If you don’t instigate a Zoom test call before that 9am meeting, you’re just asking for trouble. Imagine the embarrassment of being the only one who has a broken mic or a faulty camera when everyone else is ready to start! Don’t let it be you. Follow this practical guide and you’ll proactively avoid any scenarios where technology isn’t playing ball.
Starting with a test meeting beforehand will give you a sense of relief. Here, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know; from how to test your Zoom call to why you should test in the first place. Let’s get started.
Why You Should Always Test Before a Zoom Call
Up to 76% of remote workers use video conferencing daily. That equates to a lot of online meetings. Furthermore, the video conferencing industry has been valued at $10.6 billion in 2022 and it’s expected to rise to a staggering $19.1 billion by 2027. This highlights the ever-growing importance of virtual comms.
Zoom has become the go-to video conferencing platform for many, especially since the pandemic. It has 300 million daily active users and captures more than half of the entire video conferencing market share. So you’re probably familiar with the problems you can run into if you don’t run a Zoom test call prior to your meetings…
When you’re trying to join a call but something’s stopped working, it can be frustrating. But in a work setting, it can be more than that. Your lack of punctuality can have a lasting impression, especially if you’re applying for a job or reaching out to a high-priority client.
Here are three quick fire reasons to make sure you test your Zoom call well in advance:
1. First Impressions Are Everything
If you’re messing around with your audio or video settings at the start of a call, you might come across as unprepared. In a personal call, this is nothing to worry about. But at work, it could be a nightmare.
Imagine being unprepared whilst talking to a client, customer, or prospect. They’re going to remember you as the person who couldn’t even organize a Zoom call without fumbling the ball. It’s not exactly a look that screams “professional”.
2. Professionalism and Confidence
Having control over your situation and the technology you’re using will help you stand out as a professional. It provides you with confidence and a mental can-do attitude that you can take with you into your call.
If you’ve done a Zoom test call, you can sit back and focus on the content, not the back-end logistics. It empowers you to contribute more to the call from the first moment.
3. Punctuality and Time Management
Testing your Zoom call beforehand ensures that you won’t be late. This way, you’re respecting everyone’s time. Good punctuality avoids any knock-on delays too. If you have a busy schedule, one delay can trigger a domino effect tearing through your plans.
It Sounds So Simple
It sounds like common sense to run a Zoom test call before your actual meeting, but most people still don’t do it.
Today’s technical difficulties might be a far cry from the accidental potato filter days, but having a bad connection or crackling audio is just a rookie error. Let’s dive into a more in depth guide of how to test Zoom before a call.
How to Do a Zoom Test Call via Desktop
Microphone, camera, speakers: these are the three components that need to work to ensure a successful Zoom call. Zoom actually has a specific website built to solve all your technical issues and ensure everything is running smoothly.
Head over to Zoom’s test call page and follow these instructions below to ensure your video and audio are working properly.
Click the blue “Join” button, as seen below
Click the blue “Launch Meeting” button and wait for the Zoom application to pop up in another window
If you don’t have the Zoom application, you will be prompted to download it. Otherwise, you can come back and click the new link that appears that says, “Having issues with the Zoom Workplace app? Join from your browser.”
Enter your name
Once the Zoom meeting screen has popped up with the pre-test window (as seen below), just enter your name and you’re ready to go.
You may be prompted to allow Zoom to have access to your microphone and camera. Select “allow”. If you don’t give it permission, you won’t be able to use your mic or camera during the call.
Once you have a clear picture with a highlighted green mic symbol, click “Join”.
Test your video configuration
Once you’ve clicked “Join”, the link will take you to the Test Zoom Meeting Page where you will be prompted to test your specific components (video, audio, and mic) in preparation for your Zoom call.
Do you see yourself?
If you can’t see your picture, try refreshing the test page or tap on the drop down menu to select a different source. Click the “No, Try Another Camera” link and repeat the test.
Once you see your picture click on the “Yes” button.
