How to install the app

This step is for everyone who will make calls with TiniTalk. The server should already be set up, and the server owner should send you the address, username, and temporary password.

Before you start

Make sure you have:

• an Android phone;
• the TiniTalk APK file — you can download it with the button below;
• the server address, for example talk.example.com or 159.89.1.2;
• your username;
• the temporary password for the first sign-in.

If you do not have the address, username, or temporary password, ask the server owner to send them to you. You do not need the VPS password for the regular TiniTalk app.

Step 1. Install TiniTalk

1. Open the APK file you downloaded on your phone.
2. If Android warns that the app was not installed from an app store, this is the normal warning for APK files. Continue only if you got the file from the server owner or from the official TiniTalk website.
3. If Android asks you to allow installation from this source, open the settings, enable the permission, and go back.
4. Tap “Install”.
5. After installation, open TiniTalk.

Step 2. Sign in to TiniTalk

1. In the “Username” field, enter the username sent to you by the server owner.
2. In the “Password” field, enter the temporary password sent to you by the server owner.
3. In the “Server address” field, enter the address sent to you by the server owner.
4. Wait for the address check. If the app shows that the server is reachable, tap “Sign in”.

Step 3. Set up permissions

After signing in, TiniTalk may open the “Allow calls” screen. If a yellow “Allow” button appears next to an item, tap it. If the permission is already enabled, the item will show “Allowed” in green.

1. Notifications — needed for incoming calls, even when TiniTalk is closed.
2. Microphone — needed for calls, so the other person can hear your voice.
3. Full-screen alerts — needed to show incoming calls on the lock screen.

Video calls also need the Camera permission. You do not need to grant it now: TiniTalk will ask for camera access separately when you first try to turn on video during a call. If you only plan to use voice calls, you can leave camera access disabled.

Step 4. Add contacts

Add the family members and friends you want to call in TiniTalk. To do this, you need to know the person’s username. You can ask the server owner for it.

1. Open contact creation.
2. In the “Username” field, enter the username of the person you want to add.
3. In the “Contact name” field, write how you want to see this person, for example “Mom” or “Alex”.
4. Tap “Add”.
5. For calls to work, both people need to add each other as contacts.

Step 5. You are ready to call

1. In the TiniTalk contact list, find the person you want to call.
2. Open their contact card.
3. Tap “Call”.
4. Wait for the other person to answer.
5. During the call, you can turn on speakerphone, mute the microphone, turn on the camera, or share your screen.

If something does not work

Do not worry: most problems are caused by the server address, internet connection, Android permissions, or by one person not yet adding the other as a contact.