We don't encourage rebellion sidestepping companies to fire up unreleased features, and we want you to know that tinkering with hidden settings can have unintended consequences.
Reddit user Server_Reset says they got satellite data working on their Galaxy Z Fold 7 even before it rolled out to the Pixel 10. The process isn't straightforward and requires the use of the Android Debug Bridge (adb) command-line tool and some apps that an average user is unlikely to have on their phone.
A T-Mobile user unofficially enabled T-Satellite data on their Fold 7. | Image Credit - Server_Reset
Another T-Mobile user activated satellite data on their Pixel 9 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra using the Android CarrierConfigManager system service.
Once the service is successfully set up, you should be able to use optimized apps in areas with no cellular signals. Only a handful of apps work so far, including WhatsApp, Google Maps, Google Find Hub, X, T-Life, and Messages. Satellite-optimized apps may not have all the functionality of a standard app.
Would you attempt something like this to enable T-Satellite data on your device?
Yeah, if T-Mobile makes me wait too long.
22.22%
Never, I am afraid of bricking my device.
11.11%
Depends on how easy the process is.
22.22%
Not interested in satellite features.
44.44%
T-Mobile has also published a list of phones that will get satellite data soon. It includes the Apple iPhone 13 and up, Pixel 9, Galaxy S22 and up, Galaxy S21 FE, Galaxy Z Flip 5 and up, Z Fold 5 and up, and some Samsung midrangers, Motorola handsets, and REVVL phones.
The carrier is working with developers to optimize more apps for satellite connectivity. As with other satellite-powered services, delays are to be expected, and T-Mobile notes that this isn't high-speed data. You'll also want to download supported apps before heading into an area with no terrestrial coverage.
T-Mobile may not be the undisputed leader when it comes to the best network, but it's safe to say it's the best choice for those who frequent dead zones.
"Iconic Phones" is coming this Fall!
Good news everyone! Over the past year we've been working on an exciting passion project of ours and we're thrilled to announce it will be ready to release in just a few short months.
"Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips" is a must-have coffee table book for every tech-head that will bring you on a journey to relive the greatest technological revolution of the 21st century. For more details, simply follow the link below!
Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: