Howzit. Let's get this TickeyBox talking
Stuck? We are here to help
If you've followed this guide and it still isn't working, send us a WhatsApp on 077 243 9706 — we can open your settings and help remotely.
Less urgent? Email hello@tickeybox.co.za.
Or chat to Macgyver in the app, bottom right hand corner.
Watch it first, then build along
Watch the video to get a full run through of the whole setup, then use it together with this guide so you can pause, tick off each step, and come back to anything you missed.
Before you begin
Make sure you have the following for the set-up:
What's in the box?
Let's get your TickeyBox set up
Plug the power cable into the base of the phone and then into the wall plug point
Join the handset to the base of the phone by plugging the curly cord into the socket on the base and then into the socket on the handset
Plug the LAN cable into the remaining socket available on the base of the phone (next to the power cable socket) and then into the LAN port of your WiFi router (not the modem and not the fibre box). The light on the handset of the phone will flash red.
Let's get your TickeyBox working
Create your account
Use a laptop or smartphone
- •Go to app.tickeybox.co.za
- •Follow the account setup process (including RICA).
- •Verify the email sent to you — check your inbox and spam folder.
Configure your phone
In the app
- •Go to "Add your phone".
- •Enter the phone's MAC address and Serial Number (S/N) — both are printed on the back of the base.
- The MAC address is printed under the serial number on the phone, and is 12 characters long — even though the app asks for it first.
- •Plug in the LAN cable.
- •Enter your home WiFi name and password.
Leave the prepopulated info as is, unless you are sure it is different to the default info.
- •Give your phone a name.
- •Complete your subscription payment.
Capitals and characters matter when entering WiFi details
MyHome_WiFimyhome_wifiOne wrong character will cause provisioning to fail. Keep the LAN cable plugged in throughout.
It worked when: the configuration indicator shows "Online" in the app and the light on the phone has finished its run — flashing red, then flashing yellow, then off completely. This can take up to 10 minutes, so keep the LAN cable in until the light goes off.
If configuration fails
Double-check your internet connection is working and you have inputted the MAC address and Serial number correctly (these can be tricky). Then send settings to phone again.
What the light on your TickeyBox is telling you
The little light on the handset is the quickest way to see what the phone is doing. During setup it moves through three states, in this order.
Flashing red
The phone has power and is starting its setup.
→Flashing yellow
The phone is working through its configuration.
→Light off
Setup is complete. This is the sign you are waiting for.
Do not remove the LAN cable until the light has gone off completely. Pulling it early interrupts setup and the phone will have to start again.
Once you unplug the LAN cable
The phone switches over to WiFi and the light starts flashing red again while it searches for your network. It then goes off once it is connected — this can take a full minute, so give it time before you worry.
When you lift the handset
Lift the phone from its cradle and the light shows green.
In short: red and yellow mean the phone is busy, off means it is ready, and green means the handset is off its cradle.
Test your calls
With the LAN cable still plugged in
- •Add 2–3 contacts in the app — you can store up to 40 contacts in total.
- •Make a call from the TickeyBox to one of your new contacts.
- •Receive a call — get a contact to phone the TickeyBox.
Every subscription comes with 100 minutes of outbound airtime to mobile phones or other landlines.
When dialling out to another Tickeybox they also need to have added you as a contact!
Now over WiFi (no LAN cable)
- •Unplug the LAN cable — only once the phone's light has gone off. It switches to WiFi and flashes red while it searches for your network, then goes off again when it is connected. This can take a full minute.
- •Make a call from the TickeyBox to one of your contacts.
- •Receive a call — get a contact to phone the TickeyBox.
Other settings
Setting speed dials
- •Open your new phone in App and go to Settings. Scroll down to "Set speed dials" to expand that section.
- •Under Set speed dials, assign up to 3 contacts from your approved contact list to the speed dial keys.
- •Push "send settings to phone".
- •This reconfigures the phone, so it will take a few minutes to complete. It is best done with the LAN cable plugged in.
Changing quiet hours
- •In the app, find the Quiet hours section.
- •Set the start and end times when the TickeyBox should not ring.
- •You can also add the message that will be played on the phone when someone calls during quiet hours.
- •Push "save changes" to apply.
Setting up voicemail
- •Press the voicemail button on the handset.
- •Follow the audible prompt.
- •Always go back to this button on the handset when you want to change your voicemail greeting and listen to messages (follow the audible prompts). You will know you have a voicemail when the light on your TickeyBox flashes green.
You're all set!
Your TickeyBox is connected and working. Explore the app to manage contacts, check call history, and top up airtime.
Get to know your TickeyBox
Tap or hover on any component to learn more about its function.
Hover or tap a label to see how that part works.
Emergency contacts
What you need to know before you finish setup
TickeyBox works over the internet (VoIP), which means it cannot call national emergency numbers like 10111 (SAPS), 10177 (ambulance/fire), or 112. These numbers are blocked at the network level and will not connect, even if added to your contacts list.
Instead, you'll set up to 3 personal Emergency Contacts — real people or services your child can reach quickly when they need help. Good choices include:
- •A parent or family member
- •A trusted neighbour or caregiver
- •Your private security or armed response company
Emergency Contacts can call through even during Quiet Hours, so your child can always reach someone in a crisis.
Before you complete setup, please make sure you have:
Chosen up to 3 appropriate Emergency Contacts
Consider allocating them to the speed dial keys
Explained to your child who these contacts are and when to use them
Do not add national emergency numbers (10111, 10177, 112) as Emergency Contacts — calls to these numbers will not connect.
Wall mounting
Suggested option: double-sided tape
We suggest using a good brand like 3M double-sided tape. Use two strips of double-sided tape at the top and bottom of the base to ensure a secure mount.
Complicated method: screws
Secure two screws horizontally into the wall with a 100 mm distance between them and hang the phone using its back slots.
Steps for wall mounting
- 1.Mark the spots: Mark two dots horizontally on the wall with a 100 mm (10 cm) distance between them.
- 2.Drill holes: Drill a hole at each marked dot.
- 3.Insert anchors and screws: Place a plastic expansion bolt (anchor) and a screw into each hole. Note that screws and anchors are not provided in the box.
- 4.Leave clearance: Leave enough space protruding on the heads of the screws so the phone can slide onto them.
- 5.Mount the phone: Align the phone's Wall Mount Slots on the rear panel over the screw heads and slide the phone down to secure it.
Make sure the wall surface is clean and dry before mounting so the tape or anchors hold firmly.