IP Relay Q & A
About the service
Who can use the service? T-Mobile IP Relay is designed for anyone who is Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, DeafBlind or who has a Speech Disability. The service must be used to communicate with hearing callers in the US or its territories. FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS the use of IP Relay Service by anyone other than REGISTERED users.
Why do I have to register to use the service? Great question! The Federal Communications Service (FCC) requires all relay service users to register and to verify their identity. Don't worry though. It's easy, and most people complete their registration in a few minutes.
How do I register for IP Relay? It's easy! Just visit this link https://tmobileiprelay.com/Registration to get started
Tell me more about this "operator" on calls. A relay operator literally "relays" the call, and is not part of the conversation. T-Mobile operators must follow strict confidentiality rules and are forbidden — by law — to record or disclose anything from any conversation they relay. They are not interpreters and do not interpret what they relay. A relay operator must type everything heard from the hearing caller — even background noises — and relay it to you as the IP Relay user. Likewise, they are required to read aloud everything you type, including what is typed in parentheses, to the person you're calling.
Why use a live operator instead of something automated? Great question! We believe a live operator provides the best experience for IP Relay users, and are best equipped to accurately and completely relay what is said by the hearing people you're talking to. We also think a live operator is better at relaying conversations with people who have different accents or who have speech differences that may not be interpreted by an automated option.
Can I receive calls too? Absolutely! When you register for T-Mobile IP Relay, you receive your own phone number. When someone dials that number, you can pick the call up and have the conversation in text, just like you would if you were starting the call.
Does IP Relay work with braille displays. It sure does! And T-Mobile continues to work with the DeafBlind community to ensure that braille equipment/software continues to work with IP Relay.
What about international calls? Nope. Unfortunately, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not allow International calls through Internet relay services. If you need to make an international call, you'll need to use the T-Mobile Relay International Service (using a TTY) at 605-224-1837 to complete your international relay call.
Can I use IP Relay in Spanish? You sure can, whether you use it on the web or through the IP Relay App. However, this is only for Spanish-to-Spanish calls. Translation services are not available.
What are the system requirements? IP Relay requires very little to make your calling experience great. All you need is: That's it! * Data and standard message rates may apply.
Can I place 911 calls using IP Relay? Yes. Although IP Relay can be used for emergency calling, such emergency calling may not function the same as traditional 911/E911 services. By using IP Relay for emergency calling, you agree that T-Mobile is not responsible for any damages resulting from errors, defects, malfunctions, interruptions or failures in accessing or attempting to access emergency services through IP Relay; whether caused by negligence of T-Mobile or otherwise. Learn more.
Can I set my preferences for future calls? Yes. You can store your preferences — like customer notes, emergency location information, and frequently dialed numbers—by logging into the T-Mobile IP Relay web site and click on Customer Profile to update your Call Preferences.
How can I stop robo/scam calls coming to my IP Relay phone number? We all hate these calls, right? Here are a couple of actions you may take:
Can I use IP Relay on a conference call? Yes, IP Relay may be used for conference calls when there are more than two callers. One caller must set up the conference bridge or web conferencing platform and provide the dial-in number to all participants, including the IP Relay user. The IP Relay user opens the IP Relay app and dials the conference bridge or web conferencing audio phone number. Once connected to the Relay Operator, the IP Relay user provides the access number for the Relay Operator to join the call. The IP Relay user may ask the other callers on the call to identify who is speaking for the Relay Operator to type everything heard.
What is "Text Mail"? Audio users have "voice mail." Text Mail is the text equivalent for IP Relay. When a voice caller is unable to reach you, the IP Relay operator types the caller’s message and emails it to the address you provided when you registered for IP Relay.
