Tips to enhance the quality of video calls on Macbook

Laptops in general and Macbooks in particular all come with a built-in webcam, allowing users to make video calls quickly. However, the quality of video calls on Macbook can be affected by many different factors.

Guide to enhance the quality of video calls on Macbook

With the right know-how, you can easily handle this situation. Here are some tips to improve the quality of video calls on Macbook that you can apply.

Tips to enhance the quality of video calls on Macbook

1. Optimize Internet connection 'speed'

To minimize stuttering, lag, or disconnections during video calls on Macbook, ensure you are using a strong and stable Internet connection.

If using Wifi, try switching to a wired connection, or ensure your device is placed near the router. Additionally, if possible, disconnect other devices using the network, close other apps or software, as well as websites to reduce bandwidth and maximize call quality.

2. Use an external webcam

Except for the 2022 Macbook models equipped with the M2 chip, older Macbook models and MacBook Air are equipped with webcams with a maximum resolution of 720p. Therefore, the video call quality on these devices is often very poor.

To improve the quality of video calls on Macbook, you may consider choosing and using an external webcam with better hardware and resolution, sharper and clearer.

3. Clean the webcam regularly

Like other webcam devices, the webcam on Macbook uses a glass lens to collect light. If this glass lens gets dirty, it can be a cause of obstruction or distortion of the light stream entering your webcam.

Regularly cleaning the webcam not only helps improve the quality of video calls on Macbook but also helps extend the lifespan of the webcam.

4. Adjust settings of video calling apps and software

Most video calling apps and software package features to ensure video calls have the best sound and image quality. Knowing how to adjust these settings can significantly improve the quality of video calls on Macbook.

4.1. On FaceTime

Although FaceTime doesn't come with many settings that you can adjust like other apps. However, there are some features that you can activate to improve the quality of video calls on Macbook.

One of these features is the Portrait mode, currently available on devices running macOS Monterey or later. As long as you own a Macbook equipped with Apple's Silicon chip, this background blur mode helps visually focus and highlight your image.

Follow the steps below to activate Portrait mode:

Step 1: While in a video call on FaceTime, find and open the Control Center in the menu bar.
Step 2: Click on Video Effects in the top left corner, select Portrait.

Step 3: To deselect, click the Portrait button again.

4.2. On Zoom

Zoom is currently one of the most popular online video conferencing software. It notably comes with settings that help enhance the quality of video calls on Macbook.

To do this, first you need to update Zoom for Mac to the latest version and follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open Zoom, then find and click the gear icon in the top right corner to open the settings window.
Step 2: Here, find and select Video in the left pane.
Step 3: Check the box next to the Enable HD option to activate.

4.3. On Google Meet

Although Google Meet will automatically adjust the call quality of users based on Internet connection speed. However, if you want to improve the quality of video calls on the app, you can also follow the steps below:

Step 1: In the Google Meet video call window, find and click the three-dot icon in a row at the bottom right of the screen.
Step 2: Next, find and click the gear icon to open the settings window.
Step 3: In the left pane, find and click Video.
Step 4: In the Send resolution (maximum) menu, select High definition (720p).

Step 5: Similarly, in the Receive resolution (maximum) menu, select High definition (720p).

Here are some tips to improve the quality of video calls on Macbook to help you have the best experience when making video calls on Apple devices. Also, if you encounter any errors or issues during the process, don't forget to leave your feedback in the comments section below the article.