How to Enable TTY Mode in Microsoft Teams
TTY mode in Microsoft Teams is an accessibility setting that translates spoken words into text during voice calls. This feature helps deaf and hard-of-hearing users communicate through real-time text instead of audio.
You can turn on TTY mode in the desktop app for Windows 10 and Windows 11 by opening the settings menu. Once enabled, the app routes all incoming and outgoing call audio through connected teletypewriter hardware.
Enable TTY mode in Microsoft Teams by going to Settings, then Accessibility, and turning on the Teletypewriter (TTY) switch. This feature requires a physical TTY device connected to your computer and is only available in the desktop client.
Hardware Requirements and Setup
Using this feature requires a physical TTY device plugged into your computer. A serial-to-USB adapter bridges the gap between older hardware and modern ports.
How to Enable TTY Mode in Microsoft Teams
You can enable TTY mode in Microsoft Teams by opening your app settings and selecting the Accessibility tab. This feature connects your teletypewriter device directly to calls so you can read and type text instead of speaking or listening. Follow the steps below to turn on TTY mode and start using your hardware device right away.
1. Open the Microsoft Teams app from your Start menu .
2. If the app’s already running, find it on your Taskbar.
3. Click the Settings and more (...) icon next to your profile picture, then choose Settings.
4. Select the Accessibility tab from the left sidebar.
5. In the Hearing section, switch Teletypewriter (TTY) mode to On.
6. Click Save to apply your changes.
Troubleshooting TTY Device Issues
If this didn't work
Verify your physical cable connections and ensure your serial-to-USB adapter is properly recognized in Windows Device Manager.
Broader Accessibility Context
Microsoft Teams offers several other accessibility features alongside TTY mode to help you communicate clearly. Live Captions generate real-time text for spoken audio during meetings, while Sign Language View lets you pin interpreter video feeds to a prominent spot on your screen. These built-in tools work together to make video calls easier to follow without extra hardware.
Summary
Enabling TTY mode in Teams allows participants with TTY hardware to join calls, which requires toggling the switch inside Settings under Accessibility.
Do I need special hardware to use TTY mode in Teams?
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Richard
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Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
What TTY hardware interfaces with Windows which can be used for this?
The post mentions that TTY mode requires a physical TTY device connected to your computer, and notes that a serial-to-USB adapter can bridge older teletypewriter hardware to modern ports. However, the post doesn’t specify which particular TTY devices or models are compatible with Windows and Teams.
For a definitive answer on compatible hardware, I’d recommend checking Microsoft’s official Teams accessibility documentation or contacting Teams support directly, as they’d have the most current list of tested devices. You might also check with your TTY device manufacturer to confirm Windows compatibility.