Type to talk: big text for conversations
When someone can't hear you, type what you want to say and turn the screen around. The words fill the whole screen, big enough to read from across a table or a room.
Start typingWhen it helps
- Talking with someone who is hard of hearing, including family members whose hearing has changed over time.
- Loud places: bars, concerts, construction sites, factory floors and busy kitchens.
- When speaking is hard, like after dental work or surgery, or with a sore throat.
- Through a window or across a room, when walking over isn't practical.
How to use it
On a computer
Type a message and choose Show full screen. Then just keep typing: your words appear on the big screen as you type, so the other person can read along. Press Ctrl or ⌘ + Backspace to clear the screen for your next line, and Esc when you're done.
On a phone or tablet
Type your message and tap Show full screen. Turn the phone sideways for bigger letters and hold it up. Tap the screen to go back and type your next line.
Tips for clear conversations
- Keep lines short. A few words in giant letters are easier to read than a long sentence.
- Use high contrast. White on black or black on white is the easiest to read for most people.
- Face the person while they read, so they can also see your expression.
- Let them answer their own way. They may speak, sign, gesture or type back on the same device.
FAQ
Is what I type saved or sent anywhere?
Your message is saved only in your own browser, so it's there when you come back. It's never sent to us. Use Clear to remove it.
Does it replace a hearing aid or captioning service?
No. It's a quick, free way to get a message across in the moment. For appointments, classes or events, ask about professional captioning or interpreting services.