Setting Up Internal Linking

To display a TypeWell transcript on a second device without using the internet, you can use Internal Linking. This method sets up a connection between the transcriber’s computer and a reader device (like a tablet or student laptop) over a local network.

⚠️ This article is specifically for setting up Internal Linking, which is best for situations without reliable internet. Streaming TypeWell text uses very little data, so if you have a phone with cellular service, you may want to use Web Linking instead.

To allow a second device (like a tablet, phone, or student laptop) to view a TypeWell transcript in real time via an Internal Server installed on the transcriber's computer, you'll need to ensure that both the transcriber computer and the second device are connected to the same local WiFi network. This does not require an internet connection, but it does require a working local network.

⚠️ On modern Windows 10 and 11 systems, older functionality—like broadcasting a "TWxxxx" network from the transcriber’s computer—is no longer supported. This article explains the most reliable ways to connect devices using Internal Linking.

Before You Begin

Make sure the Internal Server is installed on the transcriber's computer.
Open TypeWell, go to Link → By Internal, and select Use internal server on this computer.
Turn Linking ON and wait for the status bar to show Internal.
In a browser on the same computer, go to http://127.0.0.1 to confirm that the Internal Server is working.

If you haven’t installed the Internal Server yet, see: Internal Server – Installation

Option 1: Use a Mobile Hotspot (Recommended)

Many Windows laptops support broadcasting a Mobile Hotspot, which creates a private WiFi network that the reader device can join.

Steps:

Open Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Hotspot
Turn Mobile Hotspot to On
Under "Share my Internet connection from," select any available option (it does not need to have internet)
Set a Network name and password
On the second device, connect to this WiFi network using the name and password you set
In TypeWell, turn Linking ON and wait for the status bar to show Internal
On the second device, open a browser and enter the IP address shown when you click Internal in TypeWell

✅ This is the most reliable way to use Internal Linking on a modern Windows computer.

Option 2: Use a Portable Router (Best for Field Use)

If you’re working in a location with no WiFi or cellular access, a portable router (sometimes called a travel router) can serve as a local access point.

Examples:

TP-Link TL-WR902AC
GL.iNet GL-AR150

These devices create a local WiFi network powered by USB or battery. Once both devices are connected to the router’s WiFi, follow the same steps:

Open TypeWell, select Link → By Internal, choose Use internal server on this computer
Turn Linking ON and wait for Internal to appear in the status bar
On the second device, open the browser and type the IP address shown when you click Internal in TypeWell

✅ Portable routers are small, inexpensive, and ideal for offline environments.

Option 3: Use an Existing WiFi Network (Least Reliable)

If both devices are connected to the same office or school WiFi network, Internal Linking might work—but there are some common issues:

🔒 Client isolation: Some networks block device-to-device communication for security
🔥 Firewall settings: Windows Defender or antivirus software may block incoming traffic

If you're on the same WiFi and Internal Linking doesn't work:

Make sure you've allowed TypeWellServer.exe through Windows Firewall
Try testing with a different reader device
If needed, use a Mobile Hotspot or portable router instead

Testing the Connection

In TypeWell, go to Link → By Internal and select Use internal server on this computer
Turn Linking ON
Wait for the status bar to show Internal
Click the word Internal — this shows the IP address that the second device should enter in its browser (e.g., http://192.168.137.1)
On the second device, connect to the same WiFi network and go to that address

✅ If the transcript appears, Internal Linking is working correctly.

Field Use Workarounds

If you’re providing service in rural or remote locations with no WiFi or internet, the Mobile Hotspot feature may not work unless Windows detects an active network adapter.

Options:

Bring a portable router as your own private network.
Plug in an Ethernet cable to activate the network adapter (even without internet). Unfortunately, this trick is hardware-dependent and might work on some machines but not others.
Use a USB WiFi adapter that still supports legacy hostednetwork mode (rare; only for advanced users).

For more help, visit: Internal Server – Troubleshooting

Jun 5, 2025