Getting Started with TapTalk
TapTalk makes communication simple and accessible. Here's how to get started:
Choose a Pack
Select from pre-made phrase packs or create your own
Tap to Speak
Use single tap, double tap, or long press to communicate
Customize
Personalize phrases, emojis, and colors for your needs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use TapTalk?
Using TapTalk is simple:
- Open the app and select a phrase pack from the home screen
- Tap the large circle in the center using one of three gestures:
- Single Tap: Quickly tap once
- Double Tap: Tap twice quickly
- Long Press: Tap and hold for 1 second
- Your phrase will be spoken aloud immediately
How do I create a custom phrase pack?
To create your own pack:
- Tap the gear icon to open Settings
- Select "Manage Packs"
- Tap the "+" button or "Create New Pack"
- Enter your pack name and choose an icon
- Add phrases for each gesture (single tap, double tap, long press)
- Customize emojis and colors for each phrase
- Tap "Create Pack" to save
Can I share my custom packs with others?
Yes! You can share phrase packs:
- Go to Settings → Manage Packs
- Find your custom pack
- Tap the share icon
- Use AirDrop, Messages, or Email to share the pack file
- The recipient can import it into their TapTalk app
How do I import a shared pack?
To import a pack someone shared with you:
- Receive the .taptalk file via AirDrop, email, or Messages
- Tap on the file
- Choose "Open in TapTalk"
- Review the pack and tap "Import"
- The pack will now appear in your pack list
Can I edit existing packs?
Yes! You can edit custom packs:
- Go to Settings → Manage Packs
- Find the pack you want to edit
- Tap the edit icon
- Make your changes
- Tap "Save Changes"
Note: Pre-built packs cannot be edited, but you can create a copy and customize it.
How do I delete a custom pack?
To remove a pack you created:
- Go to Settings → Manage Packs
- Swipe left on the pack
- Tap "Delete"
- Confirm the deletion
Note: Pre-built packs cannot be deleted.
Why isn't the voice working?
If you don't hear speech output:
- Check your device volume (side buttons)
- Make sure Silent Mode is off (check the switch on the side)
- Go to iPhone Settings → Accessibility → Spoken Content
- Ensure a voice is downloaded for your language
- Restart the app
- Restart your device
Can I change the voice?
TapTalk uses your device's system voice. To change it:
- Open iPhone Settings (not TapTalk)
- Go to Accessibility → Spoken Content → Voices
- Select your language
- Choose from available voices
- Download premium voices for better quality
Does TapTalk work offline?
Yes! TapTalk works completely offline. Once you've downloaded the app, you don't need internet access to use it. All phrases and voice synthesis work on your device.
Is my data private?
Absolutely. TapTalk does not collect, transmit, or store any of your personal information. All your custom packs and settings stay on your device only. See our Privacy Policy for details.
What devices are supported?
TapTalk works on:
- iPhone running iOS 17.0 or later
- iPad running iPadOS 17.0 or later
Is TapTalk free?
Yes! TapTalk is completely free with no in-app purchases, subscriptions, or ads. All features are available to everyone immediately.
Tips & Tricks
For Best Results:
- Practice the gestures: Spend a few minutes trying each tap pattern to get comfortable
- Create situation-specific packs: Make packs for home, medical appointments, school, etc.
- Use clear language: Keep phrases simple and direct
- Choose distinct colors: Use different colors to make each phrase visually distinct
- Share with caregivers: Export your packs and share them so others know your phrases
- Test volume first: Check your device volume before important communications
Accessibility Tips:
- Use VoiceOver with TapTalk for screen reading support
- Adjust text size in iOS Settings for easier reading
- Enable Reduce Motion if animations cause discomfort
- Use Switch Control with TapTalk if needed
Troubleshooting
App crashes or freezes:
- Force quit the app (swipe up from bottom)
- Restart the app
- If problem persists, restart your device
- Check for TapTalk updates in the App Store
- If still having issues, contact support (below)
Gestures not working:
- Make sure you're tapping the center circle
- For double tap: Tap quickly twice in succession
- For long press: Hold for at least 1 second
- Check if AssistiveTouch is interfering (iOS Settings)
Can't import a pack:
- Make sure the file is a .taptalk or .json file
- Try opening the file again
- Ask the sender to re-export and share the pack
- Check that you have the latest version of TapTalk
Feature Requests & Feedback
We'd love to hear your ideas for improving TapTalk! If you have suggestions for new features, improvements, or feedback about your experience, please contact us.
Planned Features:
- More gesture options
- Custom voice recording support
- More pre-built packs
- Widget support for quick access
- Apple Watch companion app
⚠️ Note: Feature availability may vary. We're constantly working to improve TapTalk based on user feedback.