How to Prepare Your Phone for a Storm (So You’re Not Stuck With No Service)

Last weekend’s snowstorm was a strong reminder of something many people don’t think about until it’s too late: when severe weather hits, your phone becomes more than just a convenience.

It’s how you stay informed.
It’s how you reach family and friends.
And in some cases, it’s your primary safety tool.

Snowstorms, hurricanes, heat waves, and severe weather events can all impact mobile service. Here’s how to prepare your phone and your connectivity so you’re not caught off guard the next time weather disrupts daily life.

Why storms can disrupt phone service

Severe weather doesn’t just affect roads and power lines. It can also impact the mobile networks your phone relies on.

Here’s what typically happens during major storms:

• Power outages can shut down nearby cell towers or reduce their capacity
• Network congestion increases as more people rely on mobile data for updates
• Weather conditions can physically damage infrastructure or delay repairs
• Coverage quality varies significantly by carrier and location

This means two people in the same storm can have very different experiences depending on their carrier and local coverage.

What to do before a storm hits

Preparation makes the biggest difference. These steps are easiest to do before weather conditions worsen.

Fully charge your devices

Charge your phone to 100% and top off any backup power sources you have, such as power banks or portable chargers. If power outages last longer than expected, a fully charged device can mean hours or even days of additional connectivity.

If you have a car charger, keep it accessible in case you need to recharge while driving.

Turn on Wi-Fi Calling

Wi-Fi Calling allows your phone to make calls and send texts over a Wi-Fi connection instead of relying solely on cellular service.

This does make a difference because Wi-Fi Calling needs to be enabled ahead of time and may require an initial setup while cellular service is still stable. Turning it on early ensures it’s ready if cellular coverage becomes unreliable.

Check your local coverage

Not all carriers perform the same during severe weather, especially at a local level.

Checking coverage in your specific area helps you understand which networks are more reliable where you live — something that matters even more during outages.

You can check coverage by location using Goji’s coverage map here: Check coverage in your area with Goji

Download important information for offline use

If service becomes limited, offline access can be critical. Before a storm:

• Download maps for your area
• Save emergency contacts to your phone
• Keep important documents stored locally
• Install or update weather and emergency alert apps

These small steps can make a big difference if connectivity drops.

During the storm: how to conserve battery and data

When power or service is unstable, conserving your phone’s resources helps extend how long you stay connected.

To save battery life:

• Enable Low Power Mode
• Close apps running in the background
• Reduce screen brightness
• Turn off background app refresh if possible

To reduce network strain:

• Use text messaging instead of voice calls when you can
• Avoid streaming video or large downloads
• Limit app usage to essential tasks like communication and updates

Even modest adjustments can significantly extend battery life during outages.

Why your carrier matters during severe weather

Storms often highlight differences between mobile networks.

Some carriers:

• Restore service faster after outages
• Have more robust backup power for towers
• Provide stronger local coverage in certain regions

If your service consistently struggles during storms, it may be a sign that your carrier’s coverage in your area isn’t as strong as it could be. Understanding how different networks perform locally can help you make a more informed choice long before weather becomes an issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can storms really cause phone service outages?

Yes. Power loss, damaged infrastructure, and network congestion can all impact mobile service during severe weather events.

Does Wi-Fi Calling work if the power is out?

Wi-Fi Calling will work as long as you have access to a powered Wi-Fi network, such as one running on a generator or backup power.

Why does service feel slower during storms?

More people rely on mobile data at the same time, which increases network congestion and can slow speeds even if towers are still operational.

Are some carriers better during emergencies?

Coverage reliability varies by carrier and location. Some networks have stronger infrastructure or better local coverage depending on where you live.

How can I check which carrier works best in my area?

You can compare local coverage using Goji’s coverage map to see how different networks perform in your specific location before choosing a plan.