What is the Lync Mobile app? 

Lync

Using Microsoft Lync / Skype for Business, you can use your computer to interact with colleagues and contacts in various ways. But what about times when you’re out of the office or your computer and phone are inaccessible due to power supply interruptions? You can install the Lync Mobile app to your mobile device (phone or tablet) then use the device as a portable version of your office phone.

This means that you can continue to make and receive voice calls, send instant messages and emails, and even participate in video calls - as long as you have a wireless or mobile data connection.

NOTE:
The Lync Mobile app is available for older mobile operating systems: Android 4.0 or lower, iOS 7.1.2 or lower and Windows Phone 8 or lower. For all later operating systems, use the Skype for Business mobile app.

What are the benefits?

  • Cost of calls:
    If your IP phone is offline - for example, due to power cuts - simply use the Lync app to dial another UCT staff member's extension.
    • Free calls on eduroam:
      If you're on eduroam at UCT, calls won't cost you a cent. If you're travelling and need to phone a colleague back here at UCT, those calls will also be free as long as you're using your Lync app and phoning from a local or international university that uses eduroam.
    • Charges apply:
      If you don't have access to eduroam or free WiFi, you'll need to use mobile data - incurring your service provider's data rates - not their call rates.
    • Stay in touch when travelling:
      If you're travelling (whether locally or abroad), family and colleagues can dial your UCT office number and the call will be routed to you - wherever you are in the world. You won't need to use international roaming or pay hefty bills because these calls will be charged at local rates (i.e. Cape Town to Cape Town charges).
  • Contact colleagues easily:
    Sync your UCT contacts to the Lync app, giving you quick access to all your work-related colleagues. You can then communicate with them - either individually or in a group - via voice calls, instant messaging, email or even video calls.
  • Never miss a call:
    The app shows you any calls you may have missed, and also gives you direct access to your voicemail.

How to use the app

Install and sign in
  1. Open your app store, find and install the Lync 2013 app.
  2. Accept the terms and conditions. 
  3. Use these details to sign in:
    • Sign-in Address: username@ipt.uct.ac.za
    • Password: UCT password
    • User Name*: username@wf.uct.ac.za
      *You may need to tap Advanced Options to access the User Name field.
  4. Tap Sign In.
  5. Tap Continue when the security certificate is shown.
  6. Enter your cell phone number using the international format (e.g. +27 83 123 4567).
  7. Tap Continue.
Set up call forwarding
  1. Tap the 

    status icon
     Status tab.
  2. In the Call forwarding section, select the current status (in blue).
  3. Configure call forwarding as required:
    • Do Not Forward: No call forwarding
    • Forward Calls To: Forward calls to voicemail or your cell phone
    • Simultaneously Ring: Calls will ring on your office phone and your smart phone
  4. In the Apply settings section, select when call forwarding should be active.
  5. Tap Go back.
Contact someone
On your contact list
  1. Select the 

    contact list
     Contact List tab.
  2. Search or scroll to find the relevant contact.
  3. Select the relevant icon to communicate with the person:
    •  

      instant messaging
       Instant Messaging 
    •  

      voice call
       Voice Call 
    •  

      video call
       Video Call (*requires strong data connection) 
    •  

      email
       Email
Not on your contact list
  1. Tap the 

    keypad
     Keypad icon.
  2. Dial the person's number.
  3. Tap 

    call
     Call.

Note: You can only make voice calls to people who aren't on your contact list.

Group conversation
  1. Start an Instant Message conversation with one contact.
  2. Tap 

    options
     Options.
  3. Select Invite.
  4. Find and select another participant.
  5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for other participants.
  6. To change the conversation to a voice or video call, tap the relevant icon in the footer bar.
Use mobile data when WiFi signal is weak or unavailable

When using this option, you will incur your service provider's data rates.

  1. Tap 

    options
     Options.
  2. Set Require WiFi for VoIP calls to Off if it is turned on.
  3. For video calls, set Require WiFi for video calls to Off.
  4. Go back.
  5. In your mobile device settings, turn mobile data On.

Learn more

android icon
 Android
Quick reference card How-to guide FAQ Instructional video
 iPhone
Quick reference card How-to guide FAQ Instructional video
 iPad
Quick reference card How-to guide FAQ Instructional video
Windows phone icon
 Windows Phone
Quick reference card How-to guide FAQ