Teletype (TTY) Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Setup and Use

If you’ve ever encountered the term “teletype” in your Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphone settings. POCO, And you've probably wondered, what is it and why is it? Even though technology has been around since the beginning of time. XIX It is still relevant today, especially for people with hearing or speech impairments. In modern devices, Xiaomi teletype is integrated as part of the function. TTY (Text Telephone, which allows you to exchange text messages over a phone line in real time.

In this article, we will analyze in detail how teletype works in smartphones and smart Xiaomi equipment, how it differs from conventional ones. SMS Or messengers, and why it's still supported by manufacturers, and you'll learn how to turn it on and configure it. TTY On your device, what models support this feature, and in what situations it can be useful even for those who do not have hearing problems, and we will also reveal little-known nuances, for example, why teletype can interfere with VoLTE and how to fix it.

What is a teletype (TTY) And how it works at Xiaomi.

Teletype (or) TTY — Teletypewriter is a technology that allows text messages to be sent over a telephone line, originally used to communicate between deaf and hard of hearing people, and when voice communication is not possible (for example, in severe interference). TTY It is implemented at the software level and works through standard telephone networks.

When the mode is activated TTY Your smartphone converts the text you're typing into audio signals that are transmitted over the phone line, and at the other end, the subscriber sees it as text on their device. SMS Or messengers like WhatsApp, where messages are transmitted in real time, like chat, but through a voice channel. TTY Both subscribers must maintain this mode.

• 📡 Analog TTY — It works through standard telephone lines (for example, in landline telephones for the deaf).
• 📱 Digital. TTY (Real-Time Text, RTT) — Modern version for smartphones, supported by Xiaomi in new models.
• 🔄 Full/partial TTY — In smartphones, you can choose a mode where the text complements the voice or completely replaces it.

In Xiaomi devices, the function TTY It's usually hidden in the special features settings. It's available on most models running on the computer. MIUI 12 and newer, including Xiaomi lineups 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12 and POCO F4/F5. However, there are nuances: for example, in some regions (for example, in the United States) support for the development of the TTY It is legally binding, and in Europe or Asia it may be restricted.

The difference between teletype and SMS, RCS messenger

Many people confuse teletype with the usual SMS or modern messengers, but the TTY There are key features:

Main advantage TTY beforehand SMS — It's instant character transfer, for example, if you type in a message, the other person sees it as they type in it (like Google Docs for collaborative editing), which is critical for people with disabilities, because it allows you to have a conversation at a live pace, TTY It does not require an internet connection, unlike RCS WhatsApp, which makes it a reliable tool in the face of poor coverage 4G/5G.

However, the teletype has disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Limited speed – due to the use of a voice channel, text is transmitted more slowly than in instant messengers.
• ⚠️ Not all operators support it – in some countries TTY It may not work or require additional activation.
• ⚠️ Conflict with VoLTE - when turned on TTY Voice data functions (e.g., VoLTE or ViLTE) may be disabled).

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After inclusion TTY missing 4G or voice calls through VoLTE stopped working, try restarting your smartphone or temporarily disabling teletype in the settings.

What Xiaomi smartphones support teletype (TTY)

Function TTY available on most modern Xiaomi smartphones, but its implementation depends on the model, version MIUI And the firmware region. Here are the key points:

• ✅ Full support - flagship models (Xiaomi) 13 Pro, 14 Ultra, MIX Fold 3) and most of the devices on MIUI 13/14.
• ⚠️ Partial support - budget models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M5) They may have a simplified interface. TTY No Real-Time Text Mode (RTT).
• ❌ Absent – very old devices (e.g. Redmi) 4X or Mi A1) and some regional firmware (for example, for India).

Check if your smartphone supports you. TTY, Follow the following steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Special Features (or Additional Settings → Special Features).
3. Find the item Rumor or Teletype (TTY).

If there is no such item, it may mean one of three:

1. Your model doesn't support you. TTY.
2. The function is hidden in the engineering menu (less often).
3. You have custom firmware installed without the support of special features.

Step-by-step instructions: how to turn on and configure TTY Xiaomi

Activation of the teletype on Xiaomi smartphones takes no more than a minute, but requires attention to detail.

1. Open Settings and go to Special Opportunities.
2. Select Hearing (or Audio and Hearing in New Versions) MIUI).
3. Find the Teletype (TTY) item and tap it.
4. Select one of the modes: TTY Off – function disabled (by default). TTY Full - text only, voice turned off. TTY HCO — text for the listener (you hear the voice but send the text). TTY VCO — text for the speaker (you speak but get text).

