Having trouble with Dashwire? Our extensive list of frequently asked questions can probably help!

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Help Topics

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dashwire really free?

Dashwire is a free service for customers with supported phones and a data connection plan from their operator. Check with your operator to make sure you have a data plan because costs can be significant – especially when roaming.

Most of the value that Dashwire delivers requires a data connection and consumes large chunks of data. As such, we strongly recommend an unlimited data plan.

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What do I need to use Dashwire?

1. You need a supported phone. Dashwire is initially available for Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6-powered phones such as the T-Mobile Dash, Samsung BlackJack, AT&T 8925, Palm Treo 500v, and the Motorola Q series. Over 100 phones are supported.

Additional phone platforms will be supported in the near future – so check back often!

2. You will also need a data plan from your operator. A data plan allows you to access the Internet from your phone for monthly fee. If you have browsed the web or downloaded a game/ringtone from your phone, then you have used a data connection. Check with your operator to make sure you have a data plan, as costs can be significant – especially when roaming.

Most of the value that Dashwire delivers requires a data connection and consumes large chunks of data. As such, we strongly recommend an unlimited data plan.

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Is my phone supported?

Dashwire is focused on making its service accessible from as many phones as possible. Dashwire is initially available for Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6-powered phones such as the T-Mobile Dash, Samsung BlackJack, AT&T 8925, Palm Treo 500v, and the Motorola Q series. Over 100 phones are supported.

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Why is an unlimited data plan recommended?

We recommend an unlimited data plan because your carrier will bill you the applicable airtime, data and usage fees, and taxes to download and use Dashwire. Dashwire offers a mirror of your mobile phone to the web – meaning your contacts, text messages, photos, videos, and other items are automatically uploaded from your phone and accessible through your Web-based Dashwire account. This consumes data, the amount of which depends on how much stuff you have on your phone. If you don’t have an unlimited data plan or are roaming when using Dashwire, this could result in unexpected data charges.

Options exist for using Dashwire without an unlimited data plan. See “I want to use Dashwire, but I can't afford to purchase an unlimited data plan. What can I do to reduce data consumption?” for more information.

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Who sees what's on my dashboard? How does this compare with my shared page?

Only you have access to your dashboard view, though you do have the option to share certain content from your dashboard (like photos and videos) with people or groups in your social network.

Think of the dashboard as your private view into everything related to your mobile phone, while your shared pages are customized opportunities to share all of the cool mobile experiences that were previously trapped on your phone. Shared pages can include photos, videos, friends, and purchases. What you see as well as whom has access is completely customized and controlled by you through your Account Settings.

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Is text messaging using the Dashwire service free?

Dashwire makes it much easier to read, reply to, compose, and organize your messages when in front of a computer – but we don’t make them free. Because the messages from the dashboard are routed through your phone, your operator counts them as if they were sent from your phone. As such, you still get charged for every message you send from the dashboard.

Check your plan and make sure you have enough text messages to support your dashboard messaging needs.

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Who can see my shared page? How do I restrict access?

Only the people that you want to see it. There are three types of shared page access:

1. Everyone: Anybody can access your shared page
2. Friends Only: Only Dashwire friends can access your page
3. No one but me: Only you can access your shared page (it’s as if it doesn’t exist)

Access can be designated from the Account Settings link at the top of your Dashwire navigation bar. Keep in mind that your shared page will default to Friends Only until you adjust your privacy settings. Don’t be shy though — you’ll miss out on all the fun!

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Where on the dashboard should I go to modify my settings? What can I control?

The Account Settings link at the top of the dashboard window enables you to control how you publish your mobile experiences and the options available to customize your shared pages.

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Dashwire Overview

Is Dashwire really free?

Dashwire is a free service for customers with supported phones and a data connection plan from their operator. Check with your operator to make sure you have a data plan because costs can be significant – especially when roaming.

Most of the value that Dashwire delivers requires a data connection and consumes large chunks of data. As such, we strongly recommend an unlimited data plan.

