What is TTY Mode

What is TTY Mode?

TTY-stands for Teletypewriter (Teletype). It is also called as Text Telephone or Teletype Terminal. Basically, TTY is a device used for deaf, hearing or speech-impaired individuals to communicate via the telephone by typing text messages. Nowadays, cell phones with a TTY mode are compatible with this technology and perform the same service after connected to a TTY device. TTY can be used with both landlines and cell phones, but it required both ends of the conversation in order to communicate. TTY is a like text version of a phone call but it differs than text messaging. I hope you understand what is TTY mode.

How does TTY Mode work?

Hearing- or speech-impaired people are unable to use telephones in a conventional way, to overcome this problem TTY devices are designed. In short, TTY devices are machines that are specifically designed to allow hearing and speech impaired people to communicate with one another over long distances. The TTY machine displays text messages, but both parties require TTY devices to communicate with each other. One of the main functions of TTY devices is the ability to connect to TRS (Telecommunications Relay Service). This service translates words into text, and text into words.

In case, your cell phone has TTY capabilities, it can be connected to a TTY device, and you can communicate with someone else who has a TTY device. Unlike text messaging, TTY language and protocol is designed for instant communication. For instance, the term “GA,” short for “go ahead,” is used at the end of a sentence, signifying that it’s the other person’s turn to speak.

How to Enable/Turn On TTY Mode on Your Cell Phone

  1. While each phone is different, you can usually find the TTY option under the “General Settings” menu.
  2. Mostly in your “Phone Setting” enable/turn on TTY mode.
  3. Now connect your phone to a TTY device. (You can connect your mobile headset to a TTY device through the headphone jack).

Thus you can enable TTY mode, Enabling TTY mode may lead you to lose the ability to receive non-TTY calls and text messages. You may also be unable to open some apps on smartphones. TTY mode gives the ability for a continuous communication without the constant interruptions of sending and receiving texts.

How to Disable/Turn Off  TTY Mode on Your Cell Phone

  1. In your cell phone, go to “General Settings”
  2. Now go to  “Phone Setting” and disable/turn off TTY mode
  3. Now you can remove your phone from TTY device.

Once you turn off TTY mode, you will not be able to receive or make, TTY phone calls. If you’re expecting a TTY phone call, then you need to enable your TTY mode again. Turning off TTY mode on your phone will allow you to use the normal non-TTY functions of your phone again. Such as making and receiving basic phone calls and text .messages.

By Sameer

I'm Sameer Bille, a blogger from Mumbai, India. I started MuchTech as a passion.Here at Much Tech I write about Tech Tips,Tricks and how to guide.

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