T-Mobile and Starlink have teamed together providing satellite-to-mobile service in remote areas where tower signals can't reach.
On this page:
About T-Satellite phone service
Stay connected in places never thought possible with T-Satellite – 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-Satellite 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-Satellite 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-Satellite.
- Android: If you see a satellite icon and the network name ‘T-Mobile SpaceX,’ you are connected to T-Satellite.
Coverage Availability
- T-Satellite currently covers the Continental US, including Puerto Rico and parts of southern Alaska.
- Check out our coverage map to see where T-Satellite 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-Satellite
- Select the appropriate category
- Provide your feedback
- If you're trying to share feedback through the T-Life app while connected to T-Satellite, 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-Satellite
Eligible customers with a compatible device and a postpaid T-Mobile voice plan can join the T-Satellite 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-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-Satellite.
Here is a list of devices that are currently compatible with T-Satellite beta.
Apple
- iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or iPhone 16 (all models)
- Google Pixel 9
- Google Pixel 9 Pro
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Motorola
- moto razr 2024
- moto razr+ 2024
- moto razr 2025
- moto razr+ 2025
- moto razr ultra 2025
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy A36
- Samsung Galaxy A36 SE
- Samsung Galaxy S21
- Samsung Galaxy S21+
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S22
- Samsung Galaxy S22+
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S22 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S23
- Samsung Galaxy S23+
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S24
- Samsung Galaxy S24+
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S25
- Samsung Galaxy S25+
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
- Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
Here is a list of devices that will be available when T-Satellite launches.
Motorola
- Motorola Edge 2024
- moto G 2024
- moto G Stylus 2024
- moto G 5G 2024
- moto G Stylus 5G 2024
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy A14
- Samsung Galaxy A15
- Samsung Galaxy A16
- Samsung Galaxy A35
- Samsung Galaxy A53
- Samsung Galaxy A54
- Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
T-Mobile
- T-Mobile REVVL 7
- T-Mobile REVVL 7 Pro
Using T-Satellite on your device
T-Satellite 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-Satellite 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-Satellite network if you are part of the T-Satellite beta. Manually selecting the T-Satellite network will not work while other cellular connection options are available. When connected to T-Satellite, your device will display T-Mobile SpaceX at the top-left side of your screen.
To send a text message while connected to T-Satellite, 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
Through iMessage
- Open the Messages app.
- Open a conversation or start a new message.
- Tap the Apps button.
- Tap Location.
- Tap the Pin icon.
- Tap Send Pin.
- Tap Send.
Through SMS/MMS (non Apple phones)
- Open the Messages app.
- Open a conversation or start a new message.
- Tap the Apps button.
- Tap Location.
- Tap Send Pin.
Using T-Satellite as a Non-T-Mobile Customer
To use T-Satellite, you'll need an unlocked, satellite optimized phone with eSIM capabilities. This lets you activate the T-Satellite 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-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.
- 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.
Is my phone unlocked?
Check here to see if your phone is unlocked, or:
How to unlock
If your phone is locked, you will need to contact your current carrier and ask them to unlock it.
Set up T-Satellite beta with eSIM
To use T-Satellite beta on your current phone, follow the steps below to ensure your eSIM is available and your settings are properly set up to access the service.
- Note: These instructions apply after you’ve activated your service via the invite email. If you haven’t received an email yet, no worries – it should arrive soon. Please wait for it before continuing.
- Some phones may only support one eSIM in which case you’ll need to make sure it is available. If it is currently in use by your main carrier, you’ll need to contact them to switch your service to a physical SIM (see below for instructions and impacted devices).
eSIM settings required to connect to T-Satellite
To connect to T-Satellite, your eSIM will need to be downloaded on your phone and the eSIM settings must be set up correctly:
- Make sure your phone is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
- Watch for a notification that says T-Mobile Cellular Plan is ready.
- Tap the notification and follow on-device prompts to download your eSIM.
Didn't get a notification? You can follow this path, Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan and continue with on-device prompts to download your eSIM.
After downloading your eSIM:
- Navigate to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data, and then:
- Select T-Mobile SIM as the cellular data line.
- Turn ON Allow Cellular Data Switching
- Make sure your phone is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
- Watch for a notification that says Set up your T-Mobile eSIM.
- Tap the notification and follow on-device prompts to download your eSIM.
Didn't get a notification? You can follow this path, Settings > Network & Internet > Add SIM and continue with on-device prompts to download your eSIM.
After downloading your eSIM:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs
- Under your primary SIMs, select T-Mobile for Mobile data
- Turn ON Automatic data switching
- Make sure your phone is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
- Watch for a notification that says Set up your T-Mobile eSIM.
- Tap the notification and follow on-device prompts to download your eSIM.
Didn't get a notification? You can follow this path, Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs & Mobile Network > + Download new eSIM and continue with on-device prompts to download your eSIM.
After downloading your eSIM:
- Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs & Mobile Network
- Under Preferred SIMs, select T-Mobile for Mobile data.
- Turn ON the Switch SIM automatically toggle.
- Make sure your phone is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
- Watch for a notification that says Your eSIM is ready to add.
- Tap the notification and follow on-device prompts to download your eSIM.
Didn't get a notification? You can follow this path, Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM and continue with on-device prompts to download your eSIM.
After downloading your eSIM:
- Navigate to Settings > Connections > SIM manager
- Turn on the Data switching toggle.
Be sure to keep your main carrier SIM set as the primary for Voice & Text.
Still don't have satellite? Some customers will experience a short wait while our phone partners update their software. We will notify you via text once your satellite service is active!
Not sure if your eSIM is in use? Here's how to check:
On a limited number of Android phones only one active eSIM and one physical SIM can be supported at a time. Follow the steps below to check if your eSIM is currently in use and ensure your device is ready to connect to T-Satellite.
- On Samsung: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
If your phone number appears under the eSIM section and the toggle is ON, your eSIM is active. - On Motorola: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs & Mobile Network.
If your phone number appears under eSIM and shows as Active, your eSIM is in use.
If you've already registered and need to switch your T-Mobile eSIM to a physical SIM, just stop by a T-Mobile store—we’ll be happy to help.
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S22
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S22+
- Samsung Galaxy S23
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S23+
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- Samsung Galaxy Z FLIP3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
- Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
- Motorola moto razr 2024
- Motorola edge 2024
- Motorola moto g stylus 5G (2024)
- Motorola moto g 5G (2024)
- T-Mobile REVVL 7
- T-Mobile REVVL 7 Pro
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