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What do I need to use Dashwire?

1. You need a supported phone. Dashwire is initially available for Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6-powered phones such as the T-Mobile Dash, Samsung BlackJack, AT&T 8925, Palm Treo 500v, and the Motorola Q series. Over 100 phones are supported.

Additional phone platforms will be supported in the near future – so check back often!

2. You will also need a data plan from your operator. A data plan allows you to access the Internet from your phone for monthly fee. If you have browsed the web or downloaded a game/ringtone from your phone, then you have used a data connection. Check with your operator to make sure you have a data plan, as costs can be significant – especially when roaming.

Most of the value that Dashwire delivers requires a data connection and consumes large chunks of data. As such, we strongly recommend an unlimited data plan.

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Is my phone supported?

Dashwire is focused on making its service accessible from as many phones as possible. Dashwire is initially available for Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6-powered phones such as the T-Mobile Dash, Samsung BlackJack, AT&T 8925, Palm Treo 500v, and the Motorola Q series. Over 100 phones are supported.

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What are the different ways I can connect to Dashwire from my phone?
Connection Method Connection Type Dashwire Usage
Wireless (WAN) GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, EVDO, etc. Unlimited data plan recommended
Wireless (LAN, PAN) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Free to use Dashwire if in open Wi-Fi hotspot or connecting with Bluetooth computer
Wired USB Free to use Dashwire if connected to your computer through ActiveSync (assuming USB pass thru is enabled)
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What is Dashwire Mobile? How do I get it on my phone?

Dashwire Mobile is a super small application that is installed on your mobile phone to allow you to use the Dashwire service. It sends updates from your phone (text messages, call history, photos, videos, etc.) to Dashwire servers, which are then mirrored on the Web when you log in to your personal Dashwire account. In order for Dashwire to work, you need to have Dashwire Mobile installed on your phone.

To install the Dashwire Mobile, visit http://dashwire.com on your computer browser and walk through the steps that follow.

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How much space does Dashwire take up on my phone?

Dashwire is designed to take up as little space as possible on your phone. Depending on the phone you have, the size will vary, but the application download is approximately 300Kb, and approximately 600Kb when unpacked on your phone or storage card.

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How many phones can I have connected to Dashwire at one time?

Only one phone per account can be connected to Dashwire at any given time for the service to work correctly. If you have multiple GSM phones, switching the SIM card between phones will allow you to connect multiple phones with Dashwire, as long as only one phone is powered on at a time. The same is true for CDMA phones. Having multiple phones logged into the same account at any one time may result in the service not working properly.

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Couldn’t find what you were looking for? Send us an e-mail at support@dashwire.com. Keep in mind that the more information you provide — the easier it will be to resolve your problem.

Getting Started on Dashwire

How do I sign up?

To sign up for a free Dashwire account, visit http://dashwire.com/signup on your computer web browser. Registration takes a few minutes, though you will need a supported phone http://dashwire.com/signup and data plan to use the service.

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What do I need to use Dashwire?

1. You need a supported phone. Dashwire is initially available for Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6-powered phones such as the T-Mobile Dash, Samsung BlackJack, AT&T 8925, Palm Treo 500v, and the Motorola Q series. Over 100 phones are supported.

Additional phone platforms will be supported in the near future – so check back often!

2. You will also need a data plan from your operator. A data plan allows you to access the Internet from your phone for monthly fee. If you have browsed the web or downloaded a game/ringtone from your phone, then you have used a data connection. Check with your operator to make sure you have a data plan, as costs can be significant – especially when roaming.

Most of the value that Dashwire delivers requires a data connection and consumes large chunks of data. As such, we strongly recommend an unlimited data plan.

Back to Top
Is my phone supported?

Dashwire is focused on making its service accessible from as many phones as possible. Dashwire is initially available for Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6-powered phones such as the T-Mobile Dash, Samsung BlackJack, AT&T 8925, Palm Treo 500v, and the Motorola Q series. Over 100 phones are supported.

