Map Your Hardware Button to a Contact/Channel (Android)

  • Updated

This article is written for: Zello Work Zello Friends & Family.

Zello users operating on an Android device can map a hardware button’s PTT functionality to a specific contact or channel. That way, messages sent via the accessory will be automatically delivered to a predefined channel or user.

If you wish to send communications to a contact other than the one you've mapped to the hardware button, you can still use your Android device’s screen button. The mapping functionality does not limit who you can communicate with, but rather speeds up routine communications. 

This functionality works on both wireless and Bluetooth accessories. Learn more about Zello's certified accessories. 

Mapping the Contact or Channel 

  1. Tap the three dots located in the upper-right corner of your screen to open the Zello menu.
    android menu dots.png

  2. Select Options > Push-to-talk buttons
    push to talk buttons.png
  3. Tap the blue + symbol located in the screen’s bottom-right corner
    add button symbol.png
  4. Press, hold, and then release the hardware button (often the volume button) on your accessory.
    press hardware button now.png
  5. Confirm the device’s name appears in the PTT buttons list. Then, tap the device to open its settings.
    headset named in ptt button list.png
  6. Tap the downward-pointing arrow to open the Button contact menu. Then, tap Select.
    tap select.png
  7. Select the intended default channel or contact for this device. 
    select channel or contact.png

Now, when you send a message with the hardware button in question, it'll automatically go to pre-selected channel or contact. This contact can be changed at any time, as can the PTT mode (hold to talk or toggle).