How to Enable TTY Mode in Microsoft Teams
TTY mode in Microsoft Teams helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing communicate better during calls.
TTY stands for Teletypewriter, and it’s a system that turns voice calls into text. When you turn on TTY mode, your Teams calls can use a TTY device to send and receive messages.
This feature makes sure your Teams calls work for anyone who prefers communicating by text. It helps with both calls you make and calls you receive.
You can find the TTY setting in your Teams settings, under the Accessibility section.
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
To use TTY mode in Microsoft Teams, you’ll need a physical TTY device plugged into your computer. A serial-to-USB adapter (a device that lets older hardware connect to modern USB ports) is also necessary.
How to Enable TTY Mode in Microsoft Teams
Open the app’s settings and choose the Accessibility option to enable TTY mode in Microsoft Teams. This feature helps users who rely on TTY (teletypewriter) devices to communicate. Follow these few steps to turn on TTY mode and use Teams with your device.
1. Open the Microsoft Teams app from your Start menu.
2. If the app's already running, you can 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-hand sidebar.
5. In the Hearing section, switch Teletypewriter (TTY) mode to On.
6. Click Save to apply your changes.
Troubleshooting TTY Device Issues
If your TTY device isn't working with Teams, check your Windows Sound settings and confirm that your audio drivers are installed correctly.
Broader Accessibility Context
Teams offers several tools for inclusive communication. TTY is for hardware-based text communication. Live Captions, on the other hand, provide real-time text for spoken audio using AI. Sign Language View allows users to prioritize video feeds of sign language interpreters. For more information, check out the official Microsoft Accessibility support documentation.
Summary
Enabling TTY mode in Teams lets people with TTY hardware join calls easily, and you can turn it on in Settings under Accessibility.
Do I need special hardware to use TTY mode in Teams?
Do I need special hardware to use TTY mode in Teams?
Yes. TTY mode in Microsoft Teams requires a physical TTY device connected to your computer. The software acts as an interface for the hardware, but it cannot function without the external device plugged into your system to transmit and receive the text signals over the phone line.
Is TTY mode available in the Teams web app?
No. TTY mode is currently only supported in the Microsoft Teams desktop client. The web browser version of Teams can't connect to local hardware devices like TTY machines, so you'll need to use the installed desktop app for this feature.
How does TTY mode differ from Live Captions?
TTY mode is a hardware-based solution for text-to-voice communication over phone lines. Live Captions is an AI-driven software feature that transcribes spoken words into text on your screen during meetings. TTY is for specific phone-based accessibility, while Live Captions are for general meeting comprehension.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!