Tech hiccups happen but don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Whether you're dealing with video gremlins, a frozen screen, or your mic suddenly decides it's on vacation, here’s a step-by-step playbook to get you back in action fast.
Step 1: Try a Different Browser
Yeah, we’re starting here because you'd be surprised how often this does the trick.
If you're using Chrome, give Firefox a shot.
On Safari? Maybe peek at Edge.
Whatever you’re on, try opening Bello in an Incognito/Private window. That keeps things clean.
Here’s how:
Chrome: Menu (⋮) > New Incognito Window
Safari: Apple Menu > New Private Window
Edge: Menu (⋯) > New InPrivate Window
Firefox: Menu (☰) > New Private Window
💡 Pro tip: Still stuck? Make sure your browser is up-to-date. Here's the cheat sheet:
Chrome: Menu (⋮) > Help > About Google Chrome
Safari: Apple Menu > App Store > Updates
Edge: Menu (⋯) > Help & Feedback > About Microsoft Edge
Firefox: Menu (☰) > Help > About Firefox
If you’re hitting a 404, try copying and pasting the link into your browser’s address bar instead of clicking it from your email.
Step 2: Clear Cache and Cookies
Your browser might be clinging to old files like it’s 2014. Time to let go.
Chrome: Menu (⋮) > More tools > Clear browsing data > Check “Cookies” and “Cached images and files” > Clear
Firefox: Menu (☰) > Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear Data
Safari: Menu > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All
Edge: Menu (⋯) > Settings > Privacy > Choose what to clear > Check “Cookies” and “Cached files” > Clear now
Step 3: Close Those Extra Tabs & Apps
You’ve got 14 tabs open, Spotify’s blasting, and Zoom is lurking in the background. No wonder things are laggy.
Shut down other apps using your camera/mic.
Fully close other browsers.
Free up your machine:
Windows: Right-click Taskbar > Task Manager > End anything unnecessary
Mac: Open Activity Monitor > Close what you’re not using
📌 Restarting your computer isn’t a sign of defeat. It’s a power move.
Step 4: Check Your Internet Connection
We’re not saying it’s always your Wi-Fi… but it’s usually your Wi-Fi.
Test your speed at speedtest.net. Here’s what you’re aiming for:
Just browsing? 5–10 Mbps
Video sessions? 10–35 Mbps (or more if you’re feeling fancy)
More tools if you’re curious:
Network Compatibility Check (Tool #1)Fixing Audio & Video Glitches — The Fast & Friendly Way
📝 Notes:
Too many devices on your Wi-Fi? Boot a few off.
Fiber-optic internet is your bestie. Satellite… not so much.
Distance matters. If Bello feels far away, your connection might take the scenic route.
Step 5: Audio & Video Device Check
When you join a Bello session, you'll get a "Device Settings" window. Here’s what to do:
Say yes to the mic and camera when prompted.
Check that your face is showing and the mic’s live. (Look for a pink triangle lighting up when you talk.)
Bonus: You can blur your background if you’re not camera-ready. We got you.
Step 6: Audio Issues? Let’s Reset That
Start Simple:
Refresh the page — it kicks your audio stream back into shape.
Open settings in the Meeting Room (look for the gear icon) and make sure the right mic is selected.
Dig Deeper:
Check for Virtual Audio Devices
Some apps (looking at you, Zoom and Teams) sneak in virtual audio drivers that mess with everything.
On Mac:
Apple Menu > System Settings > Sound
Look for anything called ZoomAudioDevice or Teams Audio.Or go Finder > Cmd + Shift + G > type
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/HAL/and check what’s lurking there.
On Windows:
Right-click the sound icon > Open Sound Settings
Or open Device Manager > Expand Sound, video and game controllers
Or go Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound
🎯 Found one? Time to uninstall it.
Step 7: Remove Virtual Audio Devices
On Mac:
Finder > Cmd + Shift + G > go to
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/HAL/Trash anything Zoom/Teams related
Empty the Trash
Restart your Mac (don’t skip this step!)
On Windows:
Device Manager > Sound section > Uninstall Zoom/Teams audio devices
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall Zoom/Teams tools with virtual audio
Optional: Delete any leftover Zoom/Teams audio files in File Explorer
Restart your computer
Device-Specific Notes
HP Computers:
Some come with CyberLink YouCam pre-installed. If you only see a logo instead of your face, that’s the culprit.
Microsoft Surface:
It defaults to the backward camera (weird, we know). Just switch to the front-facing one.
Chromebooks:
Some older ones won’t let you update Chrome, even if they say they’re current. If Bello still feels stuck, try switching to a different laptop or desktop.
Why Is My Video Freezing?
Your bandwidth might be running low.
Streaming Netflix in the background? Not helping.
Wi-Fi is nice but wired connections are better.
More people in the room = more need for stable speeds.
What’s With the Echo?
Someone’s mic is picking up the call’s audio — classic feedback loop.
Fix it: Use headphones. Seriously. It solves this 99% of the time.
I Can Hear Them, But They Can’t Hear Me
Double-check your selected microphone. If it’s not the right one, no one’s going to hear your brilliant insights.
If You're on a Work Network
If your meeting room isn’t detecting your mic or camera:
You might be behind a firewall or VPN.
Some companies block streaming by default.
Call your IT team and ask them to unblock ports or streaming permissions.
Port 443 needs to be open (if that sounds like gibberish, just forward this to IT).
One Last Thing — Headphones Not Working?
USB headphones: Go to Control Panel > Sound > Playback. Make sure your headphones are the default.
Bluetooth: Disconnect and reconnect. If it’s still funky, try wired headphones or switch devices.
You're Back In Business
That’s the full tune-up. Whether it was the browser, the internet, or a sneaky Zoom audio driver, you're now ready to roll with Bello like a pro. And if you're still stuck — seriously, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.