Desktop Softphone – Install Guide

This guide explains how to download and install the Public Internet Desktop Softphone on Windows and Mac.

Before You Start

You’ll need:

• Windows: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit).
• Mac: macOS 12 Monterey or later.
• The softphone username and password provided by Public Internet.
• A headset or a microphone and speakers.

Installing on Windows

1. Download the Desktop Softphone for Windows.
2. Open the downloaded file from your Downloads folder.
3. A small window showing Installing, please wait… appears. There are no options to choose and you won’t be asked for administrator rights.
4. When installation finishes, the softphone opens automatically. Sign in with your username and password.

A Desktop Phone shortcut is added to your desktop and Start menu, and the softphone starts automatically whenever you sign in to Windows.

Tip: If a blue Windows protected your PC message appears when you open the file, click More info, check that the publisher is Public Internet Limited, then click Run anyway.

Note: The softphone is installed for your Windows account only. If other people use the same computer with their own Windows accounts, they’ll each need to install it.

Tip: If a Microphone Access Failed message appears when you make a call, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone in Windows and turn on both Microphone access and Let desktop apps access your microphone.

Installing on Mac

1. Download the Desktop Softphone for Mac.
2. Open the downloaded file from your Downloads folder. A window opens showing the Desktop Phone icon and an Applications folder.
3. Drag the Desktop Phone icon onto the Applications folder and wait for it to copy.
4. Click the eject button next to Desktop Phone in the Finder sidebar. You can then delete the downloaded file.
5. Open your Applications folder and double-click Desktop Phone.
6. The first time you open it, macOS asks if you’re sure you want to open an app downloaded from the internet. Click Open.
7. Sign in with your username and password.

Note: Always drag the softphone into Applications and open it from there, rather than opening it straight from the download window. Otherwise it may not start automatically when you log in or install updates.

macOS may show a notification that a login item has been added. This is expected – it lets the softphone start automatically when you log in to your Mac.

macOS will also ask for your permission the first time the softphone needs it:

• Microphone: When you make or answer your first call, click Allow so the other party can hear you.
• Notifications: When your first call comes in, click Allow so you see incoming call alerts.

Tip: Make a test call straight after installing, so the microphone prompt doesn’t interrupt your first real call. If you clicked Don’t Allow by mistake, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone, turn on Desktop Phone, then quit and reopen the softphone.

Keeping the Softphone Up to Date

You only need to download the softphone once. It checks for new versions automatically and lets you know when an update is ready to install.