To prepare for the worst, people are downloading a walkie-talkie app called Zello. The app lets people use their phone like a two-way radio in the event of an emergency. Apple has temporarily disabled the Apple Watch's Walkie-Talkie app after discovering a bug that could have let others listen in on.
With cell phones keeping communication literally at our fingertips, constantly, it seems that walkie-talkies are only for those in remote areas now. But what if you want to have 'push to talk' (PTT) capability to catch someone quickly? Or what if you want to join a group conversation centered around your geographical area or a topic of interest? You can do that, with the right walkie talkie app. Here are the 6 best walkie talkie apps of 2019 to help you connect with friends and strangers across the globe.
of 06
Zello: Push To Talk Privately or Across the Globe
What We Like
- Live open group communication
- Public conversations on popular topics as well as geographical areas (such as hurricane areas)
- Compatible with Apple Watch and Android wearables
- Able to set status to 'offline'
What We Don't Like
- It does allow in-app purchases, so if you're letting kids use it be aware
- The professional version offers higher security, for a monthly fee
Zello carries over 4-star ratings in both the Android and iOS app stores with tens of thousands of users. The app offers users the best of both worlds, enabling you to communicate privately with people you know and also to join channels that may interest you. Zello features real-time streaming with high-quality audio, including PTT, and works over Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, or 4G mobile data.
of 06
Two Way: The Quickest Way to Make Your Own Channel
What We Like
- A quick setup without having to make an account or profile
- Runs in the background with minimal battery usage
- No personal information entered or collected
What We Don't Like
- All channels are public, so anyone could join your channel if they know the number or stumble on it by accident
- Offers in-app purchase, so be aware if you're having kids use the app to communicate
Two Way is an app that will let any number of users join a channel and chat instantly, no signup or personal information required. All you do is choose a channel number and share that number with your friends so they can join in the conversation. It's the most similar app to a two-way radio, only requiring everyone to be tuned in on the same station to chat.
of 06
Marco Polo: Walkie Talkie With Video
What We Like
- App is totally free and does not have any in-app purchases, which makes it great for kids to use
- Ability to see who has seen your message and who is watching live
- Messages aren't deleted
- Feature allows users to send a text message if they aren't able to record audio
What We Don't Like
- Video streaming requires higher speed service, so the app works best on WiFi or 4G mobile data
- Higher battery usage with video content
Marco Polo is quickly becoming one of the most popular walkie talkie apps. With Face-to-Face messaging, but in walkie talkie style, users can communicate with individual contacts or create group conversations. The app also includes fun features like voice and video filters, and instant emoji reactions when someone is watching live.
of 06
Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie: Catch Your (Apple Watch-Using) Contacts Instantly
What We Like
- The interface on the Apple Watch is very clean and easy to use for quick communication
- Doesn't require you to find your phone to send or listen to messages
- Can turn the app on or off, and the app automatically goes to 'unavailable' if you are in Theater Mode or Do Not Disturb on your watch
What We Don't Like
- Only available for Apple Watch Series 1 and later, you must be running WatchOS 5
- Not available in all countries or regions
Apple has Walkie-Talkie, an app exclusively for Apple Watch users. Using the app requires you to be set up for FaceTime, able to make and receive FaceTime audio calls.
Essentially, the app allows you to use your watch to send a voice note to your contact who then hears your message on their watch instantly. This app is only for contacts, not public or group conversations.
of 06
Voxer: Live Or Recorded Audio Combined With Multimedia
What We Like
- Secure encrypted content
- Ability to share multimedia elements with a group in context of your chat
- Messages are saved for future reference
What We Don't Like
- In-app purchases to upgrade to 'pro' version
- Only 30-day storage of messages for the free version
- Additional features like message recall and removing people from groups are only available on the 'pro' version
Voxer allows users to communicate with live audio, like a walkie talkie, but all messages are saved so that you can listen and respond later. Voxer features end-to-end encryption, so if security is a concern for you then this is a great option for you. There are additional sharing options as well, including photos, locations, or GIFs.
of 06
FireChat: Connecting Without WiFi or Cellular Service
What We Like
- Ability to communicate even without data or WiFi
- Private messages are encrypted
- Public messages to communicate with those around you at large events
- Private group messages
What We Don't Like
- FireChat requires WiFi to be enabled, even if it's 'unavailable', which could lead to accidental charges on cruises or other resorts
- Public chats are not moderated, so users may encounter content that is inappropriate or undesired
FireChat offers the ability to connect with anyone using the app nearby, even without cellular service or WiFi. This means you can use it on airplanes, cruises, and other places where network coverage is unavailable. FireChat uses a mesh network via Bluetooth and peer-to-peer WiFi to transmit messages and pictures offline between devices when they are within 200 feet of each other. This network grows stronger when more users are participating.
