligible T-Mobile accounts.
Certain T-Mobile plans are eligible for this feature. Some users on the standard Magenta plan reported seeing the option for satellite messaging. Whereas Magenta Max Military Plan users haven’t received it yet. Users on the most basic plan confirmed the feature was available to them.
This feature could be absent due to a potential delay in T-Mobile and Starlink partnership.
How to still get Satellite Messaging on Android 15 on your Google Pixel?
- Sign up for Android 15 QPR beta
- Download and install the latest beta update.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Select SIMs.
- Choose T-Mobile.
- Look for Satellite Messaging.
