Lifestart uses the Microsoft Teams online meeting platform to deliver some of our online sessions. Your Key Worker may schedule a meeting with you and email you a Microsoft Teams invite that looks like this:
You don’t need a Microsoft account or the Teams app to join a meeting. Simply click ‘Click here to join the meeting’ to join as a guest via your web browser. Lifestart recommends using ‘Microsoft Edge’ or ‘Google Chrome’ web browsers. When clicking the link, it should open in your browser as follows:
If you do already use Microsoft Teams, your browser may prompt you to open the desktop app, or you can click ‘Join on the Teams app’. Otherwise click ‘Continue on this browser’ to join as a guest.
Your browser may request permission to access your camera and microphone. This is required to connect to the meeting. Click ‘Allow’. Your device must have a camera and microphone to properly participate in the session.
Next you will see the pre-join settings screen:
- Enter your name as you would like it to be shown in the meeting.
- Make sure your camera is turned on and working, and you can see yourself clearly in the live preview image.
- Make sure the correct devices are selected for your speakers, microphone, and webcam. Click on the icon indicated as number 3 above. this button to bring up the device settings panel.
(The device names will vary depending on your device setup). - Once you have confirmed your correct settings, click ‘Join now’ to enter the meeting.
Your Key Worker will see that you are ready to join and will let you in to begin the session.
If you have any issues or questions, please see our troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below.
Troubleshooting Camera issues
Having issues with your camera is a common problem often due to incorrect device settings, misconfigured operating system, or faulty or poor quality equipment.
This can result in:
- No image, dark or distorted image.
- Poor quality, blurry or grainy image.
- Other party can’t see you clearly or at all.
Follow this troubleshooting guide to fix most camera issues with Microsoft Teams.
We recommend you check these steps prior to joining a meeting to ensure your session goes smoothly and avoid troubleshooting during the meeting.
Does your device have a working camera?
Most modern smartphones, tablets and laptops include a built-in camera. If you are using a device with a separate plugged-in camera, such as a desktop PC, ensure the camera is correctly connected and working normally.
- Make sure apps can access and use the camera.
- Try using a camera/recording app to test the camera is working and check the image.
- Ensure any software or drivers required to run the camera are installed and working.
- Ensure there is adequate lighting and the camera is positioned correctly for a clear image.
Some built-in cameras that come with lower end laptops and tablets can be of poor quality and produce a grainy or blurry image. To get a better image you can purchase a separate higher quality USB camera to plug in. It’s best to get one with ‘Full HD 1080p’ resolution or higher.
Is your device up to date?
If your camera is not working at all, ensure the operating system of your device has the latest updates installed, and the Microsoft Teams app is up to date.
- For Windows, go to Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update -> Check for updates
- Also in Microsoft Teams, click the ellipsis ••• then Check for updates
- For Mac, open the Apple menu and go to System Settings -> Software Update
- Also open the App Store, go to Updates -> Update All
- For iPhone and iPad, go to Settings->General->Software Update
- Also open the App Store, tap your profile, scroll to Available Updates -> Update All
- For Android, go to Settings -> Software update
- Also open the Play Store and go to Manage apps and device->Check for updates
Some cameras may require additional software (drivers) to operate. Ensure the relevant software is installed and up to date. See the manufacturers website if you are unsure.
Camera still not working after updates? Try restarting your device.
Is your device too old?
Devices older than 5 years may no longer be supported by the manufacturer and have no more available updates. If you are unable to install the latest system software and apps, you may need to upgrade to a newer device.
Check device settings in Microsoft Teams
Joining with the Teams app on desktop/laptop?
Make sure Teams has the correct camera selected in the settings:
- On Windows, in Microsoft Teams, click the ellipsis ••• then click Settings->Devices
- Under Video settings select your correct camera
- On Mac, in Microsoft Teams, click your profile icon at the top right then Settings->Devices
- Under Video settings select your correct camera
- You may be prompted to allow access to the camera, click OK
Joining with the Teams app on mobile?
- On phones and tablets the Teams app will automatically use the built-in camera.
Joining in the browser?
- Make sure you click allow when prompted to use your camera and microphone.
- Check the correct camera is selected in the pre-join settings screen.
- Where possible use the ‘Microsoft Edge’ or ‘Google Chrome’ browsers. Other browsers may have issues or limitations when using Teams.
Getting the most out of your camera
Before joining a meeting, it’s a good idea to check the image quality and positioning of your camera to make sure you can be seen clearly. Most devices have a built-in ‘Camera’ or ‘Photo’ app that can show a live preview of your camera. The Teams app also shows a preview in the device settings.
- If the image appears too dark or very grainy/blurry, make sure you have adequate light shining evenly on the front of your face, rather than from the sides or behind you.
- Natural sun light from a window (not too bright) gives the best results.
- You can use the ‘Auto adjust brightness’ setting in Teams to try and improve the image.
- Make sure the camera is positioned so your face is centrally framed, not too close or far away, and not from too high or low of an angle.
Troubleshooting Audio issues
Having issues with audio is a common problem often due to incorrect device settings, misconfigured operating system, or faulty or poor quality equipment.
This can result in:
- No sound, distorted or muffled sound.
- Can’t hear other party speaking
- Other party can’t hear you speaking
Follow this troubleshooting guide to fix most audio issues with Microsoft Teams.
We recommend you check these steps prior to joining a meeting to ensure your session goes smoothly and avoid troubleshooting during the meeting.
Does your device have a working microphone and speakers?
Most modern smartphones, tablets and laptops include a built-in microphone and speakers. If you are using a device with an external microphone or speakers, such as a desktop PC, ensure these are correctly connected and working normally.
