Learn More:

About ClearCaptions

What is ClearCaptions?

ClearCaptions is a free captioning service that works together with your phone and your Internet-connected computer.

ClearCaptions on your phone call is similar to closed captions on your TV; you can hear AND read what’s being said. This takes the frustration out of hearing on the phone. Instead of asking people to repeat themselves or guessing at what was said, you can read the person’s words which display during your call.

Who can use ClearCaptions

Anyone who has problems with hearing for any reason (Examples: injury, age, illness, etc.).

How much does it cost?

ClearCaptions is free for qualified users (see above).

Are there other costs for ClearCaptions? Monthly charges or per-call fees?

No.

Are there long distance charges to use ClearCaptions?

No.

Why is ClearCaptions free?

ClearCaptions was designed to provide people who have hearing loss with access to the nation’s phone system. FCC rules allow ClearCaptions to offer this service to you for free. You can read more about this type of captioning on the FCC's website.

Can I use ClearCaptions on my cell phone?

Currently, ClearCaptions works on Android devices (beta) and the Apple iPhone. Download the free app from either the Android Marketplace, or though iTunes.

Can I use ClearCaptions on my work or other phone?

Yes. ClearCaptions will work on any telephone. You’ll need an Internet connection and a PC near the phone to see your captions. If you don’t have a PC, you can view your captions on an Internet-connected Android device or iPhone, or an iPad or iPod Touch instead.

What do I need to use ClearCaptions?

All you need is a telephone, an Internet connection, and a computer. If you don’t have a computer, you can use an iPod Touch or iPad instead. ClearCaptions will also work with Android devices and the Apple iPhone.

Do I need a special phone to use ClearCaptions?

No. You can use the phone you have. Just sign into our web site or app, and start your call there.

If your phone is near your computer, you’ll want to display your captions on that computer’s monitor. If you have a cordless phone you use at home, or a phone that’s not near a computer, start your call from the ClearCaptions app on your Android device, iPad, or iPod Touch instead. Just have it handy on your call to view your captions.

Add the ClearCaptions app to your Android or iPhone, and you can listen to your call and view your captions together on that mobile phone.

Why do I need to register?

The FCC requires that anyone who uses ClearCaptions be registered with the ClearCaptions service.

Is my conversation private with ClearCaptions?

Absolutely. Unequivocally. Without question. Yes. ClearCaptions is a FCC-regulated caption provider with strict obligations for confidentiality with all of our customers.

What is "Facebook Connect"?

When you sign up for ClearCaptions, you can choose to sign in with your Facebook user name and password instead of creating new ones. Then, just click “Facebook Connect” on our home page and you’ll automatically be signed in, without having to enter a user name or password.

Why would I use Facebook to sign into ClearCaptions?

If you’re a Facebook user, it’s the easiest way to sign in to ClearCaptions (nothing to type), and maybe more important, you won’t have another user name or password to remember

Does ClearCaptions change any of the other services I have on my phone, like caller ID or call waiting?

No. ClearCaptions has no impact on these services.

Using ClearCaptions

How do I place a call with ClearCaptions?

With ClearCaptions, you can start your call from the Web, from an iPad/iPod Touch, or from an Android phone or iPhone. Here’s how:

Web Sign in to our web site, type the number you'd like to dial, and your phone number (the number from which you're making the call). Then click Call. In a moment your phone will ring and the party you're calling will be on the line, while your captions display on your computer screen.

iPad/iPod. If you're using our app on your iPod or iPod Touch, it works the same. Launch the app and sign in if you're using it for the first time. Type the number you want to call (or choose it out of your address book), and the number where you want to hear your call. Then tap "Call," and your iPod/iPad will begin displaying the captions.

iPhone. If you're calling from an iPhone, call the same way you would on an iPad or iPod Touch. But instead of choosing where you'll hear your call, the app will use your iPhone number instead.

Android (beta) Launch the app and sign in if you’re using it for the first time. Type the number you want to call (or choose it out of your address book). Then tap “Call,” and your Android will start the call, and you’ll be able to view the captions of the call on your Android device.

I created a ClearCaptions account, but now I want to sign in using Facebook. How do I do that?

Sign into to ClearCaptions.com. Then click on the Profile icon in the upper right corner of the home page. Click the "Connect with Facebook" button on the resulting page. Easy!

How do I change my ClearCaptions password or other information?

Sign in to ClearCaptions.com. Click the "Profile" icon at the top of the page, and make your changes on the form that appears.

I forgot my password. Now what?

Click on "Sign in" at the top of the ClearCaptions.com web page, and then click "Forgot your password?" at the bottom of that screen. Follow the steps. (Tip: If you'd rather not remember yet another password, choose "Connect with Facebook" when you sign in. This allows you to sign in using the User Name and Password you use on Facebook, saving your time and your memory.)

Can I print my conversation when I'm through? How about save it?

You can do both. When you're through with your call, choose one or the other by clicking the appropriate icon above the call window on the right.

Can the person I'm calling read or hear the captioning?

No. No communication occurs between ClearCaptions and the person you are calling. In fact, the other person won't even know you are using captioning unless YOU tell them!

What happens to my captions once the call is over? Does ClearCaptions keep a copy?

Absolutely not. As soon as you disconnect from ClearCaptions, all of the captioning is automatically deleted from our system.

Can I receive calls using ClearCaptions?

Not currently.