Skip to main content

Some Samsung phones now have satellite messaging in the U.S. Here’s how to get it

The back of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Before Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 series in January, there were rumors that the new phones would include satellite messaging, similar to the feature available on Apple’s newer models. While this feature was not included at the launch, it’s now finally rolling out for some users.

According to SamMobile, some Galaxy S24 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 users in the U.S. are now starting to receive this feature.

Recommended Videos

Before getting too excited, however, this news comes with a caveat. It’s only available to T-Mobile customers who applied to test the company’s T-Mobile Starlink service. T-Mobile announced that feature in August 2022, and earlier this month, it (finally) announced that satellite messaging beta registration would soon be available for direct-to-cell satellite service. It doesn’t require a fee; you must have a postpaid account. You can sign up to test the feature now.

For users with supported devices, navigate to Settings > Connections > Satellite Networks to find the listing. Once set up, you can send and receive messages in areas without nearby cellular network coverage.

Mark Rober texts his dad from a satellite | T-Mobile

The T-Mobile Starlink service remains in beta. When released to the public, it should be available on any T-Mobile Android phone with LTE connectivity.

Android 15 introduced satellite messaging support to Android phones for the first time, potentially enhancing communication capabilities in remote areas where traditional cellular networks are unavailable. This feature enables users to send texts for emergencies and other important messages via satellite, ensuring connectivity even in the most isolated environments.

However, carrier support and compatible devices are required to utilize this functionality entirely. Unfortunately, most manufacturers are still integrating this capability into their devices.

Meanwhile, since the iPhone 14 series, Apple iPhones have supported satellite messaging.

Bryan M. Wolfe
Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.
5 things Samsung needs to do with its folding phones in 2025
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 5's weather apps.

2024 was a challenging year for Samsung as its smartphone lineup has fallen stale just as it faces more competition in every smartphone segment than ever before. The Google Pixel 8a and OnePlus 12R challenge the Galaxy A, while the Galaxy S24 series faces challenges in every key market.

Then there’s the foldable lineup, and it’s where Samsung has improvements to make. The company made foldable phones mainstream, but while it drove much of the initial innovation, the competition has begun to surpass it. The OnePlus Open proved that there was an alternative to Samsung’s prowess in multitasking, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 did little to dispel that notion last year. At the same time, Google made a much better foldable with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold; Honor proved that you can have a slim foldable with a big battery, and Motorola proved that it can outdo Samsung on the flip front.

Read more
Samsung’s $60 Fitbit killer is now available in the U.S.
Design render of the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3.

The new year has barely begun, and Samsung is already hitting the ground running with two new mobile gadgets launching in the U.S. The Galaxy Fit 3 and the Galaxy A16 5G both launched in other markets last October, but Samsung has just confirmed their availability in the U.S.

We'll start with the Galaxy Fit 3, which I find the most interesting. A successor to 2022's Galaxy Fit 2, the Galaxy Fit 3 is a small and affordable fitness tracker akin to the Fitbit Charge 6 or Fitbit Inspire 3. It has a 1.6-inch AMOLED display (45% larger than the Fit 2) and promises up to 13 days of battery life. The case is made of aluminum with a matte finish and is 5ATM/IP68 water-resistant.

Read more
5 things Samsung needs to do to beat Apple in 2025
Samsung logo

As we reach the end of the year, and with no more announcements planned until 2025, it’s time to revisit the two biggest phone players in the U.S. and compare and contrast the past 12 months for each.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra proved to be a blessing and a curse for Samsung, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 reaffirmed that this was the case. Samsung’s phones are fantastic, but struggle to stand out among the competition. Each competitor is targeting different Galaxy features to best, and so far, Samsung hasn’t pivoted course.

Read more