Connection Issues

Why do I get disconnected from video calls?

Why is the video blurry?

Why won't the webpage load?

There are several factors at play that can contribute to problems.

The Website itself is having connection issues.

When more people are trying to access the website than was anticipated it can cause all sorts of problems when using he website, although the most common issue is the website just responding slowly. Being patient is important, however if a few minutes have passed, you can try to press the reload button.

Use the Reload/Refresh button in Google Chrome.

This is commonly used enough to be put right onto the chromebook's keyboard on the top row of keys.

This tells the Google Chrome web browser to try to load the page again... and it sends out another request for them to send you the contents of the webpage. This should be the first thing you try. If doing this drops you from a video call, simply rejoin the same ongoing video call.

Chromebook Troubleshooting Page

Slow Network Speeds

The connection you have to the internet is through your Modem & Router (often both in same device nowadays) will have it's own maximum speed that it can get things from the internet, and a separate speed for which it can send things out to the internet. These speeds depend on the teir of service you pay for. Any devices connecting via Wi-Fi are going to be slower than the maximum speeds.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is typically slower when shared with several devices in the home. You can make sure other devices are powered off. Any of these devices can add to additional slowdown of your connection:

Computers, Smart TV's, Video Game systems, Smartphones, Tablets, Smart Home devices, Wi-Fi Range externders, Smart Watches, Some Wireless Speakers, and several more.

Wi-Fi can be disrupted by certain devices as well depending on the channel it's using. Microwaves, Cordless phones, and even Airport Radar can affect the signal quality of Wi-Fi. Refer to the user manual for your Modem/Router on how to change the channels being used. A Simple Google search can bring you instructions on how to check which channels would work best and have the least interferance. Contact your Internet Service Provider for help in looking into these settings.

Wi-Fi Hotspots

Wi-Fi Hotspots work a little bit differently...They work similarly to how your smartphone connects to the internet, and then they share that connection with you by making it's own Wi-Fi network like your Modem/Router would do at home.

These devices typically have much slower speeds than you would find with a standard Wi-Fi connection that was connected to the internet through cables. Hotspots get their connection to the internet wirelessly, through cell phone towers. If you do not have good reception on the hotspot, then this will noticably impact the maximum speed at which the internet responds on your device.

Hotspot Troubleshooting Page

Test the Speed of your Internet Connection.

You can use a speed test to test your network.

Google:

Do a Google Search for "Internet Speed Test" and then Click "Run Test" it will take a few minutes to run.

Speedtest.net

This is a popular speed test: https://www.speedtest.net/

Incompatible Software

Even something like a Chrome extension can potentially cause problems. Only have on extensions that are vital.

Be sure to make sure your software is up-to date.

Quit any apps that are open that don't need to be for what you are currently doing.

What Else Can I do?

Even though it doesn't seem like turning the deivce off, and on again doesn't sound like it will help, but it often does. Be sure to try turning things off and on again. This should always be one of the first things you try, as it's thea easiest, and does solve many problems.

Chromebooks, like most modern computers will boot up very quickly, and you'll be back in action in no time.

Turning off power to your Modem/Router can often times resolve issues with yout own network at home, however it can often take 5-15 minutes for some to come back full online after turning them back on.

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