What do you do if your video conference software isn't working well?

1 Check your internet speed

One of the main factors that affect your video conference software quality is your internet connection. If your bandwidth is too low, your audio and video may be choppy, distorted, or delayed. To prevent this, you should check your internet speed before and during your meetings. You can use online tools like Speedtest or Fast to measure your upload and download speeds. Ideally, you should have at least 3 Mbps of upload and download speed for a smooth video conference. If your speed is lower than that, you may want to close other applications that use the internet, move closer to your router, or use an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi.

2 Update your software and hardware

Another factor that can affect your video conference software performance is your software and hardware. If you are using outdated or incompatible versions of your software, you may encounter bugs, glitches, or compatibility issues. To avoid this, you should always update your video conference software to the latest version and check if it supports your operating system and browser. You should also update your drivers and firmware for your hardware, such as your webcam, microphone, speakers, and headphones. This can help you resolve any technical issues and improve your audio and video quality.

3 Adjust your settings

Sometimes, you may need to adjust your video conference software settings to optimize your performance and experience. For example, you may want to reduce the video resolution or frame rate to save bandwidth and prevent lagging. You may also want to mute your microphone when you are not speaking to reduce background noise and feedback. You may also want to turn off any notifications or pop-ups that may distract you or interfere with your screen sharing. You can check your video conference software settings and preferences to see what options are available and customize them according to your needs.

4 Test your equipment

Before you join or host a video conference, you should always test your equipment to make sure everything is working properly. You can use the test call or preview feature of your video conference software to check your audio and video quality, volume, and lighting. You can also test your internet speed and stability by joining a test meeting or using a ping tool. You should also test your screen sharing, chat, and other features that you plan to use during your meeting. By testing your equipment, you can identify and fix any problems before they affect your communication and collaboration.

5 Have a backup plan

Even if you follow all the tips above, you may still encounter unexpected issues with your video conference software. For example, you may lose your internet connection, your software may crash, or your hardware may malfunction. In these situations, you should have a backup plan to continue your communication and collaboration. You can have an alternative video conference software ready, such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet. You can also have a secondary device, such as a smartphone or tablet, that you can use to join the meeting. You can also have a backup communication channel, such as email, phone, or text, that you can use to inform your team of the issue and resume the meeting.

6 Ask for feedback

Finally, you should always ask for feedback from your team members and participants after your video conference. You can ask them how they felt about the video conference software performance and experience, what they liked and disliked, and what they suggest for improvement. You can also share your own feedback and observations, and thank them for their cooperation and contribution. By asking for feedback, you can learn from your experience, identify areas of improvement, and enhance your video conference software skills and etiquette.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?