How do I set up Communicator on my computer?

What this does

Walks you through installing Communicator on your computer and setting up your profile for the first time, so you’re ready to make and receive calls. Communicator Desktop runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux — see Which devices and operating systems run Communicator / Communicator GO? for supported versions.

What you’ll need

A Windows, Mac, or Linux computer with permission to install software.
Your Bluehubcloud welcome email, with your login details. See Your Bluehubcloud welcome email explained.
The Communicator desktop installer. Ask our helpdesk where to download it.
A headset (or your computer’s built-in microphone and speakers) if you plan to use the softphone rather than a physical deskphone.

Steps

Download the Communicator desktop installer. Ask our helpdesk where to download it.
Install it — the steps differ slightly by operating system:

Windows: Open the downloaded file to start the install wizard. Click Next on the welcome screen, then read and accept the licence agreement to continue. Confirm the installation folder (the default location is fine for almost everyone) and click Next. Choose where you’d like the shortcut to appear in your Start menu, then click Next. Review the summary of what’s about to be installed and click Next to begin. Wait for the install to finish, then click Finish to close the wizard.

An MSI installer is also available for organisations that deploy software centrally. If that’s you, contact our helpdesk and we’ll provide the MSI package.

Mac and Linux: Download the installer for your system (ask our helpdesk where), then install it the standard way for your operating system. Contact our helpdesk if you’d like a hand with this.

Open Communicator (from the Start menu on Windows, Applications on Mac, or wherever your Linux distribution places installed apps). The Profile Wizard opens automatically the first time.
Choose Password as your login method (this is the right choice for almost everyone — only pick single sign-on if your organisation has specifically set this up; check with your admin if you’re not sure).
Enter the email address and temporary password from your welcome email, then click Next. In most cases that’s all you need — Communicator finds your Bluehubcloud PBX automatically. If you’re asked for a server address under Advanced settings, enter your Bluehubcloud PBX address — it isn’t in the welcome email, so contact our helpdesk for it.
Set a new password when prompted (this happens automatically on your first login). Use at least 8 characters, strong enough to fill most of the password strength meter shown.
If asked to choose an edition, select the one matching your account setup — check with your admin if you’re unsure which one that is.
Choose how you want to make and receive calls: Softphone (through your computer’s audio, needs a headset or working speakers/microphone), Deskphone (through a physical handset), or both. See Why can’t I hear anything (or why can’t people hear me) on Communicator Desktop? if you’re not sure which to pick, or if sound doesn’t work once you’ve finished setup.
Optionally, add a mobile number under the Mobile tab if you’d like to receive calls there when you’re away from your desk.
Review the summary screen and click Finish. Communicator signs you in automatically.

What you should see

Communicator opens to the main window, and the connection status shows green — you’re signed in and ready to place calls.

Troubleshooting

Login fails, or the server address is rejected. Double-check the email and password against your welcome email, and make sure you’ve entered the Bluehubcloud PBX address exactly as our helpdesk gave it if you were asked for a server address. If it still doesn’t work, contact Bluehubcloud support rather than retrying repeatedly.
You picked Deskphone but don’t have one, or you can’t hear anything. See Why can’t I hear anything (or why can’t people hear me) on Communicator Desktop? — this covers both the phone-mode setting and the audio device setup.
You’re not sure whether to use Password or single sign-on. Password is correct for almost everyone. Single sign-on only works if your organisation has already set it up — check with your admin rather than guessing.

Done for you

Prefer us to handle this? Contact Bluehubcloud support and we’ll set it up for you.