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Google’s Pixel SOS Satellite feature is designed to help you message emergency services and share your location even when you’re away from a network connection. It launched on the Pixel 9, and it’s also available on the new Pixel 10 series.
Despite what your phone may tell you, you aren’t able to use the feature on a Pixel 8 or older. Some owners of older Pixel phones are reporting the SOS Satellite feature appeared on their device, but it doesn’t work after attempting to access it through the Settings menu.
Users on Reddit with phones dating as far back as the Google Pixel 6 report it appearing on their devices after updating with the September 2025 Google Play system update.
A Google spokesperson confirmed to 9to5Google that the inclusion of the feature is a bug, and it’s not intentional for it to be on older devices. The spokesperson said the feature would be fixed by the end of Sept. 30, and it’ll be automatically removed from user’s phones.
The Pixel Satellite SOS feature is exclusive to the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. It isn’t on the Pixel 9a as it’s a cheaper phone. The feature is also available on Google’s Pixel Watch 4. Connectivity is currently available in other 30 countries, including the US.
It appears this is a simple mistake of Google rolling out the same software update to older devices. While the user-facing materials shows Pixel SOS Satellite features, the feature hasn’t been able to activate the features as they lack the necessary hardware.
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The Samsung Exynos 5400 modem enables the feature on modern Pixel phones. The previous Exynos 5300, inside the Pixel 8 series, is technically capable of the feature, but Google limited the functionality at launch.
All devices capable of Pixel SOS are able to use the service for free for two years after the phone is activated. It’s unclear how Google will approach plans after that two year period. It may extend the free usage, or it may introduce an additional charge to use the feature. We should hear more about Google’s next steps in 2026.
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I’ve been a journalist for over a decade after getting my start in tech reporting back in 2013. I joined PCMag in 2025, where I cover the latest developments across the tech sphere, writing about the gadgets and services you use every day. Be sure to send me any tips you think PCMag would be interested in.
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