Articles on: Video Consultations

Video Calls in WriteUpp - A Guide for Participants

If you’ve been invited to a video appointment hosted on WriteUpp, here’s everything you need to know to join the call and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Accessing the Call

You’ll receive a Join Link from your clinician or service provider (the host) ahead of the appointment.

This link may be found in an appointment confirmation or reminder for the session. If not, you should contact the host for this.

Simply click the link to access the session. You’ll be taken to a screen showing the meeting details and a countdown to the session start time. Click ‘Join Meeting’ to access the waiting room and set up your session.

Please note: You won’t be able to click ‘Join Meeting’ until 5 minutes before the scheduled start time of your appointment. If the meeting has already started, you'll skip this screen and be taken straight to the waiting room.

Setting Up Before Joining the Call

Once you are in the online waiting room, you can:

Use the microphone, speaker and camera dropdowns to choose your devices.
A video preview will be present. Click ‘Start preview’ to turn on your camera
Click the speaker icon to play a test sound and make sure you can hear it.
Click the microphone icon to turn it on/off. Test that it is working before you start.

Here is your opportunity to make sure everything is working as expected prior to joining the call!

Once you're happy with your setup:

Enter your name. Keep it short but make sure it is a name the host is expecting - they may not admit you if they don’t recognise it!
Click ‘Ready to Join’

Waiting for the Host

After sending your request, you’ll remain in the waiting room until the host accepts your request to join the call.

The host must approve you before you can enter the session.

Calls currently support one host and one participant. Keep an eye out for group calling - coming soon!

In the Call

Once admitted, you’ll be taken into the call room.

Here, you’ll have access to the following icons in the bottom toolbar:

Microphone toggle (on/off)
Camera toggle (on/off)
Device selectors to change your microphone or camera. Use the ^ symbol next to the mic/camera icons to open the device dropdowns.

A troubleshooting panel, where you can check call quality and find links to helpful troubleshooting articles. Click the ^ symbol next to the icon to open the panel.

A ‘Leave Call’ button, if needed. This allows you to disconnect from the call. If you leave, you'll have the option to rejoin but the host will have to accept you back in.

Want to enable 'mirroring my video’? In the self view, click the arrows icon to switch between a mirrored and non-mirrored view of yourself.

Using the Chatbox

On the left-hand side of the screen, you’ll find a chatbox. Click the chat icon to open it:

You can use this to:

Send messages to the host
Receive messages during the session

A red notification will appear on the Chat icon if you have a new message.

Tips for a Smooth Call

Ensure you have the correct microphone and camera devices selected - always test them before joining the call!
Make sure your internet connection is stable
If you’re having trouble during the call, use the troubleshooting panel for guidance
If you're having issues joining your session, due to a missing link or problems accessing the call, please get in touch with the host, who will be able to assist you.

For more troubleshooting options, please click here.

Updated on: 19/08/2025

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