Issue

When using the built-in softphone managed by a browser (Chrome), the PC’s microphone volume automatically decreases to 60–80, despite being set to maximum volume.

Background

This issue occurs in WebRTC-based applications where the browser manages media using the Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP). Chrome’s default behavior may include automatic adjustments to input volume based on perceived audio conditions. This can interfere with user-defined volume settings.

This behavior may also result from a number of other factors. For more information, please see below.

Possible Causes

1. Browser Settings: Chrome’s WebRTC settings may enable automatic volume adjustment, leading to unintended changes in the PC’s microphone volume.
2. Windows Features: The operating system may have an auto-volume adjustment feature that lowers the microphone volume when it detects high input levels or communication activities.
3. User Shortcuts: Accidental activation of Chrome’s hardware media key handling or other shortcuts may cause volume changes.
4. Peripheral Devices: Volume changes may be triggered by external devices, such as earphones, that adjust system volume automatically.
5. Softphone-Specific Issue: If the issue does not occur with non-browser-based softphones, the problem may be specific to browser-managed media.

Solutions

1. Adjust Chrome Settings
   • Open Chrome and navigate to chrome://flags.
   • Locate the setting Allow WebRTC to adjust the input volume.
   • Disable the feature and relaunch Chrome.
2. Disable Chrome’s Hardware Media Key Handling
   • Open Chrome and in the address bar, type chrome://flags/#hardware-media-key-handling.
   • Set Hardware Media Key Handling to Disabled and relaunch Chrome.
3. Disable Windows Automatic Volume Adjustment
   • In Windows, go to Control Panel > Sound > Communications Tab.
   • Select Do nothing under the section When Windows detects communication activity.
4. Rule Out Peripheral Devices
   Test the setup without external audio devices plugged in, such as earphones, to ensure they do not cause volume adjustments.
5. Test with a Different Softphone
   • Install the remote CommPeak softphone (Windows version) and test its behavior.
   • If the issue does not occur, it indicates a browser-specific problem rather than an operational system issue.