Imagine missing important details in a phone call because of unclear words, or simply being lost in the noise around you. For people who are hard of hearing, or even for those in noisy environments, this can be a daily challenge. Luckily, both Android and iPhone have powerful captioning features that bring clarity back into conversations by displaying real-time captions on your screen during calls. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to enable and use these features on your cell phone. Whether you’re looking to enhance accessibility or simply want to avoid any missed words, this step-by-step guide has got you covered.
What is a Caption Call and Why is it Needed?
Caption Call is a technology designed to make phone calls more accessible by displaying real-time captions of spoken words on the screen during calls. Much like the subtitles you see on videos, these captions ensure that you can read every word being said, helping people who are hard of hearing, experiencing temporary hearing challenges, or even in loud environments understand conversations clearly. Caption Calls are essential because they enable inclusive communication; they bring a sense of independence to those who might otherwise struggle with traditional phone conversations. By using this feature, you can stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues without missing a single word, making every call as accessible and engaging as a face-to-face conversation.
Step-by-Step Guide for Android Users
Android users can turn on the Live Caption feature on Androids. Unfortunately, such a feature is only accessible on Pixels up to now.
To turn Live Caption on, just two steps are needed:
Step 1. Press the volume button.
Step 2. Under the volume controls, tap More and then Live Caption Live Caption Subtitles and then Done.
Then, the calls can be “seen” on cell phones.
Step-by-Step Guide for iPhone Users
Many iPhone users don’t know the caption call feature on iPhone. However, it works very well.
To set up and customize Live Captions on iPhone, you should go to Settings > Accessibility > Live Captions, then turn on Live Captions. Tap Appearance to customize the text, size, and color of the captions.
Apple supports captioning for calls, but in some countries and regions, this feature is restricted. It doesn’t allow real-time display during calls, and it cannot be used for regular phone calls—only for FaceTime and Podcasts. The real-time speech feature is limited to live transcription, without translation capability, and the translation accuracy is not ideal.
Benefits of Using Captions for Calls
Using captions for phone calls provides a range of benefits that make communication clearer and more accessible for everyone.
For individuals with hearing impairments, captions are a crucial tool for following conversations and staying connected without relying solely on auditory cues. But the benefits extend beyond accessibility needs: captions can also help in noisy environments, where hearing every word might be challenging, and for non-native speakers who can read along for better understanding. Captions offer peace of mind by reducing misunderstandings and ensuring that no critical details are missed. They add convenience and inclusivity to each call, making conversations smoother and more enjoyable for all.
Apart from Phone Settings, How to Caption Phone Calls on Any Cell Phone
Apart from settings on iPhone or Android cell phones, third-party services or apps can also be used to enable the live caption call feature. For example, the Olelo captioned call app is designed for people with hearing loss who need captions to use the phone, displaying every word of their calls in real-time.
Also, the AI Phone is designed based on the cutting-edge OpenAI model and provides both live caption calls and real-time translation features, totally breaking the barriers to communication.
Captions for phone calls have transformed communication, making conversations clearer, more accessible, and inclusive for everyone. Whether you’re using built-in features on Android or iPhone, or relying on third-party apps like Olelo or AI Phone for real-time captions and translation, these tools ensure you won’t miss important details—no matter the environment or situation. With captions, every call becomes more engaging and accessible, offering independence and convenience to people with hearing challenges and enhancing clarity for anyone looking to communicate more effectively. Embracing these options can help break down barriers, making each conversation as smooth and enjoyable as a face-to-face chat.