AUDIO PROBLEMS IN OUR VIRTUAL MEETINGS


If you can't hear anyone in the meeting, and/or no one can hear you, read on. Here are some solutions.

First note that you will NOT experience these problems on a smartphone, tablet, Chromebook, or a laptop with built-in camera (unless your speaker is set very low or is on mute; check this if applicable). They only occur on desktop systems or older laptops without a built-in camera. (Note: If a camera is built-in, so is a mike.)

So it is best to use a self-contained system without external mikes, cameras or speakers. (Headphones are OK, so long as they are not on mute or effectively off.)

However, if you find yourself with a computer that requires (or simply allows) external audio connections, here is the fix. The basic problem is that you have many potential audio inputs and outputs (mikes and speakers), and your settings may need adjustment to work in our meetings.

On your pre-meeting (wait room) screen, you will see a message stating whether your mike is working or not. If it isn't, click the up arrow by the mike icon. You'll see a list of all your mike options. Say something, and you should see at least one of the meters move. Click on that option and your problem should be solved (i.e., others can now hear you). For more volume, move closer to your mike or talk louder.

OTOH, the issue may be that you can't hear anyone else. With your speaker turned up (and not on mute), test your audio input by scrolling down the same list you accessed above. Below the mike section is the speaker list. When you hover over each selection, you will discover a Test button. Click on it. If audio is getting through, you'll hear a brief ring. Select any option that gives you a ring.

Note that you can follow the same procedure from within our meeting if you wish. Be sure that your mike is on. (On a computer you can toggle the mike on and off by hitting the m key, and on some systems, also by holding down the space bar when you want to speak.)

BTW, if you have video problems, you may be able to solve them by following much the same procedure. Click the up arrow by the video icon, either in pre-meeting or in session.

Final comment: If nothing works, leave the meeting and log in again. (This is also a good idea whenever you experience a slow internet connection.) Beyond that? Rebooting your computer is the best idea. That tends to solve a myriad of problems.