Joining COSRT events in Microsoft Teams

Teams is available using a web browser or as a downloadable app. Please choose from the following options to proceed.

Using the Microsoft Teams app (needs an account)

1. Before the event takes place, download the Microsoft Teams app from the Microsoft download centre.
2. Open the Teams app and follow the instructions to create an account or to sign in using your existing account (Teams account or Microsoft 365).
3. At the time of the event, open the email invite and select the link to Join Microsoft Teams Meeting.
4. Teams will open in a web browser. Select Open Microsoft Teams when prompted.
5. The Teams app will open. Follow the instructions to join the meeting.

Using the website (does not need an account)

You must be using the latest version of either the Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome web browsers to follow these instructions. You can download the latest version of Microsoft Edge for free from Microsoft or download the latest version of Google Chrome for free from Google. Both browsers work on PC and Mac; Chrome is also available on Linux.

You won’t be able to access the meeting space unless you are using the latest version of one of these browsers, so please ensure you are running one before the event.

1. At the time of the event, open the email invite and select Join Microsoft Teams Meeting.
2. Teams will open in a web browser. Select Join on the web.
3. If you are prompted for permissions to access your webcam and microphone, select Accept.
4. Enter your name.
5. Select Join Now.

There is a free Microsoft Teams app available in the App Store for iPhones and iPads or the Play Store for Android devices.  You must use the Teams app to join on a mobile or tablet – you can’t join in a web browser on these devices. Please choose from the following options to proceed.

With an account (Teams or Microsoft 365)

1. Before the event takes place, download the Microsoft Teams app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 
2. Open the Teams app and follow the instructions to sign in using your account details.
3. At the time of the meeting, open the email invite on your device and select Join Microsoft Teams Meeting.
4. The Teams app will open automatically. Continue to join the meeting.

Without an account (Teams or Microsoft 365)

1. Before the event takes place, download the Microsoft Teams app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Do not open the app, create an account or sign in. Just leave the app installed on your device as-is. You do not need to create an account or sign up for anything in Microsoft Teams.
3. At the time of the meeting, open the email invite on your device and select Join Microsoft Teams Meeting.
4. The Teams app will open automatically. Select Join as a guest.
5. Enter your name and continue to join the meeting.

If COSRT has enabled this option, you will see a phone number in the invite and you can call in to your meeting via telephone. This is only recommended if you are unable to join via Teams on your mobile (using the app), tablet, PC or Mac in line with the instructions above.

If you need to join using the phone number, at the time of the meeting, webinar or event, open the email invite and dial the phone number given. Follow any instructions.

If you are calling in using a telephone, you should use a landline if possible. If you must use a mobile you should ensure you are in an area of strong signal and that you are not moving between signal areas during the call.

In the Microsoft Teams desktop app

1. Click on the three dots … next to your icon/picture and select Settings.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Check that your Audio and Camera devices are set up as required. You should see a preview of your camera if it is connected properly.
4. You also have the option to make a test call, to check both the camera and microphone are picking up correctly, and the speakers are playing your audio back as expected.

When launching the call:

1. Check that Video and Microphone options are toggled to on.
2. You can click the three dots … options menu and select Devices cog to open up your audio and camera preferences again.

In your browser

1. Make sure you Allow the browser to use your microphone when the pop-up appears.
2. Click on the Devices cog to open up your audio and camera preferences.
3. Check that your Audio and Camera devices are set up as required.

This must be turned on by you rather than the presenter. To do this:

• From within the meeting, click the three dots button, click Language and Speech and then select Turn on live captions

The live captioning service is automated and uses a computer to attempt to translate voice into text. Numerous variables can affect accuracy, and as such, services of this nature should never relied upon to be 100% accurate.

You can still join teams calls, but there are some key tips you should be aware of. It’s recommended to keep camera use and screen sharing to a minimum if you do have a poor connection.

If nothing happens when you click the Join Meeting link, try copying the URL and pasting it directly into Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

If you can’t see or hear people in the meeting, please see the troubleshooting section on the page Microsoft Teams.