Video calling in Nextcloud Talk not working: causes and solutions

Can't see video, can no one hear you, or is the call button gray in Nextcloud Talk? Almost always it's down to a permission on your computer or phone, or the network you're on. In this article you'll read the most common causes and what to do about them.

What WebOké arranges for Talk

Talk is included in your WebOké Nextcloud as soon as there's at least one Office Suite license on your package. Don't see Talk in the menu? Read What is Talk and who has it?

For your calls, Talk uses our own servers in the EU. This also includes a server that relays calls when a direct connection doesn't work, for example behind a strict firewall or a home router. So video calling also works on most business networks. You don't need to set anything up for this.

First test: Check devices

On the Talk home page, click Check devices. If you can see yourself and the microphone bar moves when you speak, your camera and microphone are working. With Test you hear a sound through your speaker. Here you also choose the right microphone, camera, or headset.

The most common causes

• The browser isn't allowed to use the camera or microphone. Click the lock icon on the left of the address bar, set Camera and Microphone to Allow, and refresh the page.
• Your computer is blocking access. On Windows: Settings › Privacy & security › Camera and then Microphone, and turn on access for your browser. On Mac: System Settings › Privacy & Security and turn on your browser for Camera and Microphone. Then restart the browser.
• The camera is in use. Close other programs using the camera, such as Teams, Zoom, or a second tab with Talk.
• The call button is gray. A moderator has restricted the call's permissions or a lobby is enabled. Ask the moderator to let you in.
• No video or sound on your phone. Give the Nextcloud Talk app access to the camera and microphone in your phone's settings.
• Your browser is too old. Use the latest version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.

It's down to the network

• Video stutters or drops out: turn off your camera, close programs that use a lot of internet, or use a cable instead of Wi-Fi.
• It doesn't work via a VPN or at the office, but does at home: that network is blocking the connection. Try it without a VPN or via your phone (4G or 5G). If that works, ask your IT administrator to allow video calling to your Nextcloud.
• Large groups: the more people with video, the more internet bandwidth it requires. If it stutters, ask participants who aren't speaking to turn off their camera.

Still not working?

Try a different browser or your phone with the Nextcloud Talk app. If it works there, the problem is in your computer's settings. If it doesn't work anywhere, open a ticket or ask the AI assistant in My WebOké. Mention your Nextcloud's address, the name of the call, the time, and which browser you're using.

Detailed explanation with screenshots: Camera or microphone not working, or the call button is gray and Video calling and meetings in the Nextcloud manual.