What does “Teletype” in Xiaomi phone mean: explaining and configuring the function

If you've ever looked at the special features settings on a Xiaomi smartphone, you might have noticed a mysterious feature called Teletype (or TTY) that seems archaic at first glance: in the age of instant messengers and video calls, something called Teletype evokes associations with outdated telegraph machines, but it's actually a useful tool that still applies to a certain category of users.

In this article, we'll go into detail about what Teletype is in a Xiaomi phone, what it's for, how to set it up and when it might come in handy. You'll learn how the feature relates to accessibility, why it shouldn't be turned off "just in case," and what nuances it's important to consider when using it. And if you've never encountered TTY, it's okay: we'll explain it in simple language, without technical jargon.

What is Teletype (TTY) and why is it needed?

Teletype (TTY) — It's a technology that allows people with hearing or speech impairments to communicate on the phone using text. It first appeared in the middle of the story. XX It is a way of sending text messages over phone lines, but is still supported by modern smartphones, including Xiaomi devices, Redmi and other devices. POCO.

How does it work? Instead of a voice, the user types text on the keyboard, which is converted into signals and transmitted to the other end of the line. The person who also has TTY on sees this text on their device, so that people who can't talk or hear can call emergency services, banks, support services, and even communicate with friends — if they also have TTY support.

It is important to understand that Teletype is not the same as SMS It's a real-time message, not a single message, but it's a real-time message, TTY It is compatible with special devices for hearing impaired people, such as TTY-modems.

• 🔄 Bilateral communication: both parties must use TTY, Otherwise, the text won't reach.
• 📞 It works through voice calls: does not require the Internet, unlike instant messengers.
• 🚨 Critical for emergency services: many operators support the TTY Calls to 112, 911 and other help numbers.

How to turn Teletype on or off Xiaomi

TTY setup on Xiaomi smartphones takes less than a minute, and it's hidden in the feature menu, and activating it doesn't require superuser rights or extra apps. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the Settings app** (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Special Features section (some models may call Universal Access).
3. Select Hearing or Hearing Disorders (depending on the MIUI version).
4. Find the "Teletype (TTY)" option and tap it.
5. Select one of the modes: TTY Full - to communicate with another TTY-device; TTY HCO - for people with hearing impairments (microphone turned off, text only); TTY VCO - for people with speech impairments (speaker disabled, text only); Off. - deactivation of the function.

After turning on next to the network indicator, an icon will appear in the status bar «TTY»**, To turn off the function, go back to the same menu and select Off..

Make sure the regimen TTY enabled on both devices|Use the keyboard to type during the call.|Check compatibility with the operator|If necessary, restart your phone if you TTY doesn't work-->

⚠️ Attention: If you have turned on TTY, But the person you're talking to can't see your text, make sure that their device or support also supports this protocol. TTY-equipment.

TTY Modes: Which to Choose and What’s the Difference

Xiaomi has three basic Teletype modes available, and the choice of these modes depends on the user’s specific needs. Let’s see how they differ and when to use them.

For example, if you call a bank support service that is equipped with TTY-equipment, and you have hearing problems, but you can talk, select mode TTY VCO. If you are talking to another person who also has Teletype enabled, it will do. TTY Complete.

On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14 and later, TTY mode can automatically switch depending on the type of call (for example, when calling emergency services), if this is supported by the carrier.

When Teletype might come in handy in 2026

Despite the advances in technology, TTY remains a popular tool, and here are a few situations where it can be useful:

• 🆘 Emergency calls: many rescue services (police, ambulance, firefighters) support TTY for people with disabilities.
• 🏦 Communication with banks and public services: some call centers (for example, Sberbank or the Pension Fund) are equipped with TTY-terminal.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family connection: if your relative has hearing impairment, TTY It will allow you to communicate on the phone without intermediaries.
• 🌍 Travel abroad: in some countries (e.g. USA, Canada) TTY widely used in public places.

Teletype can also be useful in areas with poor internet, where messengers don't work, but voice is available, such as camping or in the country where there is no 4G, but there is 2G coverage.

💡

Before traveling to another country, check with your local operator whether they support TTY. In some regions, this requires pre-activation of the service.

Teletype problems on Xiaomi and how to solve them

While TTY is usually stable, Xiaomi users sometimes face challenges, and let’s look at the most common problems and ways to fix them.

1. TTY does not enable or save settings

If nothing happens after selecting the mode or the settings are reset, try:

• Reboot the phone.
• Update MIUI to the latest version (old firmwares have bugs with special features).
• Reset the special features settings in Settings → Special. features → Reset.

2. text is not transmitted during the call

Possible causes:

• The interviewer does not support TTY (check his settings).
• The operator does not provide the service (call support and ask about TTY).
• The phone is on the “In the plane” mode or mobile communication is disabled.

3. TTY badge burns, but function doesn't work

Sometimes the indicator stays active even after the mode is turned off, to reset it:

1. Turn on and off TTY Full mode.
2. If it doesn’t work, restart the device.
3. In extreme cases, reset the network settings in Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting your network settings will remove stored Wi-Fi networks and passwords. Write down important data in advance.

Teletype Alternatives: What to Use Instead of TTY

If TTY is not suitable for you for some reason, consider alternative ways to text over the phone:

• 💬 SMS and MMS: Classic text messages, but without real-time communication.
• 📱 Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber): require the Internet, but support voice and video calls with subtitles.
• 🎧 Bluetooth hearing aids: Some models (like Phonak or Oticon) connect to a smartphone and broadcast the sound directly.
• 📹 Video calls with gesture translation: services like Skype or Zoom support sign language translation.

However, if you need to call an ambulance and there is no internet, only Teletype will allow you to contact the rescue service textually.

Security and privacy when using TTY

Like any data technology, Teletype has security-related nuances.

Interception of communications

TTY is transmitting text over a telephone line, which is theoretically interceptible with special equipment, but in practice, this is unlikely, because:

• Modern networks use encryption.
• To intercept, you need physical access to the line or the cooperation of the operator.

2. Call logs

Text sent via TTY is not stored in the message history (unlike SMS). However, the carrier can store metadata about the call (time, duration, number). If privacy is critical, use end-to-end encrypted messengers (for example, Signal).

3. Fraud

Attackers sometimes use TTY to trick hearing-impaired people (for example, asking for money to be transferred under the pretext of “communication issues”). Never share personal information or passwords through TTY unless you are sure of the person you are talking to.

💡

TTY doesn't encrypt text by default, but the risk of interception is minimal thanks to modern communication standards. Use E2E-encrypted messengers for maximum privacy.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Teletype