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Why is an unlimited data plan recommended?

We recommend an unlimited data plan because your carrier will bill you the applicable airtime, data and usage fees, and taxes to download and use Dashwire. Dashwire offers a mirror of your mobile phone to the web – meaning your contacts, text messages, photos, videos, and other items are automatically uploaded from your phone and accessible through your Web-based Dashwire account. This consumes data, the amount of which depends on how much stuff you have on your phone. If you don’t have an unlimited data plan or are roaming when using Dashwire, this could result in unexpected data charges.

Options exist for using Dashwire without an unlimited data plan. See “I want to use Dashwire, but I can't afford to purchase an unlimited data plan. What can I do to reduce data consumption?” for more information.

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How can I find out if I have a data plan? How big of a plan should I have?

To find out if you have a data plan, call your operator or check your bill to see if you subscribe to a data plan. To use Dashwire, we strongly recommend an unlimited data plan.

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If I have a data plan with my operator, but my phone isn’t set up to access the Internet, what should I do?

Most phones ship with the proper data settings to access the Internet, but if for some reason your phone isn’t able to access the Internet and you have a data plan with your operator, you should call your operator to find out what the proper settings are for your phone. The good news is that they are often able to wirelessly send them to your phone for easy set-up.

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How do I get Dashwire working on my phone?

Dashwire Mobile is a super small application that is installed on your mobile phone to allow you to use the Dashwire service. It sends updates from your phone (text messages, call history, photos, videos, etc.) to Dashwire servers, which are then mirrored on the Web when you log in to your personal Dashwire account. In order for Dashwire to work, you need to have Dashwire Mobile installed on your phone.

To install the Dashwire Mobile, visit http://dashwire.com on your computer browser and walk through the steps that follow.

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I’m having trouble opening the text message link to download Dashwire on my phone. What should I do?

Sorry about that. Many phones automatically highlight or underline the link when you scroll down in the text message. No problem though: simply type in the link you receive in the SMS in your mobile web browser. If you are still having trouble with the download, your phone may not have the proper data connection settings or you might be in an area with no data coverage. If you are connected, then please send an e-mail to support@dashwire.com for assistance.

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What if I didn’t receive the text message to sign up for Dashwire on my phone?

Receiving the text message may take a minute or two. If it doesn’t show up, try to resubmit your account request and it should go through. If you’re still having trouble, please e-mail support@dashwire.com.

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What if the download is interrupted?

If the download is interrupted for some reason (like if you went out of wireless coverage), just click on the link again when you’re back in coverage.

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Why do I have to provide my mobile phone number when signing up?

Don’t worry – we’re not going to call you or give out your number to any telemarketers. We use your mobile phone number to send you an installation link and to verify that the phone accessing Dashwire’s service actually belongs to you.

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How do I choose what gets uploaded from the phone to the dashboard?

When registering for Dashwire, unless you indicate otherwise, your contacts, text messages, photos, videos, calls, and phone settings will be automatically uploaded to your private dashboard. If you don’t want to upload all of this information or if you don’t have an unlimited data plan, then you can select which content you want to upload.

Settings can be changed within Dashwire Mobile in the Settings on the phone. To do so, simply uncheck the items that you don’t want to upload. You can always change your mind after the fact by returning to the Settings menu within Dashwire Mobile on the phone.

These settings have an impact on your data consumption, so we strongly recommend an unlimited data plan before you choose to upload all content from your phone to the dashboard.

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How do I change the frequency of updates?

Frequency of updates can be changed within the Preferences section of the Dashwire Mobile application. Your update schedule options include how updates are handled (automatic or manual), whether or not you sync when roaming, and which data connection you want to use (cellular or USB and Wi-Fi only). By default, updates occur automatically over your cellular connection when you’re not roaming.

