Overview

A softphone lets you take and place work calls from your smartphone using your business number. This keeps your personal number private and lets you stay reachable when you are away from your desk.

Before You Begin

• Your work email address.
• Your company's softphone app name (ask your administrator if you are unsure).
• An invitation email or activation code from your phone administrator.
• A smartphone running a current version of iOS or Android.

Steps

1. On your phone, open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Search for the softphone app name your administrator gave you. Install the app published by the matching vendor. Avoid look-alike apps.
3. Open the app. Tap Sign in or Get started.
4. Enter your work email when prompted. If the app asks for a server, domain, or tenant, paste the value from your activation email.
5. Approve any permissions the app requests: Microphone (required), Notifications (required so calls ring through), and Contacts (optional, for caller ID).
6. If your administrator sent an activation code, enter it on the next screen.
7. Sign in with your work password. Complete multi-factor authentication if prompted.
8. Place a test call to your own desk phone or a coworker to confirm two-way audio.
9. Set the app to start automatically. On iPhone, leave it open in the background. On Android, exempt it from battery optimization in Settings → Apps → Battery.

Text and Fax in the Same App

If your number has business texting or fax turned on, you use them in the same app:

• RingCentral: open Phone, then the Text or Fax tab, and tap the compose icon.
• Vonage: texts are under Messages. Faxes you receive arrive by email as PDFs.

If you do not see these options, they may not be enabled for your number. Open a ticket and we will check.

Troubleshooting

• If calls do not ring: confirm Notifications are enabled for the app, and that Do Not Disturb is off on your phone.
• If the other side cannot hear you: the app probably lacks microphone permission. Open phone Settings, find the app, and turn on Microphone.
• If you cannot sign in: double-check the activation code and tenant value from your invitation email. Codes often expire after seven days.
• If audio cuts in and out on cellular: weak signal is the usual cause. Switch to Wi-Fi where possible.

Related Articles

• Use Your Desk Phone: The Essentials
• Record and Update Your Voicemail Greeting
• Forward Your Calls to Another Number
• Set Up a Home Office That Actually Works
• Use Your Business Phone App for Calls, Fax and Text

Need More Help?

Submit a ticket at support.bostonmit.com or email support@bostonmit.com.