Twigby Mobile service is not available outside the U.S. However, many of our customers that have iPhones and Android smartphones use simple technology to stay connected via Wi-Fi. With this, staying in touch when you travel internationally is easy and free with the use of apps or our Wi-Fi Calling and Texting feature. Below are ways to stay connected with family and friends while traveling to Mexico, Canada or anywhere across the globe.
Wi-Fi Calling and Texting
Wi-Fi Calling and Texting allows you to make and receive calls and text messages using a Wi-Fi network with your existing Twigby phone number even if you are outside of Twigby Mobile's U.S. coverage. Wi-Fi works within the range of your router, and you do not need a cell signal. With this feature enabled, a Wi-Fi signal allows you to send texts, make calls, and start video calls without using cell service. At Twigby Mobile, Wi-Fi Calling and Texting is included with every plan for free. This feature is perfect for when you are travelling overseas. Please note that in order for Wi-Fi Calling and Texting to work where there is not a cellular connection available (such as traveling abroad or in a remote area), it must be turned on while you are still within network coverage and have service prior to your arrival to the area with no coverage. To learn more about Wi-Fi Calling and Texting and how to enable it, click here.
International Calling and Texting
When you have Wi-Fi Calling and Texting enabled and connected while traveling, you can also use our International Calling and Texting feature to stay in touch. If you are traveling to a country where Twigby Mobile offers International long-distance calling and texting, it can be helpful when making calls to local numbers in the area you are staying. You can also use International Calling and Texting to reach your friends and family in other countries around the world. Just be sure you have Wi-Fi calling and texting enabled when calling or texting internationally while outside of the U.S. Learn what countries are included in our International Calling and Unlimited Global Texting and how to use them.
If for some reason you did not enable Wi-Fi Calling and Texting before leaving the country, below is a list of apps that will help you stay connected to your family and friends while traveling.
iMessage and FaceTime for Apple iPhones
When your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi, group texting and picture/video messages can be sent to other Apple devices (iPhone, iPad. Mac, etc) using iMessage. All you need it a Wi-Fi connection and you can use iMessage and FaceTime anywhere in the world.
How to turn iMessage and FaceTime on or off:
- Go to "Settings" > "Messages" and turn iMessage on or off
- Go to "Settings" > "FaceTime" and turn FaceTime on or off
- Restart your device
If for some reason they do not activate, please see this Apple troubleshooting guide.
Google Messages for Android
Google Messages is essentially Google’s version of Apple’s iMessage. It is Google’s official universal messaging platform for the Android ecosystem. With Messages, you can text anyone from anywhere across all your connected devices. The app offers great features that make communication, organization, and safety a priority. You can send texts over Wi-Fi even if you don’t have cell service. Starting a video call from a conversation is also quick and easy and doesn’t require you to switch between apps. Click here to learn more about Google Messages.
Apps for Android Smartphones and Apple iPhones
WhatsApp Messenger (Twigby Customer Top Pick)
WhatsApp Messenger is a free messaging and calling app that uses your phone number as an identifier. The app is available for both Android and iPhone. WhatsApp will work over a Wi-Fi network to let you message and call friends and family who also have WhatsApp Messenger downloaded on their phone. Switch from SMS to WhatsApp to send and receive messages, calls, photos, videos, documents, and voice messages. Call or message your friends and family even if they’re in another country. There is no extra charge! Download WhatsApp Messenger on your Android or your iPhone.
Messenger (Twigby Customer Top Pick)
Messenger is an app that allows you to send messages and make calls for free when connected to Wi-Fi. Initially, Messenger started out as app for Facebook users, but you don’t need a Facebook account to use Messenger anymore. If you aren’t on Facebook, you can use Messenger by creating an account with just your name and phone number. If you are on Facebook, you can use Messenger by logging in through your Facebook account. Message, call, or video chat your friends and family near and far. Don’t forget that the people who you will want to stay in contact with using Messenger will need to have the Messenger app as well. The Messenger app is available for both Android and iPhone.
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