- Make sure apps can access and use the speakers and microphone.
- Try playing some music or a video to test the speakers are working.
- Try recording your voice to test the microphone. Most devices have a voice recorder app.
- Adjust the system volume and microphone level so both are working clearly.
If you are unable to get the internal microphone or speakers working, or the sound quality is poor, you could try connecting a wired or Bluetooth headset as an alternative.
Is your device up to date?
Ensure the operating system of your device has the latest updates installed, and the Microsoft Teams app is up to date.
- For Windows, go to Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update -> Check for updates
- Also in Microsoft Teams, click the ellipsis ••• then Check for updates
- For Mac, open the Apple menu and go to System Settings -> Software Update
- Also open the App Store, go to Updates -> Update All
- For iPhone and iPad, go to Settings->General->Software Update
- Also open the App Store, tap your profile, scroll to Available Updates -> Update All
- For Android, go to Settings -> Software update
- Also open the Play Store and go to Manage apps and device->Check for updates
Some devices may require additional software (drivers) to operate speakers and microphones. Ensure the relevant software is up to date. See the manufacturers website if you are unsure.
Audio still not working after updates? Try restarting your device.
Is your device too old?
Devices older than 5 years may no longer be supported by the manufacturer and have no more available updates. If you are unable to install the latest system software and apps, you may need to upgrade to a newer device.
Check device settings in Microsoft Teams
Joining with the Teams app on desktop/laptop?
Make sure Teams has the correct audio devices selected in the settings:
- On Windows, in Microsoft Teams, click the ellipsis ••• then click Settings->Devices
- Under Audio devices select your correct speaker and microphone
- On Mac, in Microsoft Teams, click your profile icon at the top right then Settings->Devices
- Under Audio devices select your correct speaker and microphone
- You may be prompted to allow access to the speaker and microphone, click OK
Joining with the Teams app on mobile?
- On phones and tablets the Teams app will automatically use the current system audio.
Joining in the browser?
- Make sure you click allow when prompted to use your camera and microphone.
- Check the correct audio devices are selected in the pre-join settings screen.
- Where possible use the ‘Microsoft Edge’ or ‘Google Chrome’ browsers. Other browsers may have issues or limitations when using Teams.
Do a test call in Microsoft Teams
If you are using the Teams desktop app you can use the test call feature to confirm your audio is working correctly.
- On Windows, in Microsoft Teams, click the ellipsis ••• then click Settings->Devices
- Under Audio devices click the ‘Make a test call’ button
- On Mac, in Microsoft Teams, click your profile icon at the top right then Settings->Devices
- Under Audio devices click the ‘Make a test call’ button
FAQ about Microsoft Teams and Lifestart
What is Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams is an online meeting and communication platform which allows for voice and video calls and sharing of other content such as chat, files and apps. It is similar to other products like Skype or Zoom.
How does Lifestart use Microsoft Teams?
Lifestart uses Teams to conduct some of our online therapy sessions and meetings with clients. Your Key Worker may schedule a Teams meeting with you and send an invitation by email. During therapy sessions we may use some of the features of Teams for interactive activities with your child.
Why does Lifestart use Microsoft Teams?
Lifestart already uses Microsoft 365 which includes the business version of Teams. This means that we don’t need to pay extra for another platform. Teams is used internally by our staff which makes it a familiar and easy to use tool. It is a business grade product with good security and privacy controls.
Why not Zoom?
Zoom is a popular online meeting platform which has some advantages and disadvantages compared to Teams. It requires a separate paid subscription which is expensive for a large organisation. Lifestart does have a small number of Zoom accounts and may choose to use Zoom in some situations, but our preference is to use Teams when possible.
What do I need to access Microsoft Teams?
Any kind of modern device (newer than 5 years) such as a computer, laptop, tablet, iPad or smartphone that has a microphone, speakers and camera with a stable internet connection, preferably Wired or Wi-Fi. You will also need an email address.
Do I need to already have a Microsoft account or the Teams application?
No, you don’t need a Microsoft account to join a Teams meeting with Lifestart. You can join as a guest without needing to log in. There is also no need to download any application, as Teams can run in your web browser. However, if you do already have an account and use the Teams app, you are able to join this way too.
Does it cost any money for me to access Microsoft Teams?
No, it is completely free to join Lifestart Teams meetings as a guest. You don’t need any paid version of Teams from Microsoft. No purchase or subscription is required.
Are my Microsoft Teams sessions with Lifestart private?
Yes, Lifestart uses the business version of Teams, with appropriate security measures and access controls in place. Teams meetings by default are not recorded, unless otherwise stated by your Key Worker, with your consent only. Any content or recordings saved from meetings are stored within Lifestart’s private Microsoft 365 environment and cannot be accessed by any third parties.
What if I have technical issues with Microsoft Teams? How do I get help?
The first step would be to read our troubleshooting guides above. Your Key Worker will be able to walk you through joining a Teams meeting for the first time and help you with any basic troubleshooting as required. If they are not able to establish a stable meeting with you in a timely manner, they may opt for an alternative method, so the session time is not wasted, or reschedule the meeting. If more advanced troubleshooting is needed, the Key Worker is also able to reach out to our internal IT team for support. However we do not provide direct IT support to clients.
What if I can’t or don’t want to use Microsoft Teams to interact with Lifestart?
If you are unable or unwilling to use Teams for any reason, just let your Key Worker know and they will use alternative methods, such as Zoom, phone call or in-person meetings. Your preference will not negatively impact or limit your engagement with Lifestart in any way.
