Satellite emergency help for Pixel phones

Apple started the trend with satellite emergency features on the iPhone 14, but Android phones have been slow to catch up. Now, with the Pixel 9 series, Google has introduced its own version of this life-saving feature. But there’s a twist – mobile service providers also want to offer their satellite emergency services on these phones.

The latest Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold models come with Google’s Satellite SOS, which uses Skylo’s satellites to link users with Garmin’s emergency response team. This means if you’re in a crisis and out of normal service range, you can still get help.

But it’s not just Google in the game. Carriers like T-Mobile are stepping in too. Last week, they began including the Pixel 9 series in their satellite messaging service, which isn’t just for emergencies; you can send regular messages as well, thanks to SpaceX’s Starlink. Meanwhile, Verizon has teamed up with Skylo but only for the Galaxy S25 series so far.

Google’s latest software update, Adaptive Connectivity Services v2025.01, hints at making room for these carrier services on Pixel phones. The update includes new codes that support the integration of carrier satellite emergency services alongside Google’s own. This suggests that users might soon have multiple options for satellite SOS, possibly choosing between Google’s service or the one from their carrier.

For now, T-Mobile users with the Pixel 9 in the beta phase can use both Google and carrier services. This could mean that other carriers like Verizon might also bring their satellite services to Pixel phones, but only newer models since older ones don’t have the needed technology.

This setup could allow both Google’s and carrier’s emergency services to work together on Pixel devices. However, users might need to pick one service over the other at times. We’ll keep you posted as more details emerge.