T-Mobile and Starlink have teamed together providing satellite-to-mobile service in remote areas where tower signals can't reach.
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About T-Mobile Starlink satellite phone service
Stay connected in places never thought possible with T-Mobile Starlink – the largest satellite-to-mobile network in the world. Starlink direct-to-cell satellites complement the existing T-Mobile network by acting as cell towers in space. This allows you to stay connected even when you are outside of the range of a cell tower. So, there’s no need for new apps or interfaces. It just works.
T-Mobile Starlink is launching with text via satellite – We have a roadmap to go beyond text messaging to deliver picture messaging, data services and voice calling in the future.
Be among the first to experience our beta - at no extra cost - and shape a new era in connectivity.
Things to know
During the beta phase, performance may vary based on factors such as your location and the number of customers accessing the service. To enjoy the best possible experience, we recommend using the service outdoors with a clear view of the sky.
- Coverage may not be available on airplanes, inside buildings, cruise ships, and other places with an obstructed view of the sky.
- Coverage can be impacted by topography (e.g. mountains, canyons, tree cover, etc.)
- Due to ongoing regulatory coordination, there may be some areas in some states that do not have coverage.
- Whenever available, your device will prioritize connecting to T-Mobile Starlink for the best experience.
- Apple iPhone: If you see signal bars, the word ‘SAT,’ and the network name ‘T-Mobile SpaceX,’ you are connected to T-Mobile Starlink.
- Android: If you see a satellite icon and the network name ‘T-Mobile SpaceX,’ you are connected to T-Mobile Starlink.
Coverage Availability
- T-Mobile Starlink currently covers the Continental US, including Puerto Rico and parts of southern Alaska.
- Check out our coverage map to see where T-Mobile Starlink satellite coverage is available. We are also collaborating with our global roaming partners and SpaceX to offer satellite services to our customers when traveling abroad or in international waters in the future.
Message Delays
Messages may take longer – Your phone will continue to try to resend the message until it is successfully sent or fails. If the message fails, you will be notified of a failed message and prompted to attempt to resend.
Your feedback is invaluable in helping us identify pain points and optimize the experience. There are two easy ways to provide feedback:
- You’ll receive a text survey with a few days of your connection to a satellite
- You can send feedback at any time using our T-Life app. Open the app and lightly shake your device, which will bring up a help menu.
- Select Report an Issue
- Select T-Mobile Starlink
- Select the appropriate category
- Provide your feedback
- If you're trying to share feedback through the T-Life app while connected to T-Mobile Starlink, you may see a "no internet connection" message. Don’t worry! You can still submit your feedback, and it will be sent once you're connected to the T-Mobile cellular network.
Register / Sign up for T-Mobile Starlink
Eligible customers with a compatible device and a postpaid T-Mobile voice plan can join the T-Mobile Starlink beta test. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out! This exciting new technology is available in most areas, most of the time, and works in outdoor locations with a clear view of the sky.
- Head on over to our T-Mobile Starlink satellite phone service registration page to sign up for our beta.
- Make sure that your device is on the latest software version.
- Fill out the details at the bottom of the page with the following:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Click Submit. You have now been successfully registered for T-Mobile Starlink.
Here is a list of compatible devices that will be available at the time T-Mobile Starlink launches.
Apple
- Apple iPhone 14
- Apple iPhone 14 Plus
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone 15
- Apple iPhone 15 Plus
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone 16
- Apple iPhone 16e
- Apple iPhone 16 Plus
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Google Pixel 9
- Google Pixel 9 Pro
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Motorola
- motorola razr – 2024
- motorola edge – 2024
- moto g stylus 5G – 2024
- moto g power 5G – 2024
- moto g 5G – 2024
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy A35
- Samsung Galaxy A53
- Samsung Galaxy A54
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S21, Plus & Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S22, Plus & Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S23, Plus & Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Fan Edition
- Samsung Galaxy S24
- Samsung Galaxy S24+
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Fan Edition
- Samsung Galaxy S25
- Samsung Galaxy S25+
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S25+ SE
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
T-Mobile
- T-Mobile REVL 7 5G
- T-Mobile REVL 7 Pro 5G
Using T-Mobile Starlink on your device
T-Mobile Starlink currently supports sending and receiving text messages, location sharing and texting 911 emergency services while connected to Starlink's satellites, with plans to pursue voice and data coverage next. During the beta test, the T-Mobile Starlink services will only be available while in the US. This service will not work internationally at this time.
When you are in an area without traditional or roaming cellular services, your satellite-optimized device will automatically connect to the T-Mobile Starlink network if you are part of the T-Mobile Starlink beta. Manually selecting the T-Mobile Starlink network will not work while other cellular connection options are available. When connected to T-Mobile Starlink, your device will display T-Mobile SpaceX at the top-left side of your screen.
To send a text message while connected to T-Mobile Starlink, simply send texts as you usually would from your device.
- Messages may take longer to send during the beta phase.
- Picture/Video Messages: Picture and video messaging is not available during the beta phase.
Sending text messages to 911 Emergency Services
- To reach 911, enter '911' in the recipient field to connect with an emergency operator.
- Your location is automatically shared with 911 to help first responders locate you quickly.
- If calling 911, your device will search for an available network. If none are available, Starlink’s satellite emergency messaging service will be used.
Android OS
- Open the Google Messages app.
- Open a new/existing google message thread.
- Select the '+' icon.
- Select the Location icon.
- The one-time location URL is sent to the recipient.
Apple iOS
- Open the Messages app.
- Open a conversation or start a new message.
- Tap the Apps button.
- Tap Location.
- Tap Send.
Using T-Mobile Starlink as a Non-T-Mobile Customer
To use T-Mobile Starlink, you'll need an unlocked, satellite optimized phone. This lets you activate the T-Mobile Starlink service digitally and allows your phone to easily switch between your regular network and the satellite service.
Click here to see the list of optimized devices.
An unlocked phone lets you use your phone with another carrier. If your phone is locked, it may restrict access to certain services, including T-Mobile Starlink satellite connectivity.
- If you purchased your phone directly from the manufacturer (e.g., Apple, Samsung), it is likely already unlocked.
- If you bought your phone through a carrier, it may be locked to that carrier.
Is my phone unlocked?
Check here to see if your phone is unlocked, or:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About > Scroll to Carrier Lock > If it says 'No SIM restrictions', your phone is unlocked.
- On Samsung: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators > If you see multiple carriers available, your phone is likely unlocked.
- On Motorola: Go to Settings > About phone > Network unlock > If the status says 'Unlocked', your phone is unlocked.
- On Pixel: Download the Device Unlock app from the Play Store. Open app and your device check eligibility. If the status says 'Unlocked', your phone is unlocked.
How to unlock
If your phone is locked, you will need to contact your current carrier and ask them to unlock it.
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