Video Call Issues

Camera & Microphone Permissions

The most common video call issue is blocked camera or microphone permissions. Your browser needs explicit permission to access these devices.

Chrome

1. Click the lock icon (or tune icon) in the address bar
2. Find Camera and Microphone settings
3. Set both to Allow
4. Refresh the page

Safari

1. Go to Safari > Settings > Websites
2. Find Camera and Microphone in the sidebar
3. Set your meeting site to Allow
4. Refresh the page

Firefox

1. Click the lock icon in the address bar
2. Click More Information > Permissions
3. Find Camera and Microphone
4. Uncheck "Use Default" and select Allow
5. Refresh the page

Mobile (iPhone)

1. Go to Settings > Safari (or your browser app)
2. Scroll to Camera and Microphone
3. Set to Allow

Mobile (Android)

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Chrome (or your browser)
2. Tap Permissions
3. Allow Camera and Microphone

Testing Your Setup

Before your lesson, test your camera and mic:

1. Open your browser's camera test (search "test my webcam" in Google)
2. Check you can see and hear yourself
3. Try the meeting link in advance if your tutor has shared one

A 2-minute test before your first lesson can save 10 minutes of troubleshooting during it.

Browser Compatibility

Video calls work best on:

| Browser | Video Support | |---------|--------------| | Chrome | ✅ Best support | | Safari | ✅ Good support | | Firefox | ✅ Good support | | Edge | ✅ Good support |

If your tutor uses Google Meet, Chrome gives the best experience. For Zoom, any modern browser works, though the desktop app is more reliable.

Bandwidth Requirements

Video calls need a stable internet connection:

| Quality | Minimum Speed | |---------|--------------| | Audio only | 0.5 Mbps | | Standard video | 1.5 Mbps | | HD video | 3 Mbps |

Check Your Speed

Visit fast.com to test your internet speed. If you're below the minimum:

• Switch to Wi-Fi if you're on mobile data
• Move closer to your router
• Close other tabs and apps that might be using bandwidth
• Ask others on your network to pause large downloads or streaming

If Your Connection Is Unstable

• Turn off your camera and use audio only
• Close unnecessary browser tabs
• Disable browser extensions
• Restart your router

Audio Issues

No Sound

• Check your device volume isn't muted
• Make sure the correct speaker is selected in the meeting app
• Check that the meeting tab isn't muted in your browser
• Try plugging in headphones

Echo or Feedback

• Use headphones (this fixes most echo issues)
• Mute yourself when not speaking
• Move away from walls and hard surfaces
• Close other apps that might be using your microphone

Others Can't Hear You

• Check your microphone is selected in the meeting settings
• Ensure nothing is covering your mic
• Try an external microphone or headset
• Check that no other app is using your microphone

Alternative Meeting Options

TutorLingua tutors can use various video call platforms:

• Google Meet — Built into the browser, no download needed
• Zoom — Popular and reliable, works with or without the app
• Microsoft Teams — Good for business English students
• Skype — Still works well for 1-on-1 calls
• TutorLingua Video Room — Our built-in option with no extra setup

Your tutor will share the meeting link before your lesson. If you have a preference, let them know when booking.

Pre-Lesson Checklist

Run through this before every lesson:

1. ✅ Internet connection stable
2. ✅ Camera and microphone working
3. ✅ Browser up to date
4. ✅ Meeting link ready
5. ✅ Quiet environment
6. ✅ Headphones plugged in (recommended)
7. ✅ Notebook and pen nearby

Next Steps

• Check for game loading issues if you're having other technical problems
• Learn about booking problems

Still need help? Contact us at support@tutorlingua.co