How to connect your iPhone to Starlink in the United States for free: requirements and steps
The connection to Starlink from an iPhone will be limited, at the beginning, to sending and receiving text messages.
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The satellite connection for mobile phones is already a reality in United States. Thanks to the alliance between SpaceX, Apple and T-Mobile, iPhone users can connect directly to the Starlink network, allowing them to send and receive text messages even in areas without cellular coverage.
This technological advancement aims to eliminate the limitations of traditional networks and ensure communication anywhere in the country. This is a service, known as Starlink Direct-to-Cell, that allows phones to connect directly to satellites in low Earth orbit without the need for ground towers or antennas.
In its initial phase, connectivity is limited to text messages, but it is expected to expand to voice calls and internet access in the future. To take advantage of this technology, users must meet certain requirements and have a compatible carrier.
Currently, only T-Mobile customers in the U.S. can access this feature, provided they have an iPhone updated to iOS 18.3 or higher. Additionally, since communication depends on line of sight with the satellites, the device must be used in open spaces without obstructions to ensure a stable connection.
Requirements to connect an iPhone to Starlink in the U.S. for free
To access Starlink Direct-to-Cell, users must have an iPhone with iOS 18.3 or a newer version. Apple has optimized its operating system to allow satellite communication through T-Mobile's network. Without this update, connection with the satellites will not be possible.
Furthermore, the service is only available for T-Mobile customers in the United States, and in this initial stage, it is exclusively offered to those part of the Starlink beta. Selected users receive a notification with instructions to activate satellite connectivity.
As it involves direct communication with satellites, it is necessary to be in an open area with clear sky visibility. The presence of tall buildings, dense trees, or adverse weather conditions can interfere with the signal, affecting the connection quality.
What can be done with Starlink on an iPhone
Currently, the only enabled function is sending and receiving text messages. This allows users to stay connected in rural areas, on the road, or in emergency situations where traditional cellular coverage is not available.
One of the most important advantages of this technology is that it allows for emergency calls and access to SOS services, such as 911.
During natural disasters or accidents in remote locations, users will be able to request help without relying on a terrestrial mobile network.
When will voice calls and satellite internet be available
Although the service currently only offers text messaging, SpaceX plans to expand connectivity in 2025. Future updates will include voice calls, mobile data access, and integration with IoT (Internet of Things) devices.
Regarding international coverage, the service is currently only available in the United States, but SpaceX is already in negotiations with operators in other countries.
The satellite connectivity for iPhones represents a key advancement in mobile communication. While in this initial phase it only allows for sending text messages, in the future it will include calls and internet browsing, eliminating coverage barriers anywhere in the world.
*This article has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence
