How to Fix Poor Video and Audio Quality in Zoom Calls

Remote work and virtual meetings have become the norm for many, and Zoom has quickly risen to prominence as one of the most popular video conferencing platforms. However, poor video and audio quality can seriously impede the effectiveness of a Zoom call.

In this blog post, we’ll cover some proven techniques to improve the quality of your Zoom experience.

Why Video and Audio Issues Occur

In the age of remote work and virtual meetings, experiencing issues with video and audio can be more than just annoying; it can be downright disruptive. When you’re dealing with poor quality during a Zoom call, it’s easy to become frustrated. However, understanding the root causes can help you find effective solutions more quickly. Here are some common reasons why video and audio issues occur during Zoom calls:

Network Congestion

One of the most common culprits behind poor video and audio quality is a congested network.

This could be due to multiple devices connected to the same network, streaming services running in the background, or even simply because your bandwidth is not sufficient for a smooth Zoom experience.

Hardware Limitations

Your computer’s camera, microphone, and processing power play a significant role in the quality of a Zoom call. Outdated or low-quality hardware may not be able to handle the demands of video conferencing, resulting in poor quality.

Software Conflicts

Sometimes, other software running on your computer can interfere with Zoom. This could include other video or audio applications, system updates running in the background, or even security software that restricts Zoom’s access to your hardware.

Server Issues

Although less common, issues with Zoom’s servers themselves can also affect call quality. This usually happens when their services are experiencing high demand or undergoing maintenance. The problem, in this case, is often beyond the user’s control.

Environmental Factors

The environment you’re in can also have an impact. Poor lighting can make your video look grainy, and loud background noises can interfere with audio quality. Even the echo from an empty room can degrade the sound during a Zoom call.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) Issues

Sometimes the issue isn’t with your local network or hardware but with your Internet Service Provider.

Temporary downtimes, latency issues, or even data caps can affect the quality of your Zoom calls.

By understanding these common reasons, you’re better equipped to diagnose the problem and take steps to improve your Zoom experience. Whether it’s upgrading your hardware, optimizing your network, or changing your environmental setup, knowing the root cause is the first step in solving the issue.

Fixing Video Issues

Dealing with video problems during a Zoom call can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of an important meeting. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can implement to fix or mitigate these issues. Below, we delve deeper into each tactic:

Update Software

Old software versions can have bugs or compatibility issues that affect performance.

Make sure your Zoom application is updated to the latest version, and also ensure that your operating system and drivers are up to date.

Steps to Update Zoom:

1. Open the Zoom client on your desktop.
2. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
3. Select ‘Check for Updates.’

Close Unnecessary Applications

Running multiple programs simultaneously, especially those that consume a lot of processing power or bandwidth (like streaming services or large file downloads), can degrade video quality.

Steps to Close Apps:

1. On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager and end unnecessary processes.
2. On macOS, press Cmd + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit Applications window and close unneeded apps.

Optimize Lighting and Camera Angle

Proper lighting can make a significant difference in video quality.

Natural light is the best option if available; otherwise, place a light source in front of you to illuminate your face without causing a glare on the screen.

Camera Angle Tips:

• Elevate your camera to eye level to maintain a natural perspective.
• Center yourself in the frame and avoid sitting too close or too far from the camera.

Adjust Zoom Video Settings

Zoom itself offers several settings to optimize video quality.

1. Open Zoom settings and click on ‘Video.’
2. Adjust ‘Brightness,’ ‘Contrast,’ and ‘Saturation’ to improve how you look.
3. Enable ‘HD’ if your camera supports it, but remember this will consume more bandwidth.

Check and Upgrade Hardware

If you’ve tried all the above and are still experiencing poor video quality, it may be time to consider upgrading your hardware. Investing in a quality external webcam can provide a marked improvement in video quality.

Lower Video Quality Temporarily

If your internet connection is unstable, lowering the video quality can make the call more stable.

You can do this in Zoom by going to Settings > Video and selecting a lower resolution.

By taking a comprehensive approach to addressing potential video issues, you are more likely to identify the root cause and implement an effective solution, thereby improving your Zoom experience.

Fixing Audio Issues

A Zoom meeting can quickly turn into a disaster if the audio quality isn’t up to par.

