Conduct a test meeting to check the camera and microphone functions of Zoom

First, let’s take a closer look at the steps for conducting a test meeting on Zoom.

Step 1. Visit the test web page

First, access the Zoom test meeting site ( https://zoom.us/test ) from your browser.

Once you have access, click “Join” in the center of the top page and click “Open Zoom Meeting” in the dialog that appears.

If the Zoom desktop app is not installed at this point, it will be installed first.

Step 2. Test camera/video footage

When Zoom’s desktop app launches and switches to the meeting screen, let’s check if the built-in camera or external webcam is working properly.

If nothing appears on the screen, the camera function within Zoom may be turned off.

Check the toolbar at the bottom of the screen and if the video camera icon has a slash through it, click the icon to toggle the camera on.

Step 3. Speaker audio test

After confirming the camera, proceed to the speaker connection test.

Audio will come from Zoom’s desktop app, so let’s check if you can hear it without any problems.

If you can’t hear the sound, try adjusting by switching the output speaker or increasing the output level.

Step 4. Microphone connection test

After checking and adjusting the speakers, the final step is to test the microphone.

Since the Zoom test meeting is conducted by one person, the microphone test checks the connection by repeating your voice.

The microphone test is complete if you make some sound yourself and then repeat playback in the same way.

If no sound is returned, adjust the input microphone by switching it or raising the input level in the same way as the speaker.

After completing the test, click the “Exit” button on the screen to end the test meeting.

How to check camera operation during a Zoom meeting

Next, we will explain the procedure for checking the operation of the camera during a Zoom meeting.

We also have a summary of the causes and solutions when the camera does not work properly, so let’s check it out.

Desktop app (Windows/Mac)

1. Launch the Zoom desktop app and start (or join) a new meeting
2. Click “^” next to “Start Video” in the menu at the bottom of the screen
3. Click “Video Settings”

If you can see yourself on the camera/video setting screen without any problems, it is in a state of normal operation.

Close the settings screen and click “Start Video” to turn on the camera function.

Mobile app (iOS/Android)

1. Launch the Zoom mobile app and start (or join) a new meeting
2. Tap “Start Video” in the menu at the bottom of the screen

When you start Zoom for the first time, Zoom will ask for permission to access the camera and microphone, so select “Allow”.

Why the camera doesn’t show up

Even if you have a test meeting, the possibility of a problem occurring in production is not zero.

If the camera, speaker, and microphone were all successfully connected in the test, it is likely that the setting on the Zoom side is the cause, not the device.

After confirming the video settings, check again whether you forgot to turn on the camera function and whether the audio is muted.

Also, there are cases where the camera and speakers are connected without problems, but the video and audio quality is poor.

In such cases, it is highly likely that the lighting or network environment is the cause, so please try to devise a method such as moving the meeting location.

If it is thought that the lack of specs of the internal device is the cause, one option is to consider purchasing a separate external device.

Functions that should be checked during testing

From here, we will introduce functions for changing and improving how the camera is reflected in a Zoom meeting.

If you are worried about improving your camera appearance, it would be a good idea to try the following functions in conjunction with your test meeting.

camera orientation

You can rotate the video image displayed on the participant side in a Zoom meeting or flip it horizontally (mirroring).

1. Launch the Zoom desktop app
2. Click the profile icon on the top right of the screen
3. Click “Settings”
4. Click “Video”
5. If you want to rotate, click the rotate icon on the upper right of the video image (You can rotate counterclockwise by 90 degrees.)
6. If you want to flip left and right, click “Mirror my video” in the “My video” section

camera brightness

When using Zoom in a slightly dark place, improvement can be expected by using the image brightness adjustment function.

1. Launch the Zoom app
2. Click the profile icon on the top right of the screen
3. Click “Settings”
4. Click “Video”
5. “Adjust for low light” Check to enable

Basically, the brightness is adjusted automatically, but by switching the adjustment method to “manual”, fine adjustment using the slider is also possible.

backgrounds and filters

If you want to prevent the background from being reflected in the camera from the viewpoint of privacy protection, such as when using Zoom in your own room, set the virtual background with the following operation.

1. Launch the Zoom app
2. Click the profile icon on the top right of the screen
3. Click “Settings”
4. Click “Backgrounds and Filters”
5. Click “Virtual Background”
6. Select any virtual background (click “None” to cancel)

It is also possible to simulate make-up by setting the studio effect function with the following operation.

1. Launch the Zoom app
2. Click the profile icon on the top right of the screen
3. Click “Settings”
4. Click “Backgrounds and Filters”
5. Click “Studio Effects” at the bottom right of the screen
6. Select any makeup function (eyebrows, beard, lip color)

summary

• When holding a Zoom meeting, conduct a test meeting in advance and check the connection of the camera, speaker, and microphone to ensure smooth operation.
• If the device that worked properly in the test meeting does not work in the actual production, there is a high possibility that the cause is a setting error on the Zoom side, such as a failure to activate the function.
• If you want to improve the camera reflection, it is recommended to adjust the brightness and filter functions together with the test meeting.

By conducting a test meeting in advance, you can reduce the risk of problems and troubles during the Zoom meeting and make the meeting progress smoothly.

When using Zoom meetings for business purposes, be sure to conduct a test meeting before attending.