GCD Clinic · Video appointments
Getting ready for your video appointment
A few minutes now means a calm, smooth start when it matters. Here's how to check your camera and sound — and what to do if something isn't working.
Technical hiccups happen to everyone and they're rarely a big deal. If you get stuck, your dietitian will help you sort it at the start of the appointment — you won't lose your time.
1Before your first appointment
The single best thing you can do is a quick test the day before, so anything that needs fixing is sorted in advance rather than in the moment.
Do a 2-minute test run
Open the join link in your web browser. On the screen before you join, Google Meet shows your own camera picture and lets you check your microphone and speakers. If you can see yourself and the sound test works, you're all set.
Three things that prevent most problems
• Use Google Chrome if you can — Meet works most reliably there.
• When your device asks "allow camera and microphone?", tap Allow. This is the most common thing that trips people up.
• Headphones or earphones make a real difference — clearer sound, and no echo.
Install the app ahead of time
On a phone or tablet, download the free Google Meet app from the App Store or Google Play before your appointment. Tapping the join link will then open the app automatically. Find a quiet spot with a strong Wi-Fi signal, and prop your device up so your hands are free.
2Joining on the day
Give yourself five minutes before the start time — arriving relaxed beats arriving on the dot.
- Tap the join link in your appointment confirmation. On a computer it opens in your browser; on a phone or tablet it opens the Meet app.
- Allow camera and microphone if you're asked — without this, your dietitian won't be able to see or hear you.
- Check the two icons at the bottom of the screen — a camera and a microphone. If either has a line through it, tap it once to switch it back on.
- Join the call. If you're a moment early, you may wait briefly until your dietitian arrives — that's normal.
3Quick fixes if something isn't working
Work down this list — the most common fix is first. Most issues clear in under a minute.
They can't hear me, or I can't hear them
Check the microphone icon at the bottom isn't crossed out — tap to unmute. Turn your device volume up. If you have headphones, plug them in, then in Meet's settings (the three dots ⋮) choose them under Audio.
My camera isn't showing
Check the camera icon isn't crossed out. Then look for a small camera symbol or padlock in your browser's address bar — tap it and set camera and microphone to Allow, then refresh the page.
It says my camera is already in use
Another app is holding onto it. Close any other video apps — Zoom, Teams, FaceTime, or another browser tab with a call — then refresh and rejoin.
The picture is frozen or the sound keeps breaking up
This is usually your internet. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router, and close other things using the connection (downloads, streaming). Turning your camera off for a moment can steady a wobbly connection.
Still stuck?
The reliable reset: leave the call and rejoin using the same link. Nine times out of ten, a fresh start fixes it.
If all else fails, we'll phone you
If the video simply won't cooperate, don't worry and don't feel rushed. Your appointment can continue by phone so you still get your full time and support.
Have a question before the day? Just reply to your appointment email.