Voice and video chat: a quick setup guide
How to get clear audio and smooth video in random calls, and how to fix the most common problems.
Voice and video calls on Hiya run directly between you and the other person whenever possible, so a few minutes of setup makes a big difference.
Before you start
- Allow microphone (and camera) access when your browser asks. You can change this later in the site settings next to the address bar.
- Use headphones to stop echo, especially on a laptop.
- Sit facing a window or a lamp. Light from behind turns you into a silhouette.
- Close other apps that use the camera, like meeting software.
If the call won't connect
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Some networks block calls.
- Reload the page and try Next again.
- Check that your browser is up to date. Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge all work.
Privacy on camera
Your camera is only on during a video call, and nothing is recorded by Hiya. Remember the other person could still record their screen, so don't show anything you wouldn't want shared. Use the camera button to turn video off at any time while staying in the call.