Audio issues can disrupt communication, make understanding one another difficult, and lead to misinterpretation of important information. Below are detailed strategies to tackle audio problems in your Zoom calls:

Use a Dedicated Microphone

Often, built-in laptop microphones aren’t as effective in picking up sound clearly. Using an external USB microphone can provide a significantly better audio experience.

Buying Tips:

• Look for microphones with noise-cancellation features.
• Consider a mic with an adjustable arm to find the ideal position.

Check Audio Settings

Before diving into more advanced solutions, it’s important to check if the correct audio devices are selected within Zoom.

Steps to Adjust Audio Settings in Zoom:

1. Open the Zoom client and go to ‘Settings.’
2. Click on ‘Audio.’
3. Make sure the correct microphone and speaker are selected.
4. Test both to confirm they are working as expected.

Eliminate Background Noise

Background noise can be a significant factor affecting audio quality. This could be anything from a fan running nearby to people talking in another room.

Noise Reduction Tips:

• Use noise-cancelling headphones.
• Utilize Zoom’s built-in noise suppression feature found under ‘Settings’ > ‘Audio.’

Control Echo

Echo can occur when Zoom picks up the audio output as input, creating a loop. This is common when using built-in speakers and microphones.

How to Control Echo:

• Use headphones to minimize the chances of audio looping.
• Enable Zoom’s echo cancellation feature under ‘Settings’ > ‘Audio.’

Verify System Volume Levels

Sometimes, the system’s volume settings might be too low, affecting the call’s audio. Make sure that the system volume is set to an optimal level.

Volume Adjustment Steps:

• On Windows, click the speaker icon in the taskbar and adjust the volume.
• On macOS, use the volume control in the menu bar.

Reconnect Audio

If you’re experiencing persistent issues, you can try disconnecting and then reconnecting your audio within the Zoom call.

Steps to Reconnect Audio:

• Click on the ‘Audio’ icon in your Zoom meeting.
• Select ‘Leave Computer Audio.’
• Reconnect by clicking ‘Join Audio.’

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly enhance your audio experience during Zoom meetings, making for more effective communication and less frustrating interactions.

General Tips for Both Video and Audio

Improving both video and audio in your Zoom meetings doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

With the right approach, you can make substantial quality improvements relatively easily. Below are general tips applicable to both video and audio during Zoom meetings:

Run a Pre-Meeting Test

Before the meeting begins, use Zoom’s built-in testing feature to check both your video and audio settings. This will help you identify any issues in advance and give you time to troubleshoot.

Steps for Pre-Meeting Test:

1. Open Zoom and go to ‘Settings.’
2. Select ‘Video’ to preview your camera and ‘Audio’ to test your microphone and speakers.

Use Wired Connections

Wireless connections are susceptible to interference and can be less reliable than wired ones. If possible, use an Ethernet cable for a more stable and robust connection.

Positioning Matters

For both video and audio, the way you position your hardware can make a significant difference.

Positioning Tips:

• Place the microphone close enough to capture your voice but far enough to avoid pops and distortion.
• Make sure your camera is at eye level and that your face is well-lit.

Maintain System Health

A sluggish system can cause both audio and video issues.

Make sure to regularly update your software, clear cache files, and reboot your system to keep it running smoothly.

Be Mindful of Your Environment

The quality of your meeting experience is not solely reliant on tech. A cluttered or noisy environment can also have a negative impact.

Environment Tips:

• Choose a quiet space for your meeting.
• Use curtains or soft furnishings to dampen echo.

Monitor System Resources

Running too many applications in the background can consume valuable system resources, affecting both video and audio quality.

Monitoring Steps:

• Use Task Manager on Windows or Activity Monitor on macOS to keep an eye on resource consumption.
• Close unnecessary apps to free up resources.

Consult Community and Forums

Sometimes the solution to a particular issue may not be straightforward.

Platforms like Reddit and Zoom’s own community forums can be great resources for troubleshooting.

By integrating these general tips into your routine, you’ll be well-equipped to ensure that both your video and audio are of the highest quality during Zoom calls.

Conclusion

Poor video and audio quality can be detrimental to any Zoom call, whether it’s a work meeting or a catch-up with friends. However, with these simple tips, you can greatly improve your experience.