ExpertConnect allows users to configure preferred audio devices for calls through User Profile > Ringing Preferences > Audio Settings. These settings help ensure incoming and outgoing calls to use the audio devices you prefer, such as a headset or external microphone, whenever they are available. 

How to set your Preferred Audio Device in ExpertConnect  

In Ringing Preferences > Audio Settings, you can select preferred devices for the following: 

1. Speakers - The audio device used to play sound during an ExpertConnect call. 
2. Microphone - the audio device used to capture your voice during an ExpertConnect call. 
3. Output Devices Preference (Ringing) - The audio device used to play the ringing sound when an incoming call is presented in the ExpertConnect web portal. 

These selections represent your personal preferences for your calling experience. 

How ExpertConnect Uses Your Selections 

ExpertConnect follows a “remember what you selected” approach and applies intelligent fallbacks only when a selected device cannot be found or used. This ensures calls are not blocked or disrupted due to missing or unavailable devices.

The behavior depends on whether you have selected a device and whether that device is currently available. 

Expected Behavior 

If No Audio Device Is Selected 

• No preference is applied
• ExpertConnect uses the audio devices marked as default by your browser or operating system for speakers, microphone, and ringing. 

If an Audio Device Is Selected 

• ExpertConnect  remembers your selected device
• The selected device remains the preferred choice for future incoming and outgoing calls.
• The preference remains saved unless you explicitly change it. 

If a Selected Audio Device Is Unavailable   

ExpertConnect prioritizes your selected device and gracefully falls back to the closest available option to keep calls working without disruption.

If your preferred audio device is disconnected, renamed, or cannot be used, ExpertConnect automatically tries to find the closest available alternative, so your call can continue without interruption.

ExpertConnect follows this general order: 

1. Try the exact device you selected 
   If the device is still connected and recognizable, ExpertConnect will use it. 
2. Look for the same device by name 
   If the browser presents the device slightly differently, but it appears to be the same one, ExpertConnect will continue using it. 
3. Look for a closely matching device name 
   If the device name has changed or includes extra details (such as “Bluetooth” or similar labels), ExpertConnect attempts to match based on the main device name. 
   For example, a previously selected device named “Bob’s AirPods Bluetooth” may match “Bob’s AirPods”. 
4. Look for another device of the same type 
   If no name-based match is found, ExpertConnect looks for a connected device of a similar type, such as another Bluetooth headset, USB headset, built-in microphone, or virtual audio device. 
5. Fall back to system defaults 
   If none of the above options are available, ExpertConnect uses the audio device currently selected as default by your browser or operating system so that the call can still proceed whenever possible.
6. Use first available 
   If none of the above options are available, use the first available connected audio device as a final fallback.  

This approach helps ensure that audio works whenever possible, even if your preferred device is temporarily unavailable or changes how it is identified by the browser. 

Important Things to Know 

• ExpertConnect does not automatically change or overwrite your saved preferences.
• If a preferred device is disconnected, it will still appear as selected and clearly marked as Disconnected.
• If the same device is reconnected and its internal identifier has not changed, ExpertConnect will recognize it and use it again.
• If you have never selected a device, ExpertConnect uses the fallback logic as stated above, except for the fallback step 1.
• During an active call, you can manually switch audio devices. Doing so does not update your saved Ringing Preferences. Saved preferences only change if you explicitly update them in settings. 

Limitations and Known Constraints 

Because ExpertConnect runs in a web browser, the following limitations apply: 

• Audio device availability and identification depend on the browser and operating system.
• If the browser or operating system changes how a device is identified, ExpertConnect may not be able to recognize it even if it is connected.
• Headset buttons and click-to-connect features are not supported. Browsers do not expose these hardware events to web applications.
• Installing the web portal as an app or creating a shortcut does not remove browser limitations.
• Audio preferences are saved per browser. Settings selected in one browser (for example, Chrome) do not transfer to another browser (for example, Edge).
• Preferences are not shared with Incognito or Private browsing sessions.
• Clearing browser cookies or cache may reset your audio preferences.
• If your organization restricts cookie or cache persistence, preferences may reset between browser sessions. 

Summary

Ringing Preferences help ensure ExpertConnect uses your preferred audio devices whenever possible. The system prioritizes your selections, avoids unnecessary changes, and applies intelligent fallbacks only when required. While browser limitations apply, the experience is designed to remain reliable and predictable across everyday usage. 

Quick Troubleshooting

If audio plays from the wrong audio device:

1. Open User Profile > Ringing Preferences > Audio Settings
2. Select the correct Speaker / Microphone / Output Device
    

If the audio device is not listed, reconnect it (unplug/re-plug or Bluetooth reconnect) and try again.