Open the preview in the app you will actually use for your meeting. Check the selected camera, light your face, frame yourself, and test your sound. A working preview in a separate camera app does not confirm that your meeting app has selected the same device.
Before-you-join checklist
Copy this list into your meeting notes and tick off each item before joining. For a first-time setup, leave extra time for permissions and troubleshooting.
- ☐ Camera: Open the privacy shutter, gently clean the lens with a suitable cloth, and select the intended camera. Move your hand to confirm the preview is live.
- ☐ Light: Face a window or put a soft light in front of you. Check that your face is visible without bright white patches; move away from strong backlight.
- ☐ Framing: Place the camera near eye level on a stable surface. Keep your head and shoulders visible, with a little space above your head.
- ☐ Background: Check the whole frame for private papers and distracting objects. If using blur or a replacement background, turn your head and move your hands to check the edges.
- ☐ Effects: Start with effects off, then enable only what you need. If your face looks overly smooth, check whether both your camera app and meeting app apply retouching.
- ☐ Microphone: Select the intended microphone and speak at your normal volume. A moving meter confirms input; a test recording or call helps check clarity.
- ☐ Sound: Test the selected headphones or speakers. If another device joins the same meeting nearby, disconnect its audio to avoid echo.
- ☐ Final check: Close unnecessary apps and downloads, connect power if needed, and confirm your camera and mute state before joining.
For more help with shadows and glare, see our webcam lighting guide.
Where to test Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams
These steps are for a computer. Labels and available controls can vary by app version or account.
| App | Before the meeting |
|---|---|
| Zoom | In the desktop app, open Settings → Video & effects, then check the selected camera and live preview. See Zoom’s video test instructions. |
| Google Meet | Open the meeting link and stay on the screen before joining. Use the device selectors under the preview to check your camera, microphone, and speakers. See Google Meet’s pre-call checks. |
| Microsoft Teams | Check the camera preview on the pre-join screen. In Settings → Devices, use Make a test call if available to check audio. See Microsoft Teams audio settings. |
If you use CiCi Cam or another virtual camera
Open the virtual camera app, select your physical webcam there, and check its output. Then select the virtual camera in your meeting app. Keep the virtual camera app running during the call. Changing the camera does not automatically select your preferred microphone.
For the CiCi Cam workflow, follow our Google Meet setup guide. If the device is missing, use the virtual camera troubleshooting guide.
If something fails just before the call
| Problem | First thing to try |
|---|---|
| Black preview | Check the shutter, selected camera, and camera permissions for the app and, if applicable, browser site. Close other apps that may be using the camera. |
| Face too dark | Move the light in front of you or change your seat so a bright window is not behind you. |
| Choppy preview | Turn off extra effects and close unnecessary apps. If only the remote picture is choppy, also check the connection; a local preview does not test network delivery. |
| Effects missing | Check whether the meeting app selected the physical webcam instead of the virtual camera. |
| No sound | Check mute, the selected microphone, and microphone permissions; test again. |
If an optional effect or virtual camera still fails, switch to the physical webcam and verify its preview. A clear picture and understandable sound are enough to join; refine the effects after the meeting.