Your pre-call checklist
- Camera: you should see yourself clearly, lit from the front.
- Microphone: the meter should move when you speak, without hitting the top.
- Speakers: you should hear the chime at a comfortable volume. Headphones prevent echo for others.
- Internet: aim for 3 Mbps or more upload and download, and a ping under 100 ms.
Bandwidth used by popular call apps
| Call type | Typical need (up and down) |
|---|
| Audio only | Under 0.1 Mbps |
| One-to-one video, standard quality | About 1 Mbps |
| One-to-one HD (720p–1080p) | About 2–4 Mbps |
| Group video, gallery view | About 3–6 Mbps down |
Figures vary by app and settings. Apps automatically lower video quality when bandwidth is short, which is why a slow connection often looks blurry rather than dropping completely.
If something fails
- Camera or mic blocked: allow access using the icon next to the web address, and in your computer's privacy settings.
- Wrong device: pick the camera and mic you want inside your call app's settings too.
- Slow internet: move closer to the router or plug in a cable, and pause other downloads.
- Echo: use headphones, or lower your speaker volume.
Want more detail? Use the separate webcam test, mic test, speaker test or full internet speed test.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What does the video call test check?
It checks the four things every video call needs: your camera, your microphone, your speakers or headphones, and your internet connection (latency, download and upload speed). It works for Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Webex, FaceTime on the web and similar apps.
Is anything recorded or sent?
Your camera and microphone stay on your device and nothing is recorded. The internet check sends and receives test data to measure speed, which is discarded immediately.
What internet speed do I need for video calls?
For a one-to-one HD call, around 3–4 Mbps down and up is comfortable. Group calls in gallery view and screen sharing use more, so 10 Mbps or more is a good target. Latency under about 100 ms and low jitter keep conversations natural.
Everything passes here but my call app says no camera. Why?
The call app needs its own permission. Check the app's settings for the right camera and microphone, and on Windows or Mac allow camera and microphone access for that app in privacy settings. Only one app can use the camera at a time on some systems, so close this tab before joining.
How can I improve my call quality?
Use a wired connection or sit close to your router, close downloads and streaming on other devices, use headphones to stop echo, and face a light source. Turning off your video in a call also frees up a lot of bandwidth if your connection is weak.