How to Test Slack Video and Audio

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

If you're a new Slack user, you might not be familiar with its audio and video calling features. Testing your audio and video capabilities is a great idea before using Slack in a professional setting.

The following guide will demonstrate how to have Slack test your machine's ability to complete audio and video calls. After a successful test, you'll want to place a test call to make sure there are no issues. If you are having audio or video issues during a test call, we have additional guides to help resolve those issues.

Before You Begin:

• If you're using a headset, make sure it's plugged into your computer.
• If you're using an external speakers and microphone, make sure they're plugged into your computer.

2. Check Mute and Audio Settings Before Testing

Check MuteSlack provides a quick mute when you're on a call. Make sure it wasn't set by accident.

Unmuted

Make sure the microphone is white and does not have a slash through it.

Muted

The microphone button will be gray in color with a red slash through it.

Source and Destination

Your computer has many audio sources and destinations, many of which you may simply not be using, but got set as default on accident. A quick check of where Slack is listening and playing audio can solve many problems you may have.

1. While on a call, select the Settings gear in the top-left corner.
   

1. Make sure the proper Audio settings are selected.
   

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2. Microphone
3. Some computers have a "Line In" and "Microphone" option for inputs, try each if you're not sure.
4. The small meter below the microphone will light up to indicate if Slack can hear anything, try speaking after changing the setting to see if the lights change.
5. Speakers
6. Many computers will have many different audio out devices, and each setup will be slightly different.
7. Click the Test button to the right to hear a test sound played on whichever speaker you have selected.

3. Check Video Settings Before Testing

Covered Webcam

Many laptops and some desktop webcams have simple covers built-in for privacy, or one may have been added at some point. Make sure nothing is covering the lens of your webcam.

Webcam Enabled

Slack allows you to disable your webcam during a conference, in case you need a moment of privacy. It can be clicked on accident, so it's a good, quick check to make.

Camera Enabled

The camera icon will appear on a white background with a green circle inside it.

Camera Disabled

The camera icon will appear on a gray background with a red slash through it.

Proper Device Selected

Some computers have multiple sources for video in. Make sure your webcam is selected.

1. While on a call, select the Settings gear in the top-left corner.
   

1. Make sure your webcam is selected for Video Settings, and you can see an image of yourself to the right.
   

4. Testing Audio and Video

Slack does not offer a way to run a "test meeting" or make a "test call". Instead, they offer a test page that will check the underlying technologies for you, and let you know if anything is wrong.

1. Open your preferred browser on the device you want to test, and go to the Slack Connection Test Page.
   

1. If prompted, log into Slack.
2. Enter your Slack Workspace URL, then select Continue.
   

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2. If you're not sure and use the Slack Desktop Client.
3. Click your Company name and name on the top-left, the Workspace URL will be listed about half-way down.
   

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2. Enter your Email address and Password, then select Sign in.
   

1. Wait while Slack automatically tests your connection.
2. If you are prompted during the test to allow access to your Microphone or Camera, select Allow.
   

1. Once complete, Slack will test your Microphone, Camera, Network, Connectivity, and Throughput, to ensure you'll have a smooth conference experience. Any problems will be shown here, as well; for example, if you do not have a webcam, you won't be able to show your video.
   

1. If you are unsure how to proceed, there is a link right on the test page to contact Slack support. There is a URL you can copy and send to support which will help them provide tailored solutions.

Further Testing

If you'd like to test your setup further, you will need to ask one of your co-workers on Slack if you can make a quick test-call with them.

After messaging your co-worker, select their portrait, then select Call.