Save the settings and restart the smartphone (recommended for stable operation).

After activation TTY When you call, you'll see a text box that you can type in messages, and it's important that both callers use compatible modes. TTY. For example, if you have chosen TTY Full, and your interlocutor — TTY HCO, no connection.

Make sure that the operator supports TTY|Check the compatibility of both subscribers|Disable VoLTE (if there is a conflict)|Use a wired headset for convenience-->

After inclusion TTY If you have lost your mobile Internet or stopped working voice calls, try the following:

• Turn it off. TTY and reboot the device.
• Check the APN (Access Point) settings with your carrier.
• Update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI.

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Regime. TTY Full blocks voice transmission, so it can't be used for normal calls. If you need to combine text and voice, choose the right one. TTY HCO or TTY VCO.

Xiaomi Teletype Problems and Their Solutions

Despite the ease of customization, Xiaomi users often face problems when working with the company. TTY. Here are the most common ones and how to eliminate them:

⚠️ Attention: If, after activation, TTY missing 4G/5G, This is normal -- it uses a voice channel that can conflict with VoLTE. To get high-speed Internet back, turn off the voice channel. TTY Contact the operator to adjust compatibility.

One of the most frequent complaints — TTY The thing is, both technologies use a voice channel, but in different ways. If you're critically interested in saving VoLTE (for example, for high-quality voice), try it:

1. Use the regime TTY HCO or TTY VCO instead TTY Full.
2. Disable VoLTE in the settings SIM-maps (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Use VoLTE).
3. Contact the operator and request compatibility activation TTY VoLTE (not all operators support this).

Another common problem is that characters are not displayed correctly (e.g., instead of letters, "?" or squares) and this is due to the encoding of text into the text. TTY. Decision:

• Use only Latin characters and numbers.
• Turn off auto-replacement and T9 keyboard.
• Try a different mode. TTY (For example, instead of using Full HCO).

Xiaomi Teletype Alternatives: What to Use Instead TTY

If teletype is not suitable for you (for example, due to a conflict with VoLTE or lack of support from the operator), consider alternative methods of text calls:

• 💬 RCS-Messages - a modern standard for real-time text exchange through the operator (works in Google Messages).
• 📱 Voice Call Messengers – WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal support text chats during voice call.
• 🎧 Special apps for the deaf, such as Rogervision or TextNow, that convert voice to text.
• 📞 Video calls with subtitles – Google Duo or Zoom has automatic speech recognition.

The main difference between these alternatives TTY — Internet connection requirement, unless you have a stable 4G/5G Teletype is the only reliable way to text, but in urban areas, where coverage is good, RCS Or messengers might be more convenient:

If you need a solution to communicate with deaf or hard of hearing people, pay attention to specialized applications:

• Ava – broadcasts voice calls to text in real time.

⚠️ Note: When using messengers for important calls (e.g. emergency services), make sure that the service supports this format. TTY-Calls to emergency numbers (such as 911 in the US), but this does not apply to instant messengers.

The future of teletype: why Xiaomi continues to support it

In the age of messengers and RCS It may seem like the teletype is outdated, but Xiaomi, like other manufacturers, continues to support the development of the new model. TTY for several reasons:

1. In the United States, Canada and some European countries, operators and manufacturers are required to maintain the TTY It's a way of making communication accessible to people with disabilities, for example, in the United States, it's regulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
2. Reliability in emergency situations. TTY It works over standard telephone networks, so it can be used even when the Internet is turned off (for example, during natural disasters).
3. Compatibility with obsolete equipment. Many government services, hospitals and organizations for the deaf still use machines. TTY, And smartphones need to interact with them.
4. Developing the Real-Time Text Standard (RTT). Modern version TTY, integrated 4G/5G It allows you to transfer text faster. Xiaomi already implements RTT New models (e.g. Xiaomi) 14).

In the future, it is expected that TTY will be gradually replaced by RTT, Which is devoid of many of the shortcomings of the classic teletype:

• Higher speed of text transfer.
• Support for emoji and formatting.
• Better integration with VoLTE and 5G.

However, the full transition will take years, as it requires an upgrade of the operator infrastructure.

Xiaomi support TTY — It's not just about legal compliance, it's also part of our strategy to make devices accessible, and we're working with organizations that advocate for people with disabilities, and we're updating the special features of the company on a regular basis. MIUI.

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If you don't use TTY, It is recommended to disable this feature in the settings, as it can affect the stability of communication and the operation of VoLTE.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Xiaomi Teletype