Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
TL;DR Google is preparing a new Quick Settings tile and dedicated menu to help users manage Android’s expanding satellite connectivity features.
The menu lists compatible apps, revealing that X, Snapchat, and weather apps may soon support satellite data or calling.
This feature distinguishes between different satellite connection types but is currently hidden behind a developer option in the latest Android Canary build.
A few years ago, taking an Android phone into an area without cell service meant you were completely cut off — unable to text friends, family, or even emergency services. Today, however, you wouldn’t be so disconnected thanks to satellite connectivity, a feature that links your phone directly to satellites orbiting Earth.
Google introduced platform support for satellite connectivity in last year’s Android release, though the feature was initially limited to emergency messaging. The technology has advanced significantly since then, however, paving the way for features like WhatsApp calling and live location sharing even without cellular coverage.
As satellite support becomes a larger part of the Android ecosystem, Google is working on new menus to help you take advantage of it in a future OS update. These changes include a Quick Settings tile that tells you if the feature is available, as well as a new page that lists every app capable of utilizing satellite networking.
While I was digging into the latest 2512 Android Canary release, I uncovered a new toggle under Settings > System > Developer Options > Quick Settings developer tiles labeled “Satellite.” Enabling this adds a dedicated Satellite tile to the Quick Settings panel with three potential states: On, Available, and Not available. Curiously, on my Pixel 9, this tile remains stuck on “Not available” despite the hardware definitely supporting satellite connectivity.
A deeper look at the code explains why: the tile specifically checks if your current cellular plan supports carrier roaming NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks). This feature allows your phone to connect to satellite networks through your standard plan, treating them essentially as roaming partners. Since my current T-Mobile plan doesn’t include satellite access, the system marks the tile as unavailable.
Fortunately, tapping the tile still works, taking me to a new “Satellite connectivity” landing page in Settings. While this page features the same “Try a demo” button and intro graphic found in the “Pixel Satellite SOS” menu (under Settings > Safety & emergency), it adds a new section listing all available “satellite apps.” On my Pixel 9, this currently includes Emergency SOS, Messages, Find Hub, Maps, and Settings. Tapping “Emergency SOS” launches the Phone app with emergency services pre-dialed, while the others open their respective applications. The “More about satellite connectivity” link at the bottom is currently broken as it points to a Settings page that isn’t live in this Canary build.
... continue reading