Online meetings are a part of our daily work life, but there’s nothing more frustrating than joining a call and realizing no one can hear or see you. Before you submit a technical support ticket in all caps, try these simple troubleshooting steps! Whether you’re using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, most audio/video issues boil down to three things: wrong device settings, blocked permissions, or internet hiccups.
Basic Checks First
Before diving into app-specific steps, here are some common troubleshooting tips:
- Ensure your mic and camera are plugged in (if external)
- Make sure your headset isn’t muted and/or mic isn’t physically turned off
- Check your Wi-Fi connection (a weak signal can freeze video)
- Restart your computer (this often clears up device conflicts)
- Try a different browser or app version (especially for Google Meet)
If none of these steps fixed your issues, it’s time to dive into steps specific to the platform you’re using.
Zoom Troubleshooting Steps
- Check Zoom’s Audio Settings
- Click the arrow next to the mute button in the bottom left
- Select the correct microphone and speaker
- Click Test Speaker & Microphone to make sure they’re working
- Check Camera Settings
- Click the arrow next to the camera icon
- Choose the correct camera (example: HD Webcam vs Integrated Camera)
- If your video isn’t showing, check that no other app is using the camera (like Teams or Skype)
- Check Device Permissions
- On Windows: Go to Settings > Privacy > Camera/Microphone and ensure Zoom is allowed
- On Mac: Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security ? Camera/Microphone and check Zoom
Microsoft Teams Troubleshooting
- Adjust Settings in Teams
- Select your profile icon > Settings > Devices
- Under Audio, choose the correct mic and speaker
- Use the Make a test call option to check both audio input/output
- Camera Settings
- Under Settings > Devices, check the camera preview
- If Teams says your camera is blocked, check if another app is using it or if permissions are denied
- Permissions
- Same as Zoom: Make sure Teams has access to your camera and microphone in your computer settings
Google Meet Troubleshooting
- Browser Permissions
- Make sure you’re using Google Chrome (for best compatibility)
- Click the lock icon next to the address bar
- Make sure Camera and Microphone are set to Allow
- In-Meeting Settings
- Click the three-dot menu > Settings > Audio/Video
- Select the correct mic, speaker, and camera
- Reload the page if the settings don’t update right away
- Still Not Working?
- Try a different browser, or join the meeting in incognito mode to avoid extension conflicts
If All Else Fails
If you’ve tried all of the above and your audio/video issues still aren’t resolved, try these last-resort steps.
Update Audio/Video Drivers on Windows Device (macOS handles drivers automatically)
- Press Windows + X > choose Device Manager
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers or Cameras
- Right-click your device and select Update driver > Search automatically
Run Built-in Troubleshooters (Windows)
- Go to Settings > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
- Run the Recording Audio, Playing Audio, or Camera troubleshooters
Switch Devices
- If your default mic or camera isn’t working, try plugging in a different one like a USB headset or external webcam
- Most meetings let you manually switch to the new device in settings
- Tip: External webcams often work more reliably than laptop built-ins
When to Call IT
If you STILL cannot resolve your audio/video issues, it’s time to call IT! This indicates that your problem stems from a deeper issue, and require more expertise for troubleshooting and remediation. If you’re company doesn’t currently have an IT provider, feel free to reach out to us for a managed services quote!