# Installing the Client and connecting to your school

> Academium SMS Help › Client Edition
> For: Client Edition
> Web page: https://helpcenter.academium.com.ng/academium-sms/article/sms-installing-the-client
> Last updated: 2026-10-06

The **Client Edition** is for shared computers at school, such as the staff room, the bursary or the front desk. It connects to your school's server over the school network.

## Before you start

- Your school must have a **school server** running. See [Setting up your school server](https://helpcenter.academium.com.ng/academium-sms/article/sms-setting-up-the-school-server.md).
- The computer must be on the **school network**.

## Installing

Download the Client Edition from either:

- your school server's **Download page** (ask your administrator for the address), or
- the downloads page on the Academium website.

Install it and open it.

## Connecting to your school

1. The Client starts **Looking for servers…** and scans your school network.
2. Your school's server appears in the list as **Academium SMS Server · Local network**, with your school's name.
3. Click it to connect.

You then see the Academium SMS sign-in screen. Continue with [Your first sign-in](https://helpcenter.academium.com.ng/academium-sms/article/sms-your-first-sign-in.md).

The Client remembers the server, so next time it connects by itself.

## Connecting manually

If your server does not appear in the list:

1. Choose **Enter address manually** (or **Connect manually** if no servers were found).
2. Type the server address your administrator gives you. It starts with `http://`. Your administrator can find it in the server's control panel under **Connection channels**.
3. Choose **Connect**.

## Changing server

Choose **Switch Server** in the title bar to go back to the server list, for example after your school moves to a new server computer.

## Common issues

**"No servers found."** The Client could not see your school server. Check that:

- the school server is switched on and running;
- this computer is on the school network, not a phone hotspot or a different Wi-Fi network.

Then choose **Scan again**, or connect manually.

**"URL must start with http:// or https://"** Type the full address, including `http://` at the start.

**"Cannot reach that address — is the server running?"** Check the address with your administrator and confirm the server is running.

**The Client was working but now shows nothing.** The school server may have been stopped or restarted. Wait a minute and try again, or ask your administrator to check the server.

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Need a server computer, a Windows licence, a school network or a computer lab? **Academium Plus**, from the same company as this product, supplies and sets them up, with a **free quote**: https://my.academium.com.ng/support