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Facebook Portal Mini - User Manual

Facebook Portal Mini
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Portal, Portal Mini and Portal+
This article applies to Portal
See Portal TV article
Before setting up your Portal, make sure to review our health and safety guidelines. To set up
your Portal, you'll need a Facebook or WhatsApp account. If you're having trouble using your
Portal's touchscreen during setup, learn more about turning off accessibility options.
Assemble your Portal:
1. Place your Portal on a stable flat surface, like a tabletop or counter.
o Do not place your Portal near sinks, showers, pools or other areas where it might
get wet.
o Do not place your Portal near sources of heat, such as stoves, ovens, or radiators.
o Do not place Portal where it may be tipped over easily.
2. Plug your Portal in with the included power cord.
o Plug the included power cord into Portal first, then into an appropriate outlet.
Make sure the included power cord is fully plugged into your Portal before
plugging it into an appropriate outlet.
o Your Portal works when connected to a rated AC power source with 100V to
240V AC at 50Hz to 60Hz. Please review our health and safety guidelines for
more information.
o Arrange any cables and cords so that people and pets are not likely to trip over or
accidentally pull on them as they move around or walk near the Portal.
Select your language and connect to Wi-Fi:
Once your Portal is plugged in, follow the on-screen instructions to begin setup.
1. Select your language, then tap Next.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi.
1. Select your Wi-Fi network.
2. Enter your Wi-Fi password and tap Join.
3. Tap Next.
4. Tap Continue. Your Portal may need to download the latest software in order to
complete setup. Once the download is complete, you may be asked to restart your
Portal.
If you have trouble connecting to the Wi-Fi, learn how to check your signal.
Give your Portal a name and log in with Facebook or WhatsApp:
Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Facebook Portal Mini and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Portal Setup and Assembly

Placing Your Portal

Instructions on where to position your Portal device for optimal use and safety.

Connecting Power

Steps to safely plug in your Portal using the provided power cord and adapter.

Initial Configuration

Language and Wi-Fi Setup

Guide to selecting your language and connecting to a Wi-Fi network for setup.

Account Setup and Wi-Fi Change

Naming and Logging In

How to name your Portal and log in with Facebook or WhatsApp.

Changing Wi-Fi Settings

Instructions for changing the Wi-Fi network after initial setup.

Muting and Sleep Mode

Muting Camera and Microphone

Methods for muting camera/microphone using physical controls or touchscreen.

Activating Sleep Mode

How to put your Portal into sleep mode manually or automatically.

Making Calls via Touchscreen

Initiating a Call

Step-by-step guide to initiating a call from your Portal via touchscreen.

Call Management

Answering and Ending Calls

How to accept incoming calls and terminate active calls on your Portal.

Call Features Overview

In-Call Functionality

Using Smart Camera/Sound and basic call features like adding friends.

Manual Camera Control

Zoom, Focus, and Spotlight

Using gestures for manual zoom, focus, and spotlighting individuals.

Group Calls

Making Group Calls

Steps to add multiple participants to Messenger or WhatsApp calls.

Story Time Usage

Using Story Time During Calls

How to share interactive stories with animations during a call.

Account and App Management

Adding a User Account

Steps to add another user's account to your Portal.

Using the Story Time App

How to use the dedicated Story Time application on your Portal.

Account Removal and Alexa Integration

Removing a User Account

How to remove a linked user account and its data from your Portal.

Connecting Amazon Alexa

Linking your Amazon Alexa account to your Portal for voice commands.

WhatsApp Account Connection

Connecting WhatsApp Account

Steps to link your WhatsApp account for messaging and calls.

Overview

The Portal, Portal Mini, and Portal+ are smart display devices designed for video calls and other interactive experiences. They integrate with Facebook and WhatsApp accounts, allowing users to connect with friends and family through video calls, share interactive stories, and access various apps and features.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Portal devices is to facilitate video calls. They feature a Smart Camera and Smart Sound system that automatically adjusts to keep the user audible and in the frame, even as they move around the room. This hands-free calling experience is a key differentiator. Beyond calls, the devices offer a range of functionalities including:

  • Story Time: An interactive feature that allows users to share animated stories with music and effects during calls or through a dedicated app.
  • Amazon Alexa Integration: Users can connect their Amazon Alexa account to the Portal for voice-controlled commands, smart home control, and access to Alexa's various skills.
  • Photo Display: The Portal can display photos, turning it into a digital picture frame.
  • Music Accounts: Users can connect their Portal to various music streaming services.
  • Facebook and WhatsApp Features: Depending on the login method, users can access Facebook Watch, Facebook Gaming, Facebook Live, and other display settings.

