Walkie Talkie FAQs

Q: What is the difference between FRS & GMRS?

A: Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) operate on the same frequencies, but with different power. They operate in FM mode between 462-467 mHz. The GMRS spectrum is broken up into 22 channels which are shared with FRS, and 8 additional channels that are exclusive to GMRS. FRS has a maximum power of 2 Watts or less and don't require a license to operate. GMRS handhelds can have up to 5 Watts of power and fixed GMRS radios, like Midland's MicroMobiles, can have up to 50 Watts. A GMRS license is required by the FCC to legally operate these radios. 

Q: Will my walkie talkie work with my MXT?

A: Yes! All of Midland's FRS and GMRS walkie talkies are compatible with your MicroMobile.

Q: Is there a button I can hit to send an alarm / emergency tone?

A: You can use the CALL/LOCK button to send a call tone from any of Midland's handhelds.

Q: How do I charge my walkie talkie?

A: You can use a desktop charger, AC wall adapter, and micro-USB charging cable.

Q: Do you have to use the rechargeable batteries in the handhelds?

A: No but we recommend using them, and most of our walkie talkies come with a set.

Q: Can I extend the antenna on my FRS walkie talkie?

A: Unfortunately, no. Per the FCC, FRS handhelds cannot have interchangeable or extendable antennas.

Q: How can I set up my walkie to receive NOAA weather alerts? 

A: To turn on NOAA weather alerts, you must first enter the NOAA weather setting on the walkie. To do this, press and hold the WX button on the front of the radio. This is going to be either the UP arrow or the MENU button, depending on the model. Once in WX mode, find the strongest channel. The radio may scan to find it, or you can press the MENU button 1 time and use the UP arrow to scroll through the channels. Then, press the MENU button 2 times, until the radio shows AL OF. Use the UP arrow to set the radio to AL ON. Then, press and release the PTT button until you get back to the regular FRS/ GMRS channels. You will know alerts are on because there will be flashing cloud icon on the screen. Follow the exact same steps to turn weather alerts off. 

If NOAA issues a weather alert for your area, the radio will beep for 20 seconds, then automatically switch to the weather channel so you can hear the alert details. 

Q: Can I replace broken parts on the radio, such as the antenna?

A: Other than the detachable belt clip, radio parts are not user replaceable. 

Q: Can I program my GXT1000 to be compatible with my BizTalk radio?

A: No. The GXT is a GMRS radio, while the BizTalk (MB400, BR200) are business band radios. Because they operate on different frequencies, they can't communicate. The programming for the business radios will only allow for business frequencies to be programmed in. 

Q: Why am I not getting the full range?

A: As a rule, radio frequency is affected by things such as obstructions, terrain, weather, material, etc., which can all degrade radio signal. Midland shows the maximum range that can be reached in ideal conditions. Ideal conditions include no obstructions between you and the other person, a fully charged radio set to high power, and communication over a flat surface such as water, or mountain top to mountain top.

Q: How can I ensure I am getting the maximum power output/wattage for my radio?

A: Ensure you are using the radio in high power (channels 1-7 or 15-22) and that your batteries are fresh and fully charged.

Q: How can I reset my radio?

A: To reset your radio, press the up arrow while powering the radio on. To factory reset the GXT67 Pro, press and hold the menu and PTT buttons while powering the radio on. This will restore the radio to its factory settings. 

Q: How long is the warranty period for my walkie talkie?

A: All Midland's radios, with the exception of its BizTalk business radios and helmet intercoms, have a 3-year warranty from the date of purchase. This does not include the rechargeable batteries which have a warranty period of 90 days.

To register your product please click here.

To read Midland's warranty policy please visit this page. 

Q: How can I maximize the life of my rechargeable batteries? Should I take the batteries out when not using my radios or when they are in storage?

A. When you get your new batteries, charge them for 24 hours, then charge them 8-10 hours in between uses, if the battery is mostly depleted. We also recommend storing the batteries outside of the radios if you are going to go more than a few days without using the radios. When storing your radios, Li-ion batteries will do better when they are stored at around a 40-60% charge. Long-term storage at full charge or complete discharge can degrade the battery.

Q: My radio/charger started smoking when plugged in, or my batteries melted. What should I do?

A: If you notice smoke, overheating, or melting batteries, immediately stop using the radio and charger. These issues are uncommon but can happen for a few reasons:

1. Unwrapped or damaged battery pack

   • Midland rechargeable battery packs are sealed in protective shrink wrap that is clearly labeled “Do not unwrap.”

   • If the wrap has been removed or damaged, the battery can overheat, short circuit, or fail.

2. Incorrect charging cord

   • Only use the charging cable and adapter that came with your radio.

   • Third-party or higher-voltage chargers can supply too much power, causing damage.

3. Outlet supplying too much power

   • Plugging into unstable or overly powerful outlets (for example, certain vehicle adapters or non-regulated power strips) may damage the charger or battery pack.

If none of the above apply, or if you’re unsure, stop using the radio and contact Midland Customer Support for assistance.

Q: Is it ok to leave my radio charging 24/7?

A: For radios with NiMH batteries, such as most of the T-series, and the GXT1000, Midland recommends not charging the radios 24/7 because it depletes the battery life. We recommend charging 8-12 hours, but no more than 24 hours, before usage. NiMH batteries have a significant self-discharge rate.

For radios with lithium batteries such as the GXT3000, GXT67Pro, and some of Midland's business-band radios, while leaving the radio on the charger is not expected to have a significant effect on battery life, leaving it on the charger is not necessary and not recommended as best practice. 

• Unlike NiMH batteries (as in GXT1000) that have a significant self-discharge rate, lithium batteries have a very small self-discharge rate.  This means that it is not really necessary to keep a radio with lithium battery on the charger in order to maintain “full battery” readiness.
• Number of charge / discharge cycles is one of a lithium battery’s primary factors in lifetime.  Although it is expected to be a small effect, leaving the radio in the charger does unnecessarily introduce the possibility of small “top-off” charging cycles, so is not recommended as a best practice.
• General industry recommendations when storing lithium batteries over longer periods of time without use are to store them with about 40% to 60% of a full charge.  While keeping the [GXT67] battery on the charger (Full) between longer periods of disuse is not expected to significantly degrade the battery life, the best practice would be to store the battery with partial charge if longer periods of storage are expected and the user’s application allows.

Q: What does the letter mean after the model number on my radio?  

A: You may notice when looking at the model number on the walkie itself has 1 or 2 letters following it. Examples include T51a, T51c, T51r, T71a, T75a, T77a, LXT600pa, LXT600p, LXT630pa, GXT1000g, GXT1030g, and GXT1050g. This is a manufacturer’s code and does not mean anything for the radio or how it operates. When searching for information on your radio, please omit the letter or use the full SKU, such as T51VP3.