Getting Started

Thanks for signing up!   

Hey if you just want to know how to login, that’s easy! Check out our FAQ which walks you through it (click here).

But if you are like most new users, then you want to know the best way to get started with your new subscription. So just follow the instructions below.

How to Setup a Mobile Phone

For instructions on how to setup our service on your Apple or Android phone, click on the button below.

How to Setup a Landline or VoIP Line

If instead you signed up a landline, VoIP line, or Google Voice, then watch this tutorial to learn how to complete the setup:

Landlines can also use Pirate Voicemail; think of it as an answering machine that screens your calls. If you turn it on for your landline, the you might want to record your own greetings by calling into our special recording number. Here are the instructions: “How to Record Your Own Greetings”

Test Your Setup

Then test each line to be sure your setup is correct, and we are indeed screening calls for you.  We have an automated tool for testing your line called the “Test My Phone” button.   Watch this video to learn how to use it:

Once your “Test My Phone” Says You Passed

Now that your phone lines are all tested and being protected by pirate-robots, you may want to watch some other tutorials just to learn a bit more about how our service works.   A good way to start is by watching a “Quick Tour of the Pirate Porthole Dashboard”  (click here to check it out).

All of our tutorials can be found in the “Help” section (as can our FAQs); “Help” is on the main menu as shown below:

 

And remember:  not all phones have the same capabilities. For example, a regular old landline phone doesn’t have the capability to do texting or play music. It is important to remember this, so that you don’t waste time trying to configure a feature that won’t work on the type of phone you are using.

The table below is a quick summary that shows you which features are available for each type of phone.

	Landlines	Mobile	VoIP	Google Voice
Call Logging/Recording	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Call Screening (white/black lists) using “Simultaneous Ring”	Yes *1	Yes	Yes *2	Yes
Merge (conference in a robot by dialing)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Summon a Pirate (conference in a robot by texting)	no	Yes *3	no	no
Pirate Voicemail (like voicemail, but also screens)	No	Yes	no	no

*1, 2  – Only supported for landlines from carriers supporting Simultaneous Ring

*3  –  some carriers use CDMA networks for all or part of their coverage area.  This feature does not work on CDMA networks.

 

Have fun and stay safe from telemarketers and phone scams!

Thanks again for using our service!