No matter how ready you think you are for a hurricane—batteries, water, beer—nothing quite prepares you for losing cell reception. NO WI-FI? How are you going to check Instagram? Or, worst yet, what will you do when you can’t reach your family and friends during Hurricane Irma?
Fortunately, there are apps that allow you to use your cell phone as a walkie-talkie or two-way radio, some while on Wi-Fi and others so long as you have a network connection—even if it’s just 3G. Below is a list of iPhone- and Android-compatible applications to download before Hurricane Irma hits.
Zello Walkie Talkie
- Free live voice over any network or Wi-Fi connection
- Cross-platform compatible (iPhone, Android, iPad, iPod Touch)
- Allows you to replay messages later even if your phone is off
- Supports Apple Watch as a remote control; no audio available yet
Free; Download for iPhone and Android
TiKL Touch Talk Walkie Talkie
- Free live voice over Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, EDGE and GPRS
- Cross-platform compatible (iPhone, Android, iPad, iPod Touch)
- Delivers messages even if the recipient’s phone is off
- Uses your phone's contact list
Free; Download for Android
Voxer Walkie Talkie Messenger
- Free live voice over Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G
- Cross-platform compatible (iPhone, Android, iPad, iPod Touch)
- Allows you to save and replay messages later
- Push-to-talk lets you talk and send photos and videos instantly
Free; Download for iPhone and Android
Two Way: Walkie Talkie
- No signup required
- Cross-platform compatible (iPhone, Android)
- Uses minimal battery while running in the background
Free; Download for iPhone and Android
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