If you're deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired, the Text Relay Service can help you get the most from your phone. It forms part of the UK network and allows you to connect to telephones or textphones using your textphone.
Your calls will go through a relay assistant, who will translate them from text to voice and vice versa. All relayed calls are confidential and none of your personal information will be shared except in very specific circumstances.
Did you know you can also use the Next Generation Text Service or NGT which can help you communicate with anyone over the phone, using the text relay service via the NGT Lite app. For more information see Next generation text relay service.
Dial 18001 followed by the number you’d like to call (including the area code or international calling code). The call will be connected and you’ll both also be connected to a relay assistant, who can provide text-to-voice and voice-to-text translation for you.
To make an emergency call, dial 18000 and you will get priority. If there are no relay assistants available, another call will be interrupted to allow the assistant to help you.
Dial 18002 followed by the number you'd like to call. You'll be connected to the person you're calling and, to a relay assistant who can help with translation.
Text Relay is an automated service, so there’s nothing special you need to do when picking up.
If you're answering using a textphone, you'll see a message on your display telling you that you’re being connected to a text relay assistant (if the caller is using a telephone) or that you’re connected ‘Text to Text’ (if the caller is using a textphone).
If you're answering on a telephone, you will first hear a recorded message saying "please hold for an operator-assisted call from a textphone user".
A text relay assistant will then be connected to the call. They will be happy to explain anything you're unsure about, so don't hesitate to ask.
Yes, some features available on telephones can also be used on the Text Relay Service. They include:
Text call return: to find the last number who called you, dial 180011471 on your textphone. The last number to call will be shown on your display. If you’d like to return the call, dial 3.
Number withhold: to withhold your number dial 141 before your 1800 code. This will work for both textphone and telephone users.
Text Relay calls can be made from any textphone or telephone, including mobiles, so you don’t need any special equipment. If you need a textphone or would like to find out how to turn your computer into a textphone, you can find out how on the Text Relay Service website.
A bit less than you might think. TalkTalk gives you a 30% discount on direct-dialled Text Relay calls (calls to and from a Text Relay service user) if they're not included in your package.
This will show on two lines, the first shows the code called 18001/18002 as free of charge and the second, the cost of the local call with the 30% discount applied.
Need to speak to someone?
Let us know if you're still looking for help with your query.
We appreciate your feedback, why not take a moment to review our service by
completing a Trustpilot survey.
Sorry this article didn't help...
You can chat with us seven days a week. Alternatively, check out Contacting TalkTalk for other ways to talk to us.
Still need help?
We have a reduced support team available at the moment, which means the wait times to speak to us may be longer than usual. Why not manage your account or get help with your services online using one of the below options