Over the years, companies have generated excitement around the potential of satellite communication. This feature is a game-changer for staying connected in areas without cellular signal. Whether you’re enjoying a casual conversation from the mountains or in a more serious, life-saving situation, satellite communication can be invaluable.
Several providers currently offer this service, but it’s important to note that it is only available on specific compatible devices. Google introduced satellite communication with the Pixel 9 and has continued to support it on its premier models since.
However, some Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 users were surprised to see Satellite SOS appear on their phones. While the option shows up in the Safety & Emergency section of the Settings menu, the feature isn’t actually functional on these devices.
According to 9to5Google, users can access a walkthrough that explains how Satellite SOS works. But since the hardware on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 doesn’t support satellite communication, there’s no way to try or activate the feature.
To clarify, Google has confirmed that Satellite SOS won’t be coming to the Pixel 7 or Pixel 8 due to hardware limitations. The presence of this menu on those devices appears to be a mistake on Google’s part.
If you have a Pixel 7 or Pixel 8, you might still find the Satellite SOS option in your settings if you check early, but it won’t function properly. Google has informed 9to5Google that they plan to fix this issue quickly, potentially by the end of the day.
For those interested in satellite communication but don’t have a compatible Pixel device, it’s worth checking if your carrier supports the feature through other devices.
Stay tuned for updates and make sure your device supports satellite communication before relying on it for emergencies.
https://www.androidpolice.com/pixel-satellite-sos-isnt-available-on-pixel-7-or-8/