BRLTTY

The BRLTTY Developers

About this app

BRLTTY is a system-level background service that provides full access to an Android screen via a refreshable braille device connected over Bluetooth or USB.
It supports both braille output and keyboard input, allowing for full navigation and text entry from the braille device's controls.
There's an important section at the bottom entitled: "To All Reviewers and Testers" ࡛↓

• While BRLTTY is primarily designed for braille rendering, speech rendering is also supported.
• USB connectivity requires either a USB-C or a USB-OTG cable.
• Both computer and literary (contracted) braille are supported.
• Braille tables for many languages are included.

Detailed documentation for BRLTTY on Android is at: https://brltty.app/doc/Android.html

The content of the screen is rendered on the braille display. Standard widgets (check boxes, switches, radio buttons, etc) are rendered in braille-friendly ways. If the braille device has a keyboard then it can be used for typing within an input area.

Many standard Android actions can be performed right from the braille device. These include:

• Going to the Home screen.
• Going Back to the previous screen.
• Going to the Overview (Recent Apps) screen.
• Going to the Notifications screen.
• Going to the Quick Settings screen.
• Going to the Device Options (Power Off) screen.
• Opening the current app's options menu.
• Tapping (clicking) and holding (long pressing) widgets.
• Opening a widget's context-dependent menu.
• Executing a widget's accessibility actions.


Compatibility Information

Required OS Version: Android 8.1 or higher (API level 27 - Oreo MR1).
Targeted OS Version: Android 16 (API level 36 - Baklava).
Compatible Devices: All standard Android smartphones and tablets with Bluetooth and/or USB-OTG support.
Primarily Tested On: Google Pixel.
Required Companion Apps: None.

BRLTTY is a standalone app - no other apps need to be installed for it to work.
This being said, it works much better while TalkBack is running because it takes advantage of built-in TalkBack features like Accessibility Focus and Explore By Touch.


To All Reviewers and Testers

BRLTTY is an accessibility service that provides screen-reading functionality for blind and visually impaired users.
It's been classified as "for family use" because blind children deserve full access to their device's screen. Parents can always use Android's parental controls to govern what their child can have access to, when the device can be used, etc.

Note that accessibility services don't show up within the All Apps list. After installing it, start it by going to Settings -> Accessibility -> Downloaded Apps, and tapping BRLTTY. On that screen, enable BRLTTY, and grant all requested permissions.
When enabling BRLTTY, you'll get an ominous warning which you must confirm by tapping Allow.
You'll be asked to set the Accessibility Button method. In order not to conflict with TalkBack's default for this same setting, select Accessibility Button.
If a physical braille display isn't connected (via Bluetooth or USB), the app will remain in a "waiting" state. This is expected behaviour.

What’s new

BRLTTY is an accessibility app (it's a screen reader for braille users) so it won't be in the Apps list. To start/stop it, go to Settings -> Accessibility.
Full details for using BRLTTY on Android are at: https://brltty.app/doc/Android.html