These settings have an impact on your data consumption, so we strongly recommend an unlimited data plan before you choose to upload all content from your phone, choose automatic uploads, or elect to sync when roaming. In particular, be very careful with roaming synchronization, because if you don’t have a special plan that covers roaming charges, then you could be in for a very unpleasant surprise when you receive your bill.

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Should I be concerned about synching using the data connection on my phone when roaming?

If you don’t have roaming coverage – trust us, you’ll care! Even if you have an unlimited data plan, it’s likely that your operator will charge you for any data consumed while roaming on another network. Roaming rates are typically much higher than those within your network, so if you upload a couple of pictures and videos while out of the country, then you could be facing a massive bill when you get home.

Unless you’re certain that your plan covers roaming, your best bet is to update your Preferences to prevent data from being uploaded to your Dashwire account when out of network. By default, your settings are configured to not sync when roaming.

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Why am I prompted to allow network access when I start Dashwire?

Some mobile phones ask the user to permit network access if an application tries to connect to the Internet using the data settings. It wants to make sure you’re cool with going on the Internet from your phone just in case you don’t have a data plan. You may receive a prompt when starting Dashwire because most of the sweet features that Dashwire enables require your mobile phone to connect to the Internet to send and receive data. Assuming you have an unlimited data plan – you should check Yes when prompted to allow Internet or network access.

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Do you share any of my private information?

Couldn’t find what you were looking for? Send us an e-mail at support@dashwire.com. Keep in mind that the more information you provide — the easier it will be to resolve your problem.

Your Dashboard

What is the dashboard?

The dashboard is your private view into everything related to your mobile phone. Your phone content – contacts, text messages, calls, photos, videos, speed dials, Internet favorites, ringtone, and wallpaper – is seamlessly uploaded from your phone and safely backed-up on your dashboard.

The dashboard is fully customizable, enabling you to choose what you want to see as well as how you’d like for it to be organized. Simply select the tiles you want to appear on the dashboard and ensure that the corresponding preferences are set to upload the content from your phone.

From the dashboard, you have access to at-a-glance information from the main viewing panel, or you can choose to navigate more deeply into the details of a specific tile. Either click on a specific item within the tile for a detailed view or click on the “+” sign in the top right corner to see all items. Alternatively, if you don’t want to see a specific tile, you can choose to minimize it by clicking the “-“ sign or to remove it altogether with the “X” in the top right corner.

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Who sees what's on my dashboard? How does this compare with my shared page?

Only you have access to your dashboard view, though you do have the option to share certain content from your dashboard (like photos and videos) with people or groups in your social network.

Think of the dashboard as your private view into everything related to your mobile phone, while your shared pages are customized opportunities to share all of the cool mobile experiences that were previously trapped on your phone. Shared pages can include photos, videos, friends, and purchases. What you see as well as whom has access is completely customized and controlled by you through your Account Settings.

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Can I rearrange the items on my dashboard?

Yes. Simply click-and-hold on the bar at the top of each tile and drag it wherever you’d like for it to appear. The other tiles will automatically move in response to your actions.

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How can I change sizing on my dashboard?

As far as the size of the actual tiles goes, you’re able to grab the bottom of the tile and drag it up or down to your preferred size. The tile will probably adjust a little from where you let go of your mouse, as the system will automatically snap to a grid in order to prevent content from being cut-off.

As for text size, this is a function of your Internet browser settings.

In Windows Internet Explorer, you can alter the zoom settings through the menus, by clicking on the drop-down arrow next to the magnifying glass in the bottom right corner of the browser window, or by holding down the control key and using the scroll wheel on your mouse.

In Mozilla Firefox, you can alter the zoom settings by holding down the control key and pressing “+” or “-“ or by using the scroll wheel on your mouse.

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Can I change my display photo?

To change your display photo, click on the photo in your profile and select a new one. If you don’t see a good picture, then you probably need to take some more! When finished, your photo will be updated on both your dashboard and your shared pages.

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Can I just upload a picture from my computer for my profile image?

