Frequently Asked Questions

What is a SIP address?

Think of a SIP address like an email address, except for real time communications instead of email messages. Like your email, you have an address (known as a SIP address), at which your friends and colleagues can reach you. A SIP address looks the same as an email address (john@acme.onsip.com, for example).

What is WebRTC? How does it tie into OnSIP?

WebRTC is an open source project that enables web pages with real time communications capabilities such as audio and video calling. We've used it to create a web-enabled softphone application for you to make and receive calls to / from other SIP addresses.

What other devices and/or platforms can I use with my SIP address?

OnSIP is built entirely using open standards, which means your SIP address is not limited to any kind of device. You can 'register' your SIP address to SIP desk phones, applications on your smartphones and tablets, and software phones on your personal computer. You can take your SIP address anywhere and have 'active registrations' on up to 10 different devices.

Here are a list of popular mobile and desktop applications that you can use with OnSIP:

We also publish third party reviews of VoIP desk phones. Click here to see our list of phones.

How do I ‘register’ my SIP address to a phone/app/software phone?

'Registering' your SIP address is similar to logging into an email account via any email application. Your email account comes with an email address and a password (i.e. your email credentials), and you can login and use your email account from any application if you have your credentials.

Similarly, every SIP phone or application will request your SIP credentials in one form or another during setup. Your SIP credentials can be found by logging into the OnSIP app and selecting App Settings under your avatar in the top right corner. Simply enter your SIP credentials into the fields provided by any SIP application or phone, and your SIP address will be registered.

Visit our Knowledgebase for detailed instructions on how to register your SIP account with the most popular mobile apps, software phones, and VoIP desk phones.

What are ‘active registrations’?

If a device, browser, or application is actively registered with your SIP address, it means that it can make and receive calls. If you have multiple devices registered, when someone calls your SIP address, all registered devices will ring simultaneously.

Can I call phone numbers?

If you have a GetOnSIP SIP address or sign up for the OnSIP Free Plan, you will not be able to dial phone numbers. Calling phone numbers with a SIP address requires a SIP-to-PSTN gateway service, which we offer for businesses on any of our paid plans.

Can I build SIP audio/video calling into my application or website?

We offer developer services for companies and developers interested in using our SIP platform for their own custom solutions. Please enter your information, and a member of our team will contact you to discuss your needs shortly.

Is OnSIP secure (encrypted) communication?

Calls are secure, peer-to-peer communications if both parties are using the OnSIP app. For instance, if you communicate with someone via your OnSIP professional call link, the media (content) of your call will be encrypted by DTLS SRTP standards.