Real-Time Text (RTT) is text that is transmitted instantly when it is being typed or created. As quickly as characters are typed on the sending device, they are displayed on the receiving device. RTT is something that occurs swiftly!
Real-Time Text Benefits
Real-Time Text is especially helpful for people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing or have a speech impairment. RTT is also useful for loud environments, or sending detailed information such as addresses.
Key Features of RTT:
- Eliminates the need to connect to mobile TTY devices
- Works on both the Cricket cellular network and Wi-Fi Calling
- Offers a more natural conversation flow compared to TTY and relay services
- Supports simultaneous text and speech on RTT-to-RTT calls
How to Setup Real-Time Text
Android
- Open the Phone app from your device.
- Tap More icon, then Settings.
- Tap Accessibility then TTY mode, to turn on Text Telephone mode. If you see Real-Time Text toggle it on.
iPhone
- Go to Settings. Tap Accessibility, then RTT/TTY.
- Toggle on Software RTT/TTY.
- Tap Relay Number, then enter a phone number for TTY relay calls.
Real-Time Text Capable Devices
- Currently, our RTT-capable devices include:
- Alcatel APPRISE™
- Alcatel INSIGHT
- Alcatel ONYX
- Alcatel SMARTFLIP
- Cricket Debut
- Cricket Debut Smart
- Cricket Icon Smartphone
- Cricket Icon 2
- Cricket Icon 3
- Cricket Icon 4
- Cricket Ovation 2
- Cricket Ovation 3
- Cricket Vision Plus
- Cricket Innovate E 5G
- LG Escape Plus
- LG Fortune 2
- LG Fortune 3
- LG Harmony 2
- LG Harmony 3
- LG Risio 3
- LG Stylo 4
- LG Stylo 5
- moto G7 Supra
- Motorola moto g power
- Motorola moto g power (2022)
- Motorola moto g stylus (2022)
- Motorola moto g stylus 5G (2022)
- Motorola moto g play
- Motorola moto g pure
- Motorola moto g 5G (2022)
- Nokia 3.1 C
- Nokia 3.1 Plus
- Nokia C2 Tava
- Samsung Galaxy A01
- Samsung Galaxy A02s
- Samsung Galaxy A03s
- Samsung Galaxy A51 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A6
- Samsung Galaxy A10e
- Samsung J2 Pure
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A12
- Samsung Galaxy A13
- Samsung Galaxy A32
- Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- TCL 30 Z
- TCL Classic
To get more information or to learn how to change RTT settings for your device, visit Device Support.
Real-Time Text FAQs
Real-Time text (RTT) communication allows a conversation of text and voice for everyday and emergency calls. It's started like a voice call and is distinct from instant messaging, SMS, and email. Recipients see each text character appear on their devices as senders enter them.
Yes, you'll be able to converse with RTT and TTY users. But, TTY has more functional limitations than RTT. When a RTT user is communicating with a TTY user, both parties will be constrained by the limitations of the TTY device. For example, TTYs are limited to 50 characters while RTT has no character limits.
Yes, you'll be able to dial 911 and reach a public safety answering point. You'll also be able to dial 711 and reach a state telecommunications relay center. RTT works with TTY and lets you have a real-time text conversation with a TTY equipped center.
RTT works as part of a phone's software so it doesn't require a separate keyboard device like a TTY. It allows much faster typing speeds and users can type messages and speak at the same time. Also, there is a larger character set, including special characters like @, and it recognizes other languages.
There's no additional cost for the service.
No, but you'll need a RTT capable wireless Phone.
No. Just like with TTY, RTT users can't communicate directly with instant messaging and text messaging apps, like iMessage and AOL messenger. You can communicate with RTT and TTY users.
Yes, as long as Wi-Fi Calling is not active.