T-Mobile: Cellular Starlink's Satellite Data Won't Work On Every Phone

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As T-Mobile’s cellular Starlink system expands to transmit satellite data to mobile apps, the carrier says not every phone will support the feature.

After confirming that Google’s Pixel 10 phones will receive early access to satellite data when they launch on Aug. 28, T-Mobile updated its T-Satellite website to list the phone models that will and won’t get access.

(Credit: T-Mobile)

For other phones, the company plans to officially launch the satellite data feature on Oct. 1. T-Mobile’s cellular Starlink can already deliver satellite-based texts, including images, audio, and even video, helping users stay connected in dead zones. The upcoming satellite data feature will enable select third-party apps to remain connected as well.

Around 70 phones, including Apple’s iPhone 13 to 16 and the latest Samsung Galaxy handsets, can run the satellite service. But T-Mobile’s updated support page lists 14 phone models that don’t support the satellite data feature:

Google Pixel 9a
moto g 2024
moto razr 2024
moto razr+ 2024
moto edge 2024
moto g stylus 2024
Samsung Galaxy A14
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Galaxy S21+
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4

It’s unclear why some phones won’t support the feature, or if this will change over time. We reached out to T-Mobile, Samsung, Google, and Lenovo’s Motorola for comment, and we’ll update the story if we hear back.

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Some of the phones were released in 2021, whereas others arrived in the last year. The Pixel 9a launched in April. We wonder if it’s a regulatory or a technical issue involving the phone’s modem or software optimization. (According to T-Mobile’s support page, the Pixel 9a also won’t receive “Picture messaging” support.)

In the meantime, Pixel 10 phones will only receive early access to the satellite data feature for three apps: Google Maps, Google Messages, and Find Hub. But T-Mobile plans to expand the function to more apps, including AccuWeather, WhatsApp, and X.