To use Walkie-Talkie, you and your friend both need Apple Watch Series 1 or later with watchOS 5.3 or later. You also both need to set up the FaceTime app on your iPhone with iOS 12.4 and be able to make and receive FaceTime audio calls. The Walkie-Talkie app isn't available in all countries or regions.
How to add friends to the Walkie-Talkie app
- Open the Walkie-Talkie app on your Apple Watch.
- Tap Add Friends, then choose a contact.
- Wait for your friend to accept the invitation. Their contact card stays gray and appears under Friends You Invited until your friend accepts. After they accept, their contact card turns yellow and you and your friend can talk instantly.
To remove a friend, open the Walkie-Talkie app, swipe left on the friend, then tap the delete button . Or open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap Walkie-Talkie > Edit, tap the minus button , then tap Remove.
Get help if you can't add a friend to Walkie-Talkie.
How to accept a Walkie-Talkie invitation
Tap Always Allow in the notification that appears when someone invites you. If you miss the notification the first time, look for it in Notification Center. Invitations also appear in the Walkie-Talkie app.
How to start a Walkie-Talkie conversation
- Open the Walkie-Talkie app on your Apple Watch.
- Tap a friend.
- Touch and hold the talk button, then say something. If you see 'connecting' on the screen, wait for Walkie-Talkie to connect. After Walkie-Talkie connects, your friend can hear your voice and talk with you instantly.
As long as your friend is wearing their Apple Watch and has Walkie-Talkie turned on, they receive alerts when you want to talk.
How to talk over Walkie-Talkie
- Touch and hold the talk button, then say something.
- When you're done, let go. Your friend instantly hears what you said.
To change the volume, turn the Digital Crown.
Turn Walkie-Talkie off or on
- Open the Walkie-Talkie app.
- Turn Walkie-Talkie off or on. If someone tries to reach you while you're unavailable, a notification appears asking if you'd like to talk.
You can also turn Walkie-Talkie off or on by tapping the Walkie-Talkie button in Control Center.
If you turn on Silent Mode in Control Center, you can still hear chimes and your friend's voice. If you turn on Theater Mode, it automatically makes you unavailable to talk with Walkie-Talkie. Do Not Disturb mirrors your iPhone settings, so you can manage which Walkie-Talkie alerts appear, and when.
Get help
If your iPhone isn't nearby, you can use Walkie-Talkie with a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Learn how to use your Apple Watch when your iPhone isn't nearby.
For more help, find your issue below.
If you don't see the Walkie-Talkie app
- FaceTime is required for Walkie-Talkie to work, so if you've deleted it, re-download FaceTime on your iPhone. Open the App Store on your iPhone, search for FaceTime, then tap the download button .
- Make sure that FaceTime is turned on. Open the Settings app, tap FaceTime, then turn on FaceTime.
- Open the FaceTime app. To make sure FaceTime is set up correctly, try making a call.
- Restart your Apple Watch.
- Restart your iPhone.
If you have FaceTime on your iPhone and don't see the Walkie-Talkie app on your watch, you might have deleted it. Open the App Store on your Apple Watch and re-download it.
FaceTime is not available in all countries or regions.
If you're having issues sending and receiving invitations
- On your iPhone, open the Settings app, then tap FaceTime. Make sure that you're signed in with your Apple ID. Under You Can Be Reached By FaceTime At, make sure that your email address is selected.
- Restart your Apple Watch.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Try to send the invitation again. On your Apple Watch, open the Walkie-Talkie app, swipe left on the contact, then tap the delete button . Tap the plus button , then choose the same contact.
If you still need help
If you updated to watchOS 5.3 or later and tried the steps above, but still need help, contact Apple Support.