How to Use the Around Video Conferencing App

Around is a video-calling app designed for remote meetings, with participant video displayed in compact, movable circles rather than a traditional grid. Use this guide to install or open Around, join or start a call, and manage your camera, microphone, and meeting settings. You will need a supported device, an internet connection, and access to the meeting link or workspace.

What You’ll Need

A computer or mobile device that can run the current Around app or its supported web experience.
A reliable internet connection, plus a microphone and speakers or headphones. A camera is optional if you prefer to join without video.
An Around account if the host or workspace requires one. For a guest meeting, you may only need the invitation link, depending on the host’s settings.
Permission to use your camera and microphone in your device settings and browser, if applicable.
The meeting invitation, link, or calendar event for the call you want to join.

Step-by-Step

Open Around. Use the current Around app or the official web option available to you. If you are new, follow the on-screen prompts to create an account or sign in. Use the same account that was invited to the team or workspace when access is restricted.
Check your invitation. Open the meeting link from the host, calendar event, or team message. Confirm that it points to the intended meeting. If the link opens a browser page, follow its prompt to continue in the app or join through the supported browser option.
Allow device access when prompted. Choose Allow for microphone and camera access if you want to use them. If you deny access accidentally, you can usually restore it in the browser’s site permissions or your device’s privacy settings. A camera is not required to listen or speak.
Set up your audio and video before joining. On the pre-join screen, select the microphone and speaker or headphones you want to use. Turn the camera on or off and check the preview if one is shown. Speak briefly to confirm that the selected microphone responds, and keep the volume at a comfortable level.
Join the meeting. Enter a display name if requested, then select the join option. If the host must admit participants, wait for approval rather than opening another meeting link. Keep the invitation handy in case you need to reconnect.
Learn the call controls. During the call, use the microphone and camera controls to mute or stop video. Look for options to share your screen, view participants, or leave the call; their placement can differ between app and web versions. If a control is not visible, open the meeting’s additional-options menu.
Arrange your view. Around’s circular participant tiles are intended to keep faces visible without taking over the screen. Move or resize tiles if the current version offers those controls, and use the available layout or focus options to make the active speaker easier to see. Other participants may see a different layout.
Share your screen only when needed. Select the screen-sharing control and choose the specific window, tab, or entire screen you intend to show. Check the sharing preview before confirming. Close private documents and notifications first, and stop sharing when you are finished.
Start a call as a host. Sign in and choose the option to create or start a meeting, if available in your account. Copy the invitation link and send it to attendees. Check the meeting settings and participant permissions before people join; exact options may depend on the current app and workspace.
Leave or end the call. Select Leave when you are done. If you are hosting, distinguish leaving from ending the meeting for everyone: use an end-meeting option only when you intend to close the call for all participants. Confirm the choice if asked.

Common Mistakes

Joining with the wrong account: A link may be restricted to invited members. Sign in with the invited account or ask the host to check access.
Assuming the camera is required: You can often join with video off. Check the meeting’s rules if the host requires video.
Choosing the wrong audio device: A laptop may select a built-in microphone while you are speaking into a headset. Verify both microphone and output selections.
Leaving yourself unmuted: Background noise can interrupt a meeting. Mute when you are not speaking, and unmute before talking.
Sharing the entire screen unnecessarily: This can expose unrelated windows or notifications. Share a single window or tab when practical.
Expecting identical controls everywhere: Layouts and available features can differ by device, app version, browser, and account. Look for equivalent controls rather than relying on a fixed screen position.

Tips

Join a few minutes early to test your microphone, speakers, and camera without delaying the meeting.
Use headphones if your microphone picks up sound from your speakers or creates echo.
Position your camera near eye level and face a light source so others can see you clearly.
Keep the app or browser updated, and close unnecessary downloads or video streams if the call becomes choppy.
Tell the host if you plan to join by phone or with video off, especially for a meeting that uses screen sharing or presentations.
For important calls, keep the meeting link and a backup way to contact the host available in case you are disconnected.

Troubleshooting

The link will not open: Copy and paste it into a current browser, check for missing characters, and confirm that you are signed in if the meeting is restricted. If the link is expired or says the meeting is unavailable, ask the host for a fresh invitation or confirmation that the call has started.

No one can hear you: Check that you are not muted in Around, then confirm the selected microphone in the call controls. Check the device’s sound-input settings and the browser’s microphone permission. If another app is using the microphone, close it and rejoin.

You cannot hear other participants: Raise the output volume and select the correct speakers or headphones in the meeting. Check that the device is not muted and that audio is not routed to a disconnected Bluetooth device. Leave and rejoin if changing the output does not help.

The camera is unavailable: Turn video on in the call and verify camera permission in the app, browser, or device privacy settings. Close other video apps that may be using the camera, then reload or restart Around. You can still join with video off while resolving the issue.

Audio or video keeps freezing: Move closer to the Wi-Fi access point or use a more stable connection, pause large downloads, and close unused apps or browser tabs. Turning off your camera can reduce the amount of data sent. If the problem affects everyone, ask the host whether the meeting service or network is having an issue.

Screen sharing fails: Reopen the sharing control and select the intended screen or window. Check that the app or browser has screen-recording or screen-sharing permission in your device settings. Stop sharing, restart the app if needed, and try again. Do not share sensitive material while testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join an Around meeting without an account?
Sometimes. Guest access depends on the meeting and host settings. Open the invitation and follow the instructions; sign in if prompted.

Can I use Around without turning on my camera?
Usually. Turn video off before joining or use the camera control during the call. The host may set different participation expectations.

Can I join from a phone?
Use the current Around mobile app or supported joining option offered by your invitation. Available controls may differ from the desktop experience.

How do I invite someone to my meeting?
Start or open the meeting, copy its invitation link, and send it to the attendee. If they cannot enter, check whether the meeting requires a specific account or host approval.

Can I use Around for screen sharing?
Yes, when the feature is available in your meeting. Choose the screen, window, or tab to share, grant permission if asked, and stop sharing when finished.

What should I do if Around will not connect?
Check your internet connection, reopen the link, and restart the app or browser. If the issue continues, ask the host to verify the meeting link and check whether other participants can connect.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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