Desk phones and apps · For 3CTel customers
How do I install and sign in to the desktop app?
Open the welcome email from 3CTel, download the desktop app for Windows or Mac, and run the installer. Sign in with the username and password in that email, allow microphone access when prompted, choose your headset under audio settings, and place a test call to your own cell phone. Sign-in details are per person; if you did not get a welcome email, ask your administrator to resend it.
Step by step.
Find your welcome email
It contains the download link and your sign-in details. Search your inbox for 3CTel; check spam if it is missing, or ask your administrator to resend it from the admin portal.
Download and install
Choose the Windows or Mac installer. On Mac, drag the app to Applications and open it; on Windows, run the installer and accept the prompts. Company-managed computers may need an IT administrator to approve the install.
Sign in
Enter your username and password. If your organization uses single sign-on, use the SSO button and your usual work login instead.
Allow microphone and notifications
The operating system will ask for microphone access; without it, callers cannot hear you. Allow notifications so incoming calls appear even when the app is in the background.
Choose your audio devices
In Settings → Audio, select your headset for both microphone and speaker, and pick where the ringtone plays. Many people set the ringtone to the laptop speakers so they hear calls without the headset on.
Place a test call
Call your own cell phone. Confirm you can hear both ways and that your business number shows as caller ID. Then have a colleague call your extension.
What the desktop app does
- Make and receive calls on your business number and extension from your computer.
- See who is on the phone, transfer calls, and join queues or ring groups you belong to.
- Read and reply to business texts, check voicemail with transcripts, and see your call history.
- Set your status (available, away, do not disturb) so calls route correctly.
- Start or join video meetings.
Common sign-in problems
Wrong password: use the reset link on the sign-in screen, or ask your administrator to reset it. Account not found: your user may not be activated yet; the administrator can check in the admin portal under Users. App opens but no audio: the microphone permission was declined; re-enable it in the operating system's privacy settings. Calls ring the desk phone but not the app: check that the app is set to ring alongside your other devices in Settings → Devices.
Using it with a desk phone
You can have both. The app and the desk phone ring together, and you answer on whichever is convenient. Many people use the desk phone at the office and the app when working elsewhere. Your status and voicemail are shared, so nothing depends on which device you picked up.
Related questions.
Can I install it on more than one computer?
Yes. Sign in on your office computer and your laptop; calls ring both. If you sign in on a computer you do not own, sign out when you are done so calls do not keep ringing there.
Do I need the desktop app if I have the mobile app?
No, but most people prefer a computer and headset for long calls and for transferring. The mobile app covers you when you are away from your desk.
Is there a web version?
Ask your administrator which access methods are enabled on your account. Where a browser version is available, it uses the same sign-in and works best in a current version of Chrome or Edge.
Last updated: