Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Meetings

What do the icons in a Teams Meeting mean?

Microsoft Teams Meeting menu labeled

Trouble joining a session

  • Do not join through a remote desktop session.
  • Keep your web browser and/or Teams app current. In the Microsoft Teams desktop app, before you join a meeting, you can tap or click on the "..." (Settings and more) icon in the top purple bar next to your profile picture/initials to select "Check for updates."
  • Use a hard-wired (Ethernet) connection, if available. If not available, use a Wifi connection. If using Wifi, try to be as close to the router as possible.
  • Close other programs/tabs. Close all programs and streaming services on your computer except for any necessary apps or web pages for your meeting.
  • If joining from the web version of Teams, clear your browser’s cache. 
  • Sign out and back into your Teams desktop app. 
    1. In the upper right of the Microsoft Teams main window, find your profile icon (picture or initials)
    2. Select your profile icon to reveal a drop-down menu and select Sign out.
    3. After sign out, you are prompted to sign in again with your Buffalo State email address and password.
    4. Retry Microsoft Teams to confirm the issue is resolved.
  • Restart your web browser or Teams app. 
  • Restart your computer.
  • Join via the Teams mobile app (available for most smart phones and tablets)

Audio/Video Issues

  • Do not join through a remote desktop session.
  • Enable your camera and microphone. When you sign into a Microsoft Teams Meeting, be sure to click "Allow" for the web browser to use your webcam and mic.
  • Use headphones. Cut down on the background noise and use headphones.
  • Check your device settings. During a Meeting, click on the "..." icon to select "Device settings" and make sure you have the correct speaker and microphone selected and perform a Test Call
  • Slow performance? You can turn off incoming video feeds to lower your network bandwidth needs.
    • From the Teams meeting window, click or tap the "..." (More actions) icon. Select "Turn off incoming video" from the menu
    • Turn off your camera to further reduce your network needs.
    • Students: If your instructor directs all students to use cameras in Teams class meetings, please let the instructor know you are having network trouble and you need to switch off the camera.
  • Having issues with incoming audio? If you are using the Teams desktop or mobile apps, you can switch on real-time closed captioning to fill in audio gaps. 
    1. From the Teams meeting window, click or tap to the "..." icon.
    2. Select "Turn on live captions" from the menu.
    3. Once activated, the closed captioning will only appear for you.

Missing features

  • Use the Teams desktop app. The web browser version of Teams does not provide full features.
  • Sign in to your session with your Buffalo State username@buffalostate.edu and network password. 
    • Sign into your desktop or mobile app with your Buffalo State account, not a personal account.
    • If you must use the web browser to access Teams, you should sign in with your Buffalo State account. Joining Teams as a Guest (i.e., just typing in your name) limits features.
      • You may need to scroll to the bottom of the Join window to click on "Sign in."
  • Keep your web browser and/or app current. In the Microsoft Teams app, you can click on the "..." Settings and more icon in the top bar next to your profile picture/initials to check for updates.
  • Attendees will not have all of the features that Organizers or Presenters have.

More information

Related Knowledge Base Articles

Contact the IT Help Desk

Phone 716-878-4357
Email ithelpdesk@buffalostate.edu
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