Walkie-Talkie mode
Anonomi Messenger includes a Walkie-Talkie mode — a push-to-talk (PTT) system that lets you send and receive voice messages in real time.
It works in one-to-one conversations, Private Groups, and Open Groups, both online over Tor and fully offline over local transports.
How it works
Section titled “How it works”Walkie-Talkie mode turns conversations into a push-to-talk channel:
- Hold the volume button to record
- Release to send immediately
- Incoming voice messages play automatically
- A status bar shows who is currently speaking
There is no need to open the app, tap the screen, or navigate to a recording interface. The volume button acts as your PTT trigger.
Where it works
Section titled “Where it works”Walkie-Talkie mode is available in:
- One-to-one conversations
- Private Groups
- Open Groups
It uses the same transport as all other messages — Tor when online, or Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and external storage when offline. No servers are involved.
Configuring the PTT button
Section titled “Configuring the PTT button”By default, Walkie-Talkie mode uses the volume up button as the push-to-talk trigger.
You can change this in Settings:
- Open Settings
- The PTT button option lets you choose between volume up or volume down
Choose whichever is more natural or discreet for your situation.
When to use Walkie-Talkie mode
Section titled “When to use Walkie-Talkie mode”Walkie-Talkie mode is useful when:
- You need fast, real-time voice coordination
- Typing is impractical (moving, outdoors, low visibility)
- You are working with a group in the field
- You want hands-free communication triggered by a physical button
It complements standard voice messages — use Walkie-Talkie for real-time back-and-forth, and regular voice messages for asynchronous communication.
Voice distortion
Section titled “Voice distortion”Walkie-Talkie messages respect the same voice distortion settings as standard voice messages.
If distortion is enabled for a contact, PTT messages sent to that contact will be distorted automatically.
See: Voice messages + distortion
Security considerations
Section titled “Security considerations”The same risks that apply to standard voice messages apply here:
- Voice carries biometric information by nature
- Even short PTT clips can potentially be used for identification
- Auto-play means incoming audio will be audible to anyone nearby
For higher-risk situations:
- Enable voice distortion
- Be aware of your physical surroundings when receiving auto-play messages
- Consider text-only communication when voice creates risk