Install

Download VMGateClient, install it, and complete first launch on the phone.

Download the app

Get the current stable build from the portal — open Management → Client QR Codes, then scan the QR or copy the download URL into the phone browser.

Install only the build from Client QR Codes. APK files from other sources will not update correctly and may fail security checks.

Install the APK

Open the downloaded file and confirm install. If Android blocks unknown sources, allow the browser or file manager to install apps once.

When install finishes, open VMGateClient from the app drawer — do not stop after the APK step; first launch installs the audio helper and prepares the network stack.

First launch — permissions

During setup, Android asks for permissions VMGateClient needs. Tap Allow for each prompt:

• Phone — place and answer GSM calls, read call state
• Notifications — shows that VMGate network and audio are running in the background
• Default phone app — Android asks you to set VMGateClient as the default calling app. This is required for VMGate to place and control GSM calls. Select VMGateClient and confirm (Set as default, Allow, or similar — wording varies by phone). This prompt usually appears after you connect a profile and turn on Termination enabled (chapter 04); it may appear again if you change the default back to another dialer.

If you tapped Deny or chose another phone app, open Settings → Apps → Default apps → Phone app (or Calling app) and select VMGateClient. You can also check under Settings → Apps → VMGateClient → Permissions for anything still denied, then force-close and reopen the app.

Install VMGate Audio

Shortly after launch, Android shows an in-app install prompt for VMGate Audio (wording may vary). This is the helper package bundled with VMGateClient — tap Install or Update and wait until it completes.

If Android asks whether VMGateClient may install other apps, allow it for this install. Do not cancel — calls will not have audio without VMGate Audio.

To confirm both packages later: open menu → Settings (cog) → Diagnostics and check App version and VMGate Audio show version numbers (not blank).

Startup sequence

While VMGate Audio starts and the VMGate network layer comes up, a full-screen status overlay runs through steps such as:

• Initializing VMGate Network…
• Network node online…
• Joining VMGate Network…
• Ready — or Ready — please configure a profile

Wait until the overlay closes and the main screen appears. This can take up to a minute on a slow link. If it shows a network error, check mobile data or Wi‑Fi and reopen the app.

Keep the app in the foreground during this first startup if possible.

Connect the USB audio board

Before pairing or test calls:

1. Insert your SIM(s) if not already done — confirm the phone shows mobile signal.
2. Connect the USB board on the left port (see menu → Dongle management for the diagram). It must match chapter 02 and be set up (chapter 07 if you self-provisioned).
3. When Android asks for USB access, tap Allow for the device from Startel International. If offered, choose to remember the choice for this device.
4. If the board is connected but audio still fails, tap AUTHORIZE USB DONGLE (CDC) on the main screen or open menu → Audio diagnostics to confirm it is detected.

Ready for pairing

When first launch is complete you should see the main VMGateClient screen. If no network profile exists yet, a overlay says No profile yet with Create a profile — that is expected.

You are not finished until chapter 04:

1. Create a profile with the join code from your administrator.
2. On the profile, tap Connect and accept the license agreement if prompted.
3. On the main screen, turn on Termination enabled.
4. Confirm status shows VMGateServer: ✓ connected and SIM cards appear on the dashboard.
5. In the portal, the device should appear under VMGateClients with status ready (or no_dongle if the board is missing).

Continue to chapter 04 — First pairing for join codes, profile steps, and your first test call.

Later updates

After the initial install, use CHECK FOR UPDATES inside VMGateClient (chapter 07). The app updates itself and VMGate Audio together — do not install random APK files from other sources.