PhoneBooth Setup Guide

Regan Black
|
March 4, 2025
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READ THIS BEFORE PROCEEDING
  • GuestCam only provides the software, which relies on your device and setup. Follow this guide THOROUGHLY to ensure everything works.
  • TEST BEFORE YOUR EVENT. Leave a test voicemail and confirm it shows up and plays correctly in your host dashboard.
  • If you run into any issues, reach out to our team. We're happy to help you get set up properly before your event.

What you'll need

  1. GuestCam Event: Your purchase also includes a shared photo album for your event, allowing guests to easily share the photos and videos they take, capturing even more special moments.
  2. A tablet: You can use an old tablet you have on hand—just ensure it can connect to the internet for the initial setup. If you need to buy a new, affordable tablet, you should consider the Samsung Tab A7 Lite 8.7. We've used & battle tested this particular tablet when we used to rent out PhoneBooths. (You don’t need to buy a brand-new one—a refurbished unit works just as well and some start at $85 on Amazon).
  3. External Microphone (Optional): We recommend the Opis 60s Micro from Amazon. It's a product we've used and battle-tested for our now retired PhoneBooth rental service. It is priced at $29, and comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that best matches your event’s aesthetic.
  4. Stand for tablet (Optional) - To ensure your PhoneBooth setup stands up right, we recommend getting a tablet stand, if you don't have one already. You can get this one from Amazon for $8.

If you need to get your PhoneBooth QR code, here's how to find it.

Set up on an iPad - Safari

Set up on an Android - Chrome

  1. Scan your PhoneBooth QR code on your Android tablet to open the PhoneBooth app in Chrome.
  2. Then install the app on your device. Refer to the video below for instructions.

Important Tips

  • Make sure your device is fully charged before the event.
  • To ensure your device's screen doesn't timeout/turn off, increase the screen timeout to "Never" if possible.

Test your setup

Before your event, be sure to test your PhoneBooth setup to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here’s what you need to check:

  1. Leave test voicemail - from the installed PhoneBooth app on the tablet. Confirm this went through by listening to it from the host dashboard
  2. Test Offline capability:
    • Disconnect from Wi-Fi – Turn off Wi-Fi to block the internet connection, then restart the tablet.
    • Test Offline Mode – Once the tablet restarts (while still offline), open the PhoneBooth app and leave a voicemail. The app should launch normally and accept the voicemail, storing it locally on the device until an internet connection is available.
    • Reconnect to Wi-Fi – Turn Wi-Fi back on. Once the tablet regains internet access, the app will automatically upload the stored voicemail to your event in the cloud.
    • Verify Upload – Check the host dashboard and listen to the voicemail to confirm it was successfully uploaded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a specific device to use the PhoneBooth app?

You can use almost any tablet that can connect to the internet to install and initially set up the PhoneBooth app—Android or iOS devices work. Older tablets are fine, as long as they support a modern browser. You can then install the PhoneBooth app to allow offline usage during your event.

Why should I use GuestCam’s PhoneBooth app for my wedding or event?

GuestCam’s PhoneBooth is an installable web app that provides instant voice message storage and offline capabilities. Unlike many rental services, you can listen to audio messages immediately, and the app also integrates with your shared wedding photo album. This lets you capture both voice messages and event photos in one convenient place.

Can I set up the PhoneBooth app without internet access?

You need internet access only for the initial setup. Once the PhoneBooth app is installed on your tablet, it will work offline. Guests can record voicemails even if the device isn’t connected to Wi-Fi; the messages will automatically sync once an internet connection is restored.

Which microphone is recommended for clearer audio recordings?

For better audio quality, consider using the Opis 60s Micro microphone handset (around $29 on Amazon). It not only looks great but also delivers clearer recordings, ensuring your guests’ messages are captured loud and clear.

Can guests also share photos and videos using the same setup?

Yes! In addition to recording audio messages, guests can easily share their photos and videos using the same setup. With GuestCam, you can generate a QR Code for wedding photos, which guests can scan with their phones to instantly upload pictures and videos to your event’s shared album—no app downloads required. This way, all your special memories, from heartfelt voicemails to candid photos, are collected in one convenient place.

Planning a special event?

Make your event unforgettable—let guests share their photos and so much more with GuestCam.

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