Important Technical Specifications:

  • Power Source: The Portal operates when connected to a rated AC power source with 100V to 240V AC at 50Hz to 60Hz.
  • Connectivity: Requires a Wi-Fi network connection for setup and operation.
  • Call Capacity (Group Calls):
    • Messenger: Up to 7 Messenger connections can be added to a call, for a total of 8 people (including yourself).
    • WhatsApp: Up to 3 WhatsApp contacts can be added to a call, for a total of 4 people (including yourself).
  • Account Linking: Up to 5 accounts can be linked to a single Portal device.

Usage Features:

  • Setup:
    1. Placement: Place the Portal on a stable, flat surface, away from water sources, heat sources, and areas where it might be easily tipped over.
    2. Power Connection: Plug the included power cord into the Portal first, then into an appropriate electrical outlet, ensuring a secure connection.
    3. Language and Wi-Fi: Follow on-screen instructions to select a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network by selecting the network, entering the password, and tapping "Join." The device may download software updates and require a restart.
    4. Account Login: Give the Portal a name (custom or pre-selected) and log in with a Facebook or WhatsApp account.
  • Making and Receiving Calls:
    • Touchscreen: From the Home screen, tap the Contacts app. Filter contacts by Suggested, Recent, Messenger, or WhatsApp. Tap the desired contact and make a selection to start a call.
    • Answering: When receiving a call, tap "Answer" to join.
    • Ending: During a call, tap the screen to expose the call menu, then tap the "X" icon to end the call.
  • Muting Camera and Microphone:
    • Portal and Portal Mini: Slide the switch on top of the frame all the way to the left to turn off both camera and microphone (indicated by a red light). Slide to the middle position to turn off just the camera (a shutter will cover the lens).
    • Portal+ and Portal (Gen 1): Press the circle button on top of the device to turn off both camera and microphone (indicated by a red light on the front). An included camera cover can also be used.
    • Touchscreen (During a Call): Tap the screen to expose the call menu, then tap the camera or microphone icon to mute/unmute.
  • Manual Mode (Camera Control during Calls):
    • Entering Manual Mode: During a call, in self-view, use a pinch gesture to zoom in or out, or a drag gesture to change the area of focus.
    • Exiting Manual Mode: Tap the "target" icon on the bottom right corner of the screen.
  • Spotlight (Camera Focus on One Individual):
    • Activating: During a call, tap the person's face in your self-view. When a yellow frame appears, tap their face again.
    • Deactivating: In self-view, double-tap the face of the person in Spotlight.
  • Group Calls:
    1. Start a call with one contact.
    2. During the call, tap the screen to view the menu.
    3. Tap the "add person" icon.
    4. Tap the person or people you'd like to add. They will join when they answer.
  • Story Time Usage:
    • During a Call: Tap the screen to expose the call menu, then tap the "music note" icon, and then the "book" icon. Select a story, tap "Play" (or "Description" for details), and follow instructions.
    • App: From Home, tap the Story Time app. Select a story, tap "Play," and follow instructions. Stories can take up to 45 seconds to load.
  • Account Management:
    • Adding Accounts: From Home, tap Settings > Accounts > Add Account. Follow on-screen instructions to confirm Facebook account, then select accounts to link. Up to 5 accounts can be linked.
    • Removing Accounts: From Home, tap Settings > Accounts. Tap the account to remove, then tap "Remove Portal Account" and follow instructions. Removing all accounts factory resets the Portal.
  • Alexa Integration:
    • Connecting: From Home, tap Settings > Accounts > Amazon Alexa. Follow on-screen instructions to log in or disconnect.
    • Deregistering: From Home, tap Settings > Accounts > Amazon Alexa > Device Options > Deregister, then tap "OK."
  • WhatsApp-Only Setup: Portal can be set up with a WhatsApp account only, but some features (e.g., "Hey Portal," Facebook Watch, Gaming, Live) may not be available. To connect WhatsApp to an existing Portal account: From Home, tap Settings > Accounts > [Your name] > Connect WhatsApp.

Maintenance Features:

  • Sleep Mode: The Portal automatically enters sleep mode (screen off) after 15 minutes of inactivity. It can be woken by touch, voice commands, motion detection, or incoming calls.
    • Manual Sleep: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to view Quick Controls, then tap the "power" icon.
  • Software Updates: The Portal may download the latest software during setup or periodically to ensure optimal performance.
  • Cable Management: Arrange cables and cords to prevent tripping hazards for people and pets.
  • Troubleshooting Wi-Fi: If experiencing connection issues, users can learn how to check their Wi-Fi signal.
  • Troubleshooting Story Time: If a story has trouble loading or shows a loading signal, check the internet connection.

Facebook Portal Mini Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandFacebook
ModelPortal Mini
CategoryWebcam
LanguageEnglish

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