If you're experiencing issues with your microphone or camera during a session on Discuss, follow the steps below in order, starting with the most common solutions. These are prioritized from most to least likely to resolve the issue.
1. Test Your Microphone and Camera Using Discuss.io's Pre-Call Test
- Run the Pre-Call Test before your session to check your microphone, camera, and network.
- Once in the session room, click the device settings icon.
- Speak into your microphone — if the signal indicator lights up, it's working.
- Ensure you can see yourself in the video feed to confirm your camera is working.
2. Allow Microphone and Camera Access in Your Browser
When prompted, ensure you click "Allow" for microphone and camera access. If you previously denied access:
-
Chrome: Click the lock icon in the address bar. Go to
Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > MicrophoneandCamera, and set them to "Allow" fordiscuss.io. - Firefox: Click the microphone or camera icon in the address bar and grant permissions manually.
3. Use Wired Headphones Instead of Bluetooth
Bluetooth devices may cause connectivity issues. Use wired headphones or your device's built-in microphone for better performance and fewer issues.
4. Close Conflicting Applications
Other applications may occupy your microphone or camera, blocking Discuss.io from accessing them.
- Close communication apps like Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.
- On Windows, use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc); on macOS, use Activity Monitor to force quit background apps.
5. Verify Operating System Settings
For Windows:
- Go to Sound Settings > Input and ensure the correct microphone is selected.
- Click Device Properties > Additional Device Properties and check the Levels tab to ensure it's unmuted and volume is up.
- Go to Privacy & Security > Microphone and Camera, and allow apps and browsers to access them.
For macOS:
- Open System Settings > Sound > Input to select your mic.
- Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and confirm your browser is allowed to access the Microphone and Camera.
6. Disable VPNs and Firewalls (Advanced)
- VPNs or firewalls can block media traffic. Disable them temporarily if you experience audio/video issues.
- For corporate networks, ask IT to whitelist Discuss.io’s domains and ports.
7. Refresh or Restart
- After making permissions or settings changes, refresh your browser tab.
- Fully close and reopen your browser if issues continue.
- As a final step, restart your computer to clear any device conflicts.
8. Test in a Clean Browser Profile or Another Browser
- Open an Incognito/Private or Guest window to eliminate extensions or custom settings.
- Try using a different browser (e.g., switch from Chrome to Firefox).
9. Echo or Other Audio Feedback
Echo or audio feedback can significantly disrupt session quality. These issues usually stem from a microphone capturing sound from speakers within the same environment.
Causes
- Microphones are picking up sound from external speakers or other clients in the same room.
- Multiple instances of the meeting room open in different browser tabs or windows.
- Two users are in the same physical space without using headphones.
Solutions
- Use headphones: This is the most effective way to prevent echo or feedback.
- If headphones are not available, ask participants to lower their computer speaker volume.
- Use the microphone icon in the lower left of the meeting room to selectively mute participants. Identify the source of the echo by muting participants one by one.
- Close any duplicate meeting tabs.
- Do not run two clients in the same room unless all are muted or using headsets.
- Use a noise-canceling conference microphone/speaker setup if headphones are not feasible.
10. Use the Phone Dial-In Option
- If microphone problems persist, use the phone dial-in number provided in your session invite to join the audio. How to Dial In With Your Phone as your Audio Source - Respondent
11. Contact Discuss.io Support
If you've tried all the above and still have issues:
- Use the in-platform Help widget, or
- Email help@discuss.io. Our support team is available 24/7.
To assist faster, please include:
- Browser and OS version
- Whether you ran the Pre-Call Test
- Any error messages you encountered