AT&T Real-Time Text FAQ

Real‐time text (RTT) communication lets people with disabilities use both text and voice to make calls. You start a text conversation like a voice call, but it's different from instant messaging and SMS. Both callers see each text character appear on their device as they're sent.

Yes. You can make RTT calls to other providers who have deployed RTT on their network.

Yes, you'll be able to converse with RTT and landline 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. TTY etiquettes like Go Ahead “GA” or Stop Keying “SK” can be used for taking turn.

Yes, you'll be able to dial 911 and reach a 911 operator and those operators may be using landline TTY. 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 landline TTY equipped center.

RTT works as part of a phone’s software so it doesn’t require a separate keyboard device like TTY. It allows much faster typing speeds, and you can type messages and speak at the same time. Also, there's a larger character set, including special characters like @, and it recognizes other languages.

There’s no additional cost for the service. Built-in RTT is an accessibility feature on all wireless phones and Apple iPads. For Android tablets the app download is free of charge. However, we bill any voice minutes or data used according to your wireless service plan.

Yes, the AT&T wireless network no longer supports making calls with TTY mobile devices.

No. RTT users can’t communicate directly with instant messaging and text messaging apps, like iMessage. You can communicate with RTT and TTY users.

Yes, all phones have an option to turn on the RTT button, so it is visible on all incoming calls.