Test your audio configuration
Do you hear a ringtone?
Click the blue “Yes” button if you can hear the ring tone. However if you can’t, select the “No, Try Another Speaker” option and choose a different default speaker before redoing the test.
Test your microphone
Speak and pause, do you hear a replay?
You will be prompted to speak or make noises to test your microphone. If you hear yourself over the recorded replay, press “Yes”. However if you don’t hear yourself, select “No, Try Another Microphone” and choose a different microphone source.
Repeat the test until you hear the replay and your microphone has detected sound.
Prepare for your call
Your device is working properly! Bravo, you made it. Once each of the three components have a green tick next to them just like below, all that’s left for you to do is click “End Test” and start preparing for your actual Zoom call!
How to Do a Zoom Test Call via Mobile
Zoom is not just a desktop application. During the first six months of 2023, the Zoom mobile app was downloaded a staggering 81.48 Million times. Now you might be thinking, can I do a Zoom test call on a mobile device?
Of course you can.
First things first, you need to go to your phone’s marketplace and download the Zoom app. It’s compatible with both iPhone and Android, and easily accessible via the App/Play store! To start running a test on your mobile Zoom application follow these simple steps:
Head on over to the Zoom test call page
Head on over to the Zoom test call page on your mobile browser and click “Join“.
Tap “Join Meeting”
If you’ve already downloaded the Zoom app to your mobile device, tap the “Join Meeting” button. If not, you’ll be prompted to download it now.
Enter your name
Once you’ve clicked “Join Meeting”, you’ll be transferred from your browser to your mobile Zoom application and asked to enter your name (if it’s your first time using Zoom). When you have done this, click enter.
Give video and audio recording permissions
Once you hit enter, the Zoom mobile application will automatically open up the testing platform. All you have to do is select “Allow” to give the app permissions to use your phone’s camera and microphone. Then, wait for all components to have a green tick next to them as seen below.
Get prepared for your call
When you see four green ticks on your “Device test results”, tap the “Done” button and you’re ready to use Zoom on your mobile!
Now that you have a grasp on how to test Zoom using the Zoom test call online and in the app, just remember the importance of other core components such as your WiFi connection. You’ll need to ensure background operations are running smoothly before your Zoom test call.
What Else Do You Need to Know?
The backbone to a successful Zoom call revolves around the strength of your internet and the quality of your audio and picture. It’s all well and good having all your components connected and working, but let’s not forget the basics.
- Check Your Internet Connection. You need a reliable WiFi network or connection to ensure you have the best quality for your video call.
- Prepare Your Surroundings. If you’re preparing for a professional video call, ensure you have a tidy background, a quiet area to minimize any external noises, and make sure the lighting is suitable for your Zoom call.
- Test Zooms Settings. After a successful Zoom test call, you should double check your audio and video settings. In the Zoom app, click on the “…” button and go to settings. There you can alter your sound and picture, adjust your camera, and make sure you’re not on mute.
Check For Updates. Ensure you have the latest Zoom update to avoid any technical glitches or compatibility problems. If you go over to your Zoom application, click on your profile icon, and select “Check for Updates”, your system will automatically download the latest version. Also make sure your webcam, microphone, and operating system are all up to date.
If you follow these instructions, you’re setting yourself up for success. Sometimes, however, even after you’ve followed every step to the nth degree, you can still run into technical hiccups. It’s a good job that there are tools and features that can help make your life a whole lot easier.
Tools and Features to Test Zoom Calls Easier
Zoom does offer some handy tools and features to assist with testing your call settings, but you can also use external sources to help too. From internet tests to AI meeting assistants, here are some of the best tools and features to test Zoom calls easier.
Zoom Test Call Meeting Feature
The quickest and easiest way to test Zoom before your call is to follow the step-by-step instructions from this article.
We included a link above, as well as detailed guidelines to walk you through the entire process.
Zoom Audio and Video Settings
Zoom has specific video and audio settings for you to adjust to find that sweet spot and ensure you have the best quality video and audio for your call. It’s always worth checking your settings to make sure everything is crystal clear.
