Category: Quick Guide / Technology

⚡ Video Calling Made Simple

Video calls let you see and speak with family, friends, coworkers, doctors, teachers, and other people using a phone, tablet, or computer.

Use this guide when you need to prepare for, join, or troubleshoot a video call.

Before the Call

If possible, get ready about 10 minutes early.

1. Charge your device or plug it in.
2. Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
3. Find the meeting link, app, or contact you need.
4. Make sure the correct video-calling app is installed.
5. Choose a quiet, well-lit place.
6. Place the device on a stable surface.
7. Have any notes, documents, or questions nearby.
8. Use headphones if you need more privacy or clearer sound.

Position the device so the camera is close to eye level. Try to have light in front of you rather than behind you.

Helpful Resources: Browse Audio & Video Communication for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Joining a Video Call

You may receive a meeting link by email, text message, calendar invitation, or another app.

1. Open the message or invitation.
2. Confirm that you recognize the person or organization that sent it.
3. Select the meeting link.
4. Allow the correct video-calling app to open.
5. Enter your name if requested.
6. Check the preview of your camera and microphone.
7. Select Join, Join Meeting, or Ask to Join.
8. Wait for the other person or meeting host to admit you if necessary.

Some calls require a meeting ID, passcode, or account. This information should be included in the invitation.

Understanding the Main Controls

Most video-calling apps use similar symbols.

Microphone

The microphone button controls whether other people can hear you.

• Microphone on: People can hear you.
• Microphone crossed out: You are muted.

Mute yourself when there is a lot of background noise or when you are not speaking during a large meeting.

Camera

The camera button controls whether other people can see you.

• Camera on: Your video is visible.
• Camera crossed out: Your video is off.

You can turn the camera off whenever you need privacy.

Speaker or Audio

The speaker or audio control changes how you hear the call. You may be able to use:

• Your device’s speaker
• Headphones
• Earbuds
• A connected Bluetooth device

Chat

The chat button lets you type a message during the call. It can be useful for sharing a brief comment or telling others that your microphone is not working.

Leave

The Leave, End, or red phone button disconnects you from the call.

If you are not the host, choose Leave Meeting rather than End Meeting for Everyone.

If Other People Cannot Hear You

1. Make sure your microphone is not muted.
2. Check that nothing is covering the microphone.
3. Disconnect headphones or Bluetooth devices you are not using.
4. Confirm that the app has permission to use your microphone.
5. Open the app’s audio settings and select the correct microphone.
6. Leave and rejoin the call if necessary.
7. Restart the device if the problem continues.

You can also use the chat feature to tell the other participants that you are fixing your audio.

If You Cannot Hear Other People

1. Turn up the device’s volume.
2. Make sure the speakers are not muted.
3. Check whether sound is going to headphones or a Bluetooth device.
4. Select the correct speaker in the app’s audio settings.
5. Disconnect and reconnect your headphones.
6. Leave and rejoin the call.

If Other People Cannot See You

1. Make sure your camera is turned on in the call.
2. Check that nothing is covering the camera.
3. Confirm that the app has permission to use your camera.
4. Close other apps that may be using the camera.
5. Select the correct camera in the app’s video settings.
6. Leave and rejoin the call.
7. Restart the device if needed.

If the Picture or Sound Keeps Freezing

1. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router.
2. Ask other people in your home to pause large downloads or streaming.
3. Close apps and browser tabs you are not using.
4. Turn off your camera temporarily to improve the audio.
5. Leave the call and reconnect.
6. Use a phone number provided in the invitation if the meeting allows you to call in.

If several people are having the same problem, the issue may be with the meeting service rather than your device.

Protecting Your Privacy

Before turning on your camera:

• Check what can be seen behind you.
• Put away mail, paperwork, photographs, or other private information.
• Avoid displaying passwords, financial information, medical documents, or addresses.
• Use a virtual or blurred background if the app provides one.
• Wear headphones when discussing private information around other people.
• Make sure you know who is in the call before sharing personal details.

Do not post meeting links or passcodes publicly. They should be shared only with the people invited to the call.

Watch for Fake Meeting Invitations

Do not open a meeting link if:

• You do not recognize the sender.
• You were not expecting the invitation.
• The message pressures you to act immediately.
• The link appears misspelled or unusual.
• You are asked to provide a password, payment, or sensitive information before joining.
• Someone unexpectedly asks you to share your screen or install remote-access software.

Contact the person or organization using a phone number or address you already trust if you are unsure whether an invitation is real.

Leaving the Call

When the conversation is finished:

1. Select Leave, End, or the red phone symbol.
2. Confirm that the call has closed.
3. Make sure your camera and microphone are no longer active.
4. Close the app if you no longer need it.
5. Write down any important instructions or follow-up tasks.

Quick Video Call Checklist

Before joining, ask:

• Is my device charged?
• Am I connected to Wi-Fi?
• Do I recognize the invitation?
• Are my camera and microphone working?
• Is the room quiet and well lit?
• Is private information out of view?
• Do I have everything I need for the conversation?

If the call is important, ask someone you trust to help you test the app beforehand.