The RTT feature is one of the most unknown functions on an Android device. RTT, which stands for Real Time Text, can be useful if you want to text someone while you’re making a call.
For the average person, this could be useful. But for those hard of hearing, it’s an essential feature in an Android phone. Nevertheless, sometimes you may want to turn the Real Time Text option off – here’s how you can do just that.
How Do You Disable RTT Calling on Android?
It is possible to turn off RTT if you’ve accidentally enabled it while you’re on a call, though it does vary depending on the device you’re using – it may look a little different for Samsung Galaxy users than it does for Google Pixel users.
However, in general Android users can do this easily by;
First, go into the Settings app.
Next, scroll down until you find the Hearing and Accessibility tab.
Then, select the RTT option (Real Time Text option).
Within this menu, you should be able to toggle Real Time Text on or off.
This process may vary a little depending on the Android phone that you’re using – you may need to tap the menu icon on your home screen first. However, all Android phones have a similar process when it comes to turning RTT on for your voice calls.
What Does RTT Do?
RTT is used when someone wants to text whilst they’re in the middle of a phone call. It offers the ability to send text to the recipient in the background whilst you’re on the call.
While the feature may not seem useful for many, it’s an essential tool for the hard of hearing. It can make things much easier than having a phone conversation, and if you don’t have the option to video call, text based can be best.
RTT is helpful for people who have hearing impairments, and it’s been integrated into the Android operating system since 2013, as they all support the voice-texting of text messages.
What is RTT and TTY on Android?
Those that own a Samsung phone may already be familiar with TTY, and wonder what the difference is. TTY was also available within your phone app settings for a period, and it’s true that these features are quite similar to one another.
These app notifications are different though, and nowadays RTT is the preferred of the two. There are a few different reasons for this;
RTT is the more stable and reliable of the two options, which means that you don’t need to worry about your call dropping off whilst you’re making it. This can be an issue with TTY mode.
RTT has access to more complex character than what you get with TTY. In comparison, a TTY device is limited, as there are certain characters that you cannot send (the @ symbol, for example).
With TTY mode you have to take turns when you send text messages. With RTT, messages can be sent both ways simultaneously.
They are basically two different protocols, with RTT being the current standard over TTY. This means that you don’t need to worry about TTY mode as much, and sticking with RTT will be more than suitable.
Conclusion
In short, RTT is an important feature for those with hearing or speech impairments. When it comes to accessibility, Android have made sure that it’s available on their operating system for many years now.
Some of us might have changed our call settings and enabled the feature by accident, just like when you accidentally enable speakerphone on Android. Fortunately, it’s actually very easy for you to go into your phone’s settings app and enable or disable RTT calling there.