Virtual Backgrounds
If you can’t set up a clean background for your meeting physically, use a virtual one to set a professional location. Test it beforehand so it’s all ready to go before your call.
Alternatively, try a funny background for less formal calls. It’ll create an icebreaker for sure.
Noise Suppression
Using the noise suppression tool will give you much clearer audio, removing any irritating background noise that can be distracting during a call.
If you aren’t happy with the noise suppression features that Zoom offers, you can try out Krisp AI instead.
Internet Speed Test
Not specifically linked to Zoom, but a speed test could be the answer to your connection problems. Follow the link to test the speed of your internet before your Zoom call. If it’s slow, reset your router and try again.
tl;dv
While tl;dv is better suited for use in the call itself (or for post-call automation), it can be helpful to test your video and audio too. Join a regular Zoom meeting and invite tl;dv to record and transcribe. Talk as if you were in a professional call and then end the call, go to your tl;dv meeting library and rewatch it. This will give you an idea of what the other meeting participants see and hear.
It’s completely free to use so there’s no harm in trying this method. Additionally, you can use tl;dv to record, transcribe, and summarize your actual calls after you’ve tested to make sure everything runs smoothly. It also provides advanced AI features like multi-meeting intelligence, automatic syncing with CRM systems and other tools, as well as a speaker analytics dashboard with AI objection handling tips, sales playbook monitoring, and much more.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
There are four common problems that arise with Zoom: audio, video, connection, and screen-sharing. We’ve touched on most of them already, but here’s a troubleshooting guide for if any of them cause you problems.
Feel free to bookmark this page so you can hop back if ever there’s an issue.
The most common problems are:
Troubleshooting your Audio
If you can’t hear anyone, or they can’t hear you, check your microphone is connected properly and that your speakers are turned on. Also make sure you’re not on mute! It’s a rookie error, but it happens more often than you might think.
Remember you can test your audio using the Zoom test call or by going to the audio settings as mentioned before. Make sure you have given Zoom permission to use your microphone.
If you’re still having trouble with sound, try closing down Zoom and restarting it again. It’s an old trick but it works for a lot of technical problems.
Troubleshooting your Connection
If your screen is freezing or lagging behind, you might need to switch your connection over to a different source. Check your internet speed online. If you’re using WiFi, try switching to data or a personal hotspot if you have enough.
If you still have the same issues, close down any unnecessary applications or windows that could be taking up bandwidth. Restart your internet router if the problem keeps on persisting.
Ensure Video Quality
If your camera isn’t working, or the quality of the video is poor, you might want to check your camera settings and adjust the resolution where needed.
However, remember that not everything has to be super technical. Video issues could be resolved by something as simple as cleaning the lens of your camera to improve the overall quality of your video.
You may also want to connect a different webcam if the issue persists.
Setting up Screen Sharing
When using the screen-sharing function on Zoom, ensure the application is updated and that you are either the host or the co-host of the meeting. Without such authority, you won’t be able to share your screen with the rest of the team. This is often the most common reason people have problems with sharing their screen.
Alternatively, if you are the host but trying to share the screen causes your system to lag, it might be due to slow internet connection. Try resetting your router or switching to a different WiFi.
If You Fail to Prepare, You’re Preparing to Fail
There’s nothing complicated about testing your Zoom before a video call. In fact, it should be something you do every time, especially if you haven’t used Zoom for a while. Regular testing will help you to avoid any technical issues and present yourself in the most professional manner.
Just remember to ensure Zoom has access to your mic, camera, and audio, and that they’re all working fine. This empowers you to prioritize what really matters: the actual meeting. Getting into the habit of repeatedly testing your Zoom settings will serve you well in the future, giving you a sense of preparedness so you’re ready to conquer that Monday morning Zoom call!
This guide will help you prepare for Zoom problems before they arise, so be sure to bookmark it and come back to run a Zoom test call in the future.
