Platform Specific Features
Thirdlane Connect is available on the following platforms:
- Web browsers
- Desktop (Mac, Windows, Linux-32/64bit)
- iOS (iPhone)
- Android
Most of the Thirdlane Connect’s features are available on all platforms, with a few exceptions.
| Feature | Web | Desktop | iOS | Android |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fax | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Screen sharing | Yes* | Yes | No | No |
| Callback | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated calling | No | No | Yes | No |
| Push notifications | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Siri (voice calling and messaging) | No | No | Yes | No |
| Sign in with Internet Account | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Away when idle | No | Yes | No | No |
*Chrome may require extensions for some sharing scenarios.
For voice messages, dictation, and emoji picker, prefer web and desktop; mobile support varies—see What’s new in 16.1.1.
Fax
You can send PDF files as faxes using Thirdlane Connect for the web, desktop or mobile. Read the Faxing section for more information. Due to platform restrictions, the feature is not implemented in iOS application.
Screen Sharing
The feature allows to share your screen during Direct Thirdlane Connect calls. Due to technical limitations, the feature is not supported in mobile applications and some web browsers.
Callback
Callback allows using regular mobile calls instead of internet calls. This may be useful if you have low-speed connectivity or mobile Internet cost is too high.
When you make a call using callback, your telephony server calls your mobile number first, waits until you answer the call, and then connects you with the number you are calling to.
The callback feature is available in both the Android and iOS versions of Thirdlane Connect.
You can configure the “Mobile Calling Method” of the Call Settings in one of the following ways:
- Use Internet. This option will use internet data connection for all outgoing calls.
- Use Callback. This will use callback for all outgoing calls.
- Ask Each Time. When this option is selected, Thirdlane Connect will ask you to choose between Internet and Callback for each call.
Integrated Calling
Thirdlane Connect for iOS supports integrated calling using Apple CallKit. With CallKit, incoming calls use the same full-screen interface as a regular phone call, calls appear in the device’s call history (shown as Thirdlane Connect calls), and the active call is represented by the green system status bar at the top of the screen — exactly as Apple recommends for VoIP apps.
While a call is active, Thirdlane Connect shows three coordinated controls instead of replacing your current screen:
- System CallKit bar — the standard green bar at the top of iOS. Tapping it opens Apple’s native in-call screen with mute, keypad, speaker, and end-call buttons.
- In-app Call Bar — a compact status row that follows you across the app so you always know a call is in progress.
- Call Controls screen — a dedicated Connect screen with the actions that are specific to Thirdlane Connect: Hold/Resume, Transfer, Keypad (DTMF), and End call.
Connect no longer auto-navigates you to a separate full-screen call page during an active call. You stay where you were, the system handles the call surface, and you can open Connect’s Call Controls whenever you need a Connect-specific action.
Integrated calling is enabled by default. If you prefer the older in-app calling UI (for example, for privacy reasons or when CallKit is unavailable), open Call Settings and switch the “Integrated Calling” option off.
Push Notifications
Android and iOS applications use push-notifications to deliver messages even when the application is not running. This is a common practice for mobile applications.
When you tap on a push-notification, Thirdlane Connect will be opened on the chat where the notification came from so you could quickly reply to the message.
”Away” Status when Idle
Thirdlane Connect on Windows, Mac and Linux can automatically change your status to “Away” (orange) when your computer becomes idle. You can change the default timeout or disable it by opening My status and setting the time period for the automatic status change.
Siri (iPhone)
On iPhone, you can use Siri to place calls and send dictated text messages with your Thirdlane Connect business identity. This is an iOS-only feature; there is no Android voice-assistant equivalent in the app today. See Siri (iPhone) for phrases, one-time setup, and limits.
Device permissions and required settings
For calls, messaging, notifications, and Siri to work reliably on mobile, Thirdlane Connect needs a few permissions granted on your phone. You are prompted for most of these the first time a feature needs them; you can review or change them later in your phone’s Settings.
iPhone (Settings > Thirdlane Connect)
- Notifications - required to receive push and message alerts.
- Microphone - required for calls.
- Camera - required for video in meetings.
- Contacts - to call and search your contacts, and to let Siri find who to call or message.
- Photos - to share images in chat.
- Siri & Search - turn on Siri and Use with Ask Siri for Thirdlane Connect so you can place calls and send messages by voice. Sign in to the app once so voice commands work.
- Background App Refresh - keep this on so calls and notifications arrive reliably when the app is in the background.
- Focus / Do Not Disturb - an active iOS Focus can silence Connect alerts; adjust your Focus settings if you want Connect to break through.
Android (Settings > Apps > Thirdlane Connect)
- Notifications - required for push and message alerts, including the full-screen incoming-call screen.
- Microphone - required for calls.
- Camera - required for video in meetings.
- Contacts - to call and search your contacts.
- Phone - to place and manage calls.
- Bluetooth - to use Bluetooth headsets.
- Battery optimization - allow Thirdlane Connect to run unrestricted (exclude it from battery optimization) so calls and notifications are not delayed or missed.
Siri is not available on Android.