Chrome WebRTC media becomes permanently blocked after first call (even when microphone is allowed)

Asterisk Asterisk WebRTC
1

I am facing an issue with a WebRTC softphone implemented using SIPml5 and Asterisk, specifically related to Chrome’s WebRTC media lifecycle.

Scenario

  • The application uses WebRTC (SIP over WebSocket).

  • Calls are originated by the backend (Asterisk originate).

  • The browser receives an incoming call and either:

    • Automatically accepts it, or

    • The user explicitly accepts the call.

  • The microphone permission is granted by the user.

Problem

Even when the user allows microphone access, the following behavior occurs:

  • The first call works correctly, with audio flowing normally.

  • After the call ends, all subsequent calls fail.

  • SIP signaling remains normal and calls are established.

  • No audio is transmitted or received.

  • Chrome does not ask for microphone permission again.

  • The WebRTC session appears connected, but media is not established.

  • The only way to recover is:

    • Reloading the page, or

    • Resetting site permissions in Chrome.

This behavior occurs regardless of whether the call is accepted automatically or via explicit user interaction.

Observations

  • SIP registration remains active.

  • SIP signaling is successful for every call.

  • Media works only once per page load.

  • After the first call termination, the media subsystem seems to be in an invalid or locked state.

  • No explicit errors are reported by SIPml5 or the browser console.

  • The issue is reproducible and Chrome-specific.

Question

Is this an expected behavior of Chrome’s WebRTC implementation?

Specifically:

  • Does Chrome restrict WebRTC media usage to a single call per page lifecycle?

  • Is there a known limitation where getUserMedia() or media tracks cannot be reused after a call ends?

  • Could this be related to Chrome’s autoplay or media permission policies rather than SIP or Asterisk?

Any insight into Chrome’s WebRTC media lifecycle and permission handling would be appreciated.

2

You probably have to release the microphone after use.

Something like:

navigator.mediaDevices.getUserMedia({audio:true}).then(function(stream){
    // use media stream

   ...

   // Stop the track (Turns the little light in the microphone off)
   stream.getTracks().forEach(function(track) {
       track.stop();
  });
});
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