Signal forces low-quality communication mode on bluetooth earbuds

[promaty]

• [X] I have searched open and closed issues for duplicates
• [X] I am using Signal-Desktop as provided by the Signal team, not a 3rd-party package.

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Bug Description

Signal forces low-quality communication mode on bluetooth earbuds Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus.

There is no way to change it back, even when selecting normal audio from the dropdown, audio is still bad during the call.

I even disabled that mode in Windows, Signal should not be able to see it.

This does not happen on any other app (Telegram, etc.)

This also wasn't the case when I used Signal ~6 months ago with the same earbuds, so there was some regression in how Signal handles devices.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Connect bluetooth earbuds
2. Do signal call
3. Try to change to normal audio

Actual Result:

• Low-quality audio
• Communication mode is available in the list

Expected Result:

• Good quality audio
• Communication mode should not be visible in signal devices

Screenshots

Platform Info

Signal Version:

5.29.0

Operating System:

Windows 11

Linked Device Version:

5.28.10 (Android)

Link to Debug Log

https://debuglogs.org/26de389b4c3c648f95ec8505c5798111c0884c6df3e5b78a8874b181fddd6aab.gz

[makindotcc]

Same here on Airpods with Windows 11. I tried following guide, but then I cant hear my buddy. https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/fix-for-low-bluetooth-audio-quality-due-to-hands/70b611be-2d69-4696-9071-93f5eb0881fd screenshot translation: "hands-free" mode is unchecked (I know microsoft links like to expire)

Also when hands-free mode is disabled then volume slider in Windows sound mixer is gray (probably indicating that is disabled) while the rest are orange (active)

I have also disabled airpods microphone device before like you and same result.

[zfnmxt]

Same on Sony WH-1000XM4s/Windows 11 despite the low-quality headset device being disabled.