Due to inactivity, your session will end in approximately 2 minutes. Extend your session by clicking OK below.

Due to inactivity, your session has expired. Please sign in again to continue.

Satellite SOS and messaging FAQs

Q: How do I know when I’m in an area where Satellite SOS and messaging are available?

When you’re in an area where your select Android phone can use Satellite SOS and messaging, your phone will display ‘No Service’.

Q: I have a supported Android phone. How do I use Satellite SOS in an emergency?

Here’s what to do in an emergency: Dial 911 and follow the on-screen instructions. Answer questions in the Satellite SOS dialog when prompted. Garmin Response sends this information to local emergency responders. Follow the onscreen instructions to maintain line of sight to the satellite and continue the conversation with Garmin Response in Google Messages. You can also select an option to notify your emergency contacts about your location and emergency details.

Q: I have a supported Android phone. How do I use satellite messaging?

If your phone doesn’t have cellular or Wi-Fi service and you try to send a text through Google Messages: A dialog box for satellite messaging opens. Follow the onscreen instructions. Continue texting in Google Messages and maintain a clear line of sight to the satellite. Keep in mind: Only 2-way basic text messaging is supported.

Q: What is Satellite SOS and satellite messaging?

Satellite messaging is a text messaging service that lets you connect when you’re in an area with no cellular network service. Satellite SOS connects you to 911 via text messsaging. These services use satellites instead of cell towers to connect you.

Q: Which satellite providers does Verizon partner with?

Verizon partners with Skylo to provide satellite services for select Android smartphones. Skylo is a global, non-terrestrial network service provider offering smartphone and IoT cellular device connectivity over existing satellites. Skylo SOS messaging is already available. Good to know: Learn more about using satellite services on select iPhones by visiting Use Apple Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone or Send a text message via satellite on iPhone.

Q: What’s required to use Satellite SOS and messaging?

To use Satellite SOS and text messaging on select Android smartphones: An eligible smartphone. Google Messages must be the default app for messaging on your Android device. Line of sight to satellite is required to connect.

Q: Which Android smartphones can use Satellite SOS and messaging?

Satellite SOS and Satellite messaging* are currently available with these phones: Samsung Galaxy S25 Samsung Galaxy S25+ Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Pixel 9 Pro Fold Pixel 9 Pro XL Pixel 9 Pro Pixel 9

Q: Where can I use Satellite SOS and messaging?

Select Android smartphones can use satellite SOS and messaging in non-coverage areas within the Continental US, Hawaii and Alaska. Keep in mind: Satellite connectivity requires select new model phones with updated software. Must be outside with a line of sight to the satellite. Satellite connectivity might not work in parts of Alaska.

Q: Can I contact 911 when I’m in a No Service area?

When you’re in an area with no network service, you can access 911 with Satellite SOS through Skylo. A supported Android smartphone is required. Learn how to use Satellite SOS.

Q: Can I send a text message when I'm in a No Service area?

When you’re in an area with no network service, select Android smartphones can send text messages* by satellite through Skylo. *Multimedia Messaging (MMS), Rich Communication Services (RCS), and attachments aren't supported.

Learn about using Satellite SOS and Satellite messaging when you’re in an area with no network coverage.

Shop satellite-enabled phones

Find more topics in Additional support

About

Using

Expand All

What is Satellite SOS and satellite messaging?

Which satellite providers does Verizon partner with?

What’s required to use Satellite SOS and messaging?

Which Android smartphones can use Satellite SOS and messaging?

Where can I use Satellite SOS and messaging?

Can I contact 911 when I’m in a No Service area?

Can I send a text message when I'm in a No Service area?

Can I get emergency alerts when I'm connecting through the Skylo satellite?

Is there an extra fee to use Satellite SOS and messaging with my Android phone?

Expand All

How do I know when I’m in an area where Satellite SOS and messaging are available?

I have a supported Android phone. How do I use Satellite SOS in an emergency?

I have a supported Android phone. How do I use satellite messaging?

Apple and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Android is a trademark of Google, Inc.

Layer_4 Created with Sketch.