Frequently Asked Question

If your classmates cannot see or hear you in Zoom, the cause is almost always one of three things: the app is muted, the wrong device is selected, or your computer has not given the app permission. Work through these steps in order.

First, the quick checks:

• Look at the meeting controls for the microphone and camera icons. If either has a red line through it, click it once to unmute the mic or turn on the camera.
• Make sure no other app is using your camera. Close Skype, FaceTime, the Camera app, or another Zoom window, then try again.
• If you just plugged in a headset or webcam, unplug it and plug it back in, then restart Zoom.

Pick the correct microphone, speaker, and camera:

1. Click the small up-arrow (^) next to the microphone icon. Under "Select a Microphone" and "Select a Speaker," choose your headset or built-in device (the one with a checkmark is currently active).
2. Click the small up-arrow (^) next to the video camera icon and pick the correct camera under "Select a Camera."
3. To test, open "Audio Settings" or "Video Settings" and use "Test Speaker" and "Test Mic" - speak and watch the input bar move.

Fix Windows permissions (Windows 10 or 11):

1. Click Start and open Settings (the gear icon).
2. Go to Privacy & security (or just Privacy).
3. Click Camera. Turn ON "Camera access" and "Let apps access your camera," then make sure Zoom is turned ON in the list.
4. Go back and click Microphone. Turn ON "Microphone access" and "Let apps access your microphone," and confirm Zoom is ON.
5. Close Zoom completely and reopen it so the new permissions take effect.

Fix Mac permissions (macOS):

1. Click the Apple menu, then System Settings (older Macs: System Preferences).
2. Click "Privacy & Security."
3. Click Camera and turn ON the switch for Zoom.
4. Click Microphone and turn ON the switch for Zoom.
5. If asked to "Quit & Reopen" Zoom, do that so the change takes effect.

Still not working:

1. Restart your computer - this clears most stuck camera/microphone problems.
2. Make sure Zoom is up to date. Click your profile picture (top-right), then "Check for Updates."
3. Try joining the meeting in the Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser as a temporary workaround. The browser will ask to "Allow" the camera and microphone - click Allow.

Important: If your camera or microphone problem is happening inside Examplify during an exam, do NOT keep changing settings on your own. Stop and contact your exam coordinator or the Help Desk right away.

If you're still having trouble, contact the Jersey College Help Desk at 201-645-1164 or itsupport@jerseycollege.edu.