Skip to main content

Setting up Desk Phones for Calling

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

Randalin Ward avatar
Written by Randalin Ward
Updated this week

Overview

You can use any VoIP-supported phone as a desktop phone, including popular brands like GrandStream or Yealink. While setup instructions can vary between models, the general process is outlined below. Always consult your specific device’s manual for model-specific instructions.

Generally speaking, however, these are the instructions you will follow.

What is a VoIP Phone?

A VoIP (Voice Over IP) phone sends call data over the Internet rather than traditional phone lines. Before configuration:

  • Ensure your phone is connected to the Internet either via:

    • A network jack (Ethernet cable)

    • Wi-Fi (for phones with wireless capability)

Confirm your phone can access the Internet before proceeding.

Understanding SIP

VoIP phones use SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) to connect to a server and handle calls. Setting up SIP requires:

  • Domain (server address)

  • Username

  • Password

How to Obtain Credentials:
Login to your Text In Church account → Go to Settings → Select Desktop phone → Select Add new to generate new credentials.

Please note that you will not create a username and password, rather, they will be assigned to you.

Configuring the Phone

Step 1: Find the IP Address of Your Phone

  • Navigate through the phone’s menu to find Network Status or Network Settings.

  • Locate the IP Address that has four sets of numbers separated by dots (i.e. 172.149.45.1).

Step 2: Access the Web Interface

  • Open a browser on your computer.

  • Enter the phone’s IP Address into the address bar.

  • This should bring up your phone's login screen.

Step 3: Log In

  • Check the back of your device for the default username and password.

  • If unavailable, refer to your phone’s manual.

Enter SIP Credentials

Once logged into the web interface:

  1. Navigate to Account Settings
    Look for options like "Account", "Account Settings", or similar.

  2. Enter the Following Details:

    • SIP Server: Enter the domain provided.

    • 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 available).

  4. Save Changes once all fields are populated.

Testing the Phone

Test an Outgoing Call

  • Try placing a call from the desk phone to your cellphone to verify outgoing call functionality.

Set Up for Incoming Calls

  1. In Text In Church, update your Call Routing settings:

    • Select Desktop Phone as the call destination.

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

  3. Once you do that, you can call the phone number, forward to you, and it should come to your desktop phone.

Final Notes

  • Always double-check all fields are saved correctly.

  • If the phone doesn’t work as expected, verify the Internet connection and recheck the SIP credentials.

  • Refer to your specific phone manual for any device-specific settings not covered here.

  • Contact support@textinchurch.com for additional assistance.

Did this answer your question?