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Setting up Desk Phones for Calling™ by Text In Church

Learn how to set up a VoIP desktop phone with easy steps for connecting, configuring SIP credentials, and testing calls.

Written by Randalin Ward

Calling by Text In Church is designed primarily for use on cell phones, but it also supports VoIP desk phones from popular brands like GrandStream and Yealink.

VoIP (Voice Over IP) phones send call data over the internet rather than traditional phone lines, making them compatible with cloud-based calling platforms.

This article walks you through getting your SIP credentials, configuring your desk phone, and testing it for both incoming and outgoing calls.

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Can You Use a Desk Phone with Calling by Text In Church?

Yes. If your desk phone is VoIP-enabled, it may be compatible with Calling by Text In Church.

The platform is designed primarily for cell phones, but it also supports desk phone connectivity through SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).

Popular models from GrandStream and Yealink work well with Text In Church Calling.


What Is a VoIP Phone?

A VoIP phone sends call data over the internet rather than traditional phone lines.

Before configuring your phone, make sure it has internet access via either an Ethernet cable (network jack) or Wi-Fi (for wireless-capable models).

Confirm the phone can reach the internet before proceeding with the steps below.


Getting Your SIP Credentials from Text In Church

Your desk phone connects to Text In Church Calling using SIP credentials: a domain (server address), a username, and a password.

These are generated inside your Text In Church account. Your username and password are assigned automatically - you do not create them.

  1. Log in to your Text In Church account.

  2. Go to Settings and select Desktop Phones.

  3. Click Add new to generate credentials.


Configuring Your Desk Phone

Setup steps vary by model, so consult your device manual for model-specific instructions. The general process for most VoIP phones is:

  1. Find the IP address - Navigate to Network Status or Network Settings in the phone's menu. Locate the IP address (four sets of numbers separated by dots, such as 172.149.45.1).

  2. Access the web interface - Open a browser on your computer and enter the phone's IP address in the address bar. This loads the phone's login screen.

  3. Log in - Check the back of your device for the default username and password. If unavailable, refer to your phone's manual.


Entering SIP Credentials

Once logged into the phone's web interface:

  1. Navigate to Account Settings - Look for options labeled Account, Account Settings, or similar.

  2. Enter your SIP details:

    • SIP Server: Enter the domain from your Text In Church credentials.

    • SIP Proxy / Proxy Server (if available): Enter the same domain.

    • SIP User ID: Enter your assigned username.

    • SIP Password: Enter your assigned password.

  3. Enable additional settings:

    • RPort: Set to Enabled.

    • NAT Traversal: Set to Keep-Alive. If Keep-Alive is not available, STUN is also acceptable.

    • Register Name: Enter your phone number with a + before it (example: +15551234567).

  4. Click Save once all fields are populated.


Testing Your Desk Phone

After saving your SIP credentials, test both outgoing and incoming calls.

Outgoing calls: Place a call from the desk phone to your cell phone to confirm outgoing call functionality.

Incoming calls:

  1. In Text In Church, update your Call Routing settings and select Desktop Phone as the call destination.

  2. Confirm your Digital Receptionist is configured to forward calls to your Desktop Phone.

  3. Call your Text In Church number to verify it routes to the desk phone.


FAQs

Can I use desk phones I already own?

If your existing desk phones are VoIP-enabled, they may be compatible with Text In Church Calling.

Setup steps will vary by model, but if the phone is compatible, it can be configured using the steps above.


Can I transfer calls answered on a desk phone?

Yes. Once properly connected, you can transfer calls using the device's built-in transfer button.


What if my desk phone does not connect?

Verify your internet connection, double-check all SIP credentials, and review your device's manual for model-specific settings.


If you have any trouble or need help with any questions, don't hesitate to contact support@textinchurch.com for additional help.

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