Have you ever experienced an unexpected RTT (Real-Time Text) feature pop-up during a phone call on your iPhone, and wondered how to disable it? Don’t worry; you’re not alone.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the
purpose of RTT on iPhones, discuss various
reasons why users may prefer to turn off this accessibility feature and provide a simple
step-by-step guide to help you Turn Off RTT On iPhone.
Quick Summary
- Real-Time Text (RTT) is an accessibility feature on iPhones that enables users to send and receive text messages in real time during phone calls.
- There are several reasons why users may want to turn off RTT, including compatibility issues, personal preference, and impact on device battery life.
- To disable RTT on your iPhone, go to Settings > Accessibility > Software RTT/TTY or General > Accessibility > RTT/TTY and toggle the switch off.
- Alternative accessibility features available for iPhone include VoiceOver, Siri’s voice commands, Text-to-Speech options, and mono audio settings for hearing-impaired individuals.
Understanding RTT On iPhone
RTT on iPhone stands for Real-Time
text, which allows users to send and receive text messages during a phone call in real time.
Definition And Function Of RTT
Real-Time Text (RTT) is an innovative feature available on iPhones that enhances communication by enabling users to
send and receive text messages in real time during a phone call.
As an alternative form of Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS), RTT makes it possible for both parties in a conversation to see partial messages even before they’re fully constructed and sent.
Advantages Of RTT For Accessibility
As an SEO and high-end copywriter, I understand the importance of making technology accessible to people with disabilities.
The RTT (Real-Time Text) feature on iPhones is one such advancement that has
improved accessibility for those who are hearing-impaired or have difficulty communicating verbally.
With RTT, users can
send and receive real-time text messages during a phone call. This allows them to participate fully in conversations without relying solely on voice communication.
Additionally, RTT makes communicating effectively over the phone easier for individuals with speech impairments or language barriers.
By including relevant keywords such as “real-time text,” “
TTY mode,” and “assistive technology” throughout my writing, I can help improve search engine optimization for this article while still being informative and engaging for readers interested in how to turn off RTT on their iPhones.
Reasons To Turn Off RTT On iPhone
There are several reasons why users may want to turn off RTT on
their iPhone, including compatibility issues, personal preference, and impact on device battery life.
Compatibility Issues
I’ve found that compatibility issues are one of the primary reasons some users choose to
turn off RTT on their iPhones. RTT can be
incompatible with certain carrier networks, resulting in
dropped calls or poor quality.
Additionally,
older hardware and software may not support RTT, making it necessary to turn off the feature altogether.
Personal Preference
For some iPhone users, turning off RTT is simply a matter of
personal preference. While this feature can be useful for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, those without these specific accessibility needs may find
RTT distracting or unnecessary during phone calls.
Some users may prefer to rely solely on voice communication and disable the real-time text feature altogether. Others may find that RTT messages interrupt their flow of thought during conversations, making it difficult to focus on what’s being said.
Impact On Device Battery Life
Turning off RTT on an iPhone can positively impact the device’s battery life. This is because when RTT is enabled, it
requires additional power to transmit real-time text messages during a call.
For individuals with hearing impairments who use RTT as an accessibility option, turning it off may not be ideal.
How To Turn Off RTT On iPhone
To turn off RTT on an iPhone, go to Settings > Accessibility > Software RTT/TTY and toggle the switch off.
Accessing The Phone’s Settings
You’ll need to access the phone’s settings to turn off RTT on your iPhone. It’s a
simple process that can be done in just a few steps. First, locate and tap the Settings icon on your home screen.

From there, scroll down until you see the Accessibility option and select it.
Alternatively, you can go to General > Accessibility > RTT/TTY and toggle this feature on or off, depending on your preference.
If you want to manage your RTT/TTY settings further, head over to the
HEARING section of Settings and tap RTT/TTY for more options.
Disabling Software And Hardware TTY/RTT
To turn off RTT on an iPhone, one of the steps users can take is to disable both software and hardware TTY/RTT. This can be done by going to Settings > General > Accessibility > RTT/TTY and turning off the toggle switch for Software RTT/TTY.

If there are any additional options related to TTY settings or hardware being used, those should also be turned off.
Disabling these features may not impact regular phone calls but will likely
improve overall device performance and battery life since these features utilize more power than typical phone calls.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’ve tried turning off RTT on your iPhone and it’s not working, there are a few
troubleshooting steps you can take. First, make sure that the phone software is up to date.
If an update is available, download and install it, as this may address any known issues with RTT.
Another common issue users face when trying to turn off RTT on their iPhones is that they may have accidentally turned on
TTY mode instead of RTT.
Lastly, if none of these troubleshooting steps works for you or if you’re experiencing other issues related to
accessibility features on your iPhone, consider reaching out to
Apple support for additional assistance.
Benefits Of Turning Off RTT On iPhone
Turning off RTT on an iPhone can improve
privacy and security, enhance voice call quality, and provide alternative accessibility features.
Improved Privacy And Security
As an SEO and high-end copywriter, I understand the importance of privacy and security in today’s digital age. Turning off RTT on your iPhone can improve your overall privacy and security.
When you turn off RTT, no text messages will be sent or received during phone calls, meaning sensitive information cannot accidentally be shared over text.
Additionally, disabling this feature minimizes the risk of hackers gaining access to real-time texts during a call.
It is important to note that turning off Real-Time Text (RTT) does not affect regular texting features outside of phone calls.
Enhanced Voice Call Quality
Another benefit of turning off RTT on an iPhone is the enhanced
voice call quality. Some users may experience
poor sound quality or audio glitches during a phone call when RTT is enabled.
This could be due to
compatibility issues with certain carriers and devices and the
extra processing power required for real-time text transmission.
In addition, Apple offers alternative
accessibility features on iPhones that can assist hearing-impaired individuals without relying on RTT.
For instance, users can activate the
VoiceOver feature to have their iPhones read incoming calls and messages out loud or use TTY mode instead of RTT for text-based communication during calls.
Alternative Accessibility Features On iPhone
As an alternative to RTT, iPhone users can use several other accessibility features.
Additionally, there are hearing and speech settings that can improve sound quality during voice calls. Users with hearing impairments can adjust the volume balance between left and right ears or activate mono audio if they only hear one side.
The phone also has a noise cancellation feature that filters background sounds while amplifying voices from incoming calls.
Conclusion And Further Recommendations For Accessibility Features On iPhone
In conclusion, turning off RTT on your iPhone is a simple process that can improve your privacy, security and voice call quality. Whether you prefer alternative accessibility features or want to
conserve battery life, disabling this feature can benefit many users.
If you require further assistance managing other accessibility options, the
HEARING section in Settings offers additional solutions such as TTY mode and Realtime text messaging.