Relay Services
Real-Time Text
What is Real-Time Texting (RTT)?
Who Benefits from Real-Time Texting (RTT)?
RTT is designed to benefit individuals who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities to communicate with people they call with their smartphones. RTT allows individuals to communicate in real-time through any combination of speech and text.
For more information, refer to the guide on the Federal Communications Commission’s website.
Comparing Teletypewriter (TTY) and Real-Time Texting (RTT):
TTY is a communication system that allows individuals with hearing or speech disabilities to communicate via text with other parties. It uses a specialized device with keyboards and displays to exchange text messages over telephone lines. TTY requires both parties to have compatible TTY devices for communication.
Real-Time Text (RTT)
RTT is a technological improvement on TTY, allowing instant text communication on the internet without specialized equipment, which works on wireless phones, tablets, and computers. It allows users to see messages as they are being written – making conversations more simulating. RTT users can see real-time pauses, corrections, and changes in written conversations. Most major wireless companies offer RTT at no cost.
RTT offers several advantages over traditional TTY.
For example, RTT:
- Eliminates the need for specialized equipment,
- Uses the same ten-digit numbers for both voice and RTT calls,
- Enables real-time, simultaneous text exchanges,
- Is more reliable over IP networks, reducing garbling and drop-offs, Provides more characters for typing, including special
characters, multiple languages, and emojis; and - Allows concurrent use of RTT and voice during a call.
RTT Calling Capabilities
Making calls using RTT can make everyday calls and emergency calls more accessible with a few simple updates to your smartphone. RTT is compatible with calls to:
- Other RTT users on any network or device
- Emergency services (911)
- Relay services (711)
- TTY users (individuals, businesses, government agencies)
How to Setup Real-Time Text on Your Smartphone
Apple (iOS):
1. Open Settings:
2. Accessibility Settings:
a. Scroll down and tap on “Accessibility.”
3. Hearing Devices:
a. Under the “Hearing” section, tap on “RTT/TTY.”
4. Enable RTT:
a. Toggle the switch to enable “Software RTT/TTY.”
5. Set RTT Mode:
a. Choose between “Automatic,” “Manual,” or “TTY Only,” depending on your preferences.
6. Adjust Settings:
a. You can customize additional settings, such as Call Audio Routing and more.
Android:
1. Open Phone App:
2. Access Settings:
a. Tap the three dots (menu) or go to “Settings.”
3. Accessibility Settings:
a. Depending on your device, look for “Accessibility” or “Hearing” settings.
4. RTT/TTY Settings:
a. Locate and tap on “RTT/TTY” or a similar option.
5. Enable RTT:
a. Turn on the RTT/TTY option.
6. Adjust Settings:
a. You may find additional settings like “TTY Mode” where you can choose options like “TTY Full”, “VCO”, or “HCO.”
* Please note that the steps might vary slightly depending on the device model and the version of the operating system. Some Android smartphones automatically provide RTT. If you’re unable to find these settings, you may want to refer to your device’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.
Get Support With RTT
Are you looking for more information on RTT? You can reach out to our support team to learn more about how to set it up on your phone, how to make calls and more at the following:
- Phone/VP: 1-800-806-1191
- Email: info@caconnect.org
You can also download these helpful resources for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
RTT is an accessibility feature offered on most smartphones that allows callers to use a combination of text and voice to make calls. You can think of RTT as TTY for your smartphone, but with more features. Users can see messages as they are typed or voiced.
RTT calls can be used to make calls to other RTT users, TTY users, 711 and to emergency services like 911. You can use RTT to call people who uses a different wireless service provider than you.
No, RTT is a free feature offered on smart devices.
Yes, you can dial both 911 and 711 using RTT. To contact 911 using RTT, you have two options:
- Dial 911 using your smart phone and select the RTT option, and you’ll be able to participate in a real-time voice-to-text conversation.
- Using NG911, you can type 911 into your text message recipient field and send your message.
Yes, you can call a person who uses a TTY through RTT. However, you will both be limited to the functionality of a traditional RTT including character limits, speed of transmission, and use of special characters.
RTT set up differs slightly depending on which phone you use. You can always go to your general settings and search “Accessibility” or “RTT” and the settings should show up.
To set up RTT on your iPhone, first open your settings, then navigate to:
- Accessibility Settings: Select “Accessibility.”
- RTT/TTY: Tap on “RTT/TTY.”
- Enable RTT: Toggle the switch to enable “Software RTT/TTY” and “Answer RTT Calls.”
- Set RTT Mode: Choose “Answer All Calls as RTT/TTY.”
To set up RTT on your Android Phone, first open your settings, then navigate to:
- Accessibility Settings: Depending on your device, look for “Accessibility” or “Hearing” settings.
- RTT/TTY Settings: Locate and tap on “RTT/TTY” or a similar option.
- Enable RTT: Turn on the RTT/TTY option. Some Android smartphones automatically provide RTT.
Yes! If you need more information on how to set up and use RTT you can contact California Connect at the following:
- Phone/VP: 1-800-806-1191
- Email: info@caconnect.org