Not yet. You’ll soon be able to upload an image from your computer to use as your profile picture, but it’s currently not supported.

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Why isn't anything showing up in my dashboard?

If this is your first time visiting the dashboard, then your phone content is likely still in the process of being fully backed-up before it can be displayed. Depending on the browser you are using, you may need to refresh the page.

If you still aren’t seeing anything, please make sure you have selected the items you want to upload (photos, videos, messages, call history, contracts) in the Settings section within the Dashwire mobile application.

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Couldn’t find what you were looking for? Send us an e-mail at support@dashwire.com. Keep in mind that the more information you provide — the easier it will be to resolve your problem.

Photos & Videos

How many photos or videos can my dashboard store?

Give it a try and see for yourself! With Dashwire, you can easily view, organize and share your photos or videos, and they’ll stay there, even if you delete them from your phone or switch to a new one.

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How can I edit my photos?

By expanding the photo tile by clicking the “+” in the right corner, you can easily view, edit, and organize individual or multiple photos at once. Add a title, description, tag, or override global privacy settings to share with friends.

Additional editing options are on the way…so stay tuned!

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How do I organize my photos or videos?

Expand the tile and simply select an item (or multiple at once) and add the appropriate tags using the controls on the right side of the window.

Once the tags have been created, you can access all photos or videos within a tag by selecting the tag on the left side your library or by conducting a search.

Not sure what we mean by tag? Think of it as a keyword that you assign to a photo or the name of an album that you create in order to categorize a group of photos.

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Any tips for taking better photos with my phone?

Believe it or not, but your phone actually takes good pictures. Camera phones still have a ways to go when it comes to taking high quality photos, so while you can’t expect the perfect image every time, but there are things you can do to dramatically improve your photo quality.

First, many of the new phones enable you to control picture settings prior to capturing an image (brightness, effects, zoom, etc.). Adjust these settings as appropriate to improve photo quality.

Next, many people have a severe case of the “yips” when trying to take pictures with their phones. Hold still before and after you’ve taken a photo, and you’ll be surprised at how much better the image will turn out.

Finally, feel free to discard images that don’t quite make the grade. No reason uploading something you’re going to delete the second you get to a computer.

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Can I improve the quality of my videos?

You can, but it’s tough to improve them as much as you’d like to. Similarly to photos, there are all sorts of settings you can control when capturing a video (brightness, effects, zoom, etc.). Adjust these settings as appropriate to improve video quality. Also, avoid sudden movements or particularly loud environments.

None of the above will help you pad your film school portfolio, but they will help you capture better videos on your mobile phone. The good news is that the latest phones are shipping with dramatically improved cameras and camcorders.

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Where do I set my privacy settings? Can I make exceptions?

You might think twice about taking that photo if you think everybody is going to see it. Trust us, we will too. That’s why we have privacy settings that enable you to determine who sees what from your mobile experiences.

Access Account Settings from your dashboard and select Shared Page and Privacy. Within a combination of these two, you are able to control:
•Who can access your public page 
(Anyone, Friends only, or Nobody)
•What information is displayed in your public page

Account Settings allow you to determine how the system manages your mobile experiences without any intervention on your part.

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Couldn’t find what you were looking for? Send us an e-mail at support@dashwire.com. Keep in mind that the more information you provide — the easier it will be to resolve your problem.

Internet Favorites, Ringtones, Wallpapers, and Speed Dials

I can actually configure phone settings from my computer? What options do I have?

Considering how long it probably took you to set-up your phone in the first place – pretty cool, huh? With Dashwire, you can access and modify your phone settings from the dashboard and have everything instantly sent down to your phone.

So what can you do? You can set Internet favorites for your mobile phone browser, preview and select your ringtones and background image, and even add contacts to speed dial. Everything you can control on the dashboard is both optimized and specific to your phone model.

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Couldn’t find what you were looking for? Send us an e-mail at support@dashwire.com. Keep in mind that the more information you provide — the easier it will be to resolve your problem.