How to Attend a Microsoft Teams Meeting

How do I make a Microsoft Teams appointment

Social Security offers virtual appointments using Microsoft Teams for certain transactions. To see if you qualify for a Microsoft Teams appointment, please contact your local Social Security office.

Before you get started

To use Microsoft Teams, you will need a computer, tablet, or mobile device with reliable internet connection.

PC and Mac users can join a Microsoft Teams meeting through their browser or using the Microsoft Teams application (app). Supported browsers include Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. iPhone and Android users must download the Microsoft Teams application from the App Store or Google Play. To communicate with Social Security, you do not need to sign up for a Microsoft Teams account.

Before joining a Microsoft Teams meeting with Social Security, please make sure you:

  • Adequately charge your device.
  • Have a functioning microphone and web enabled camera.
  • Unmute your microphone and/or headset.
Note: If you will be using the Microsoft Teams app to join the meeting, please make sure to download it before the day of your appointment.

Joining a Microsoft Teams video meeting

Laptop/desktop users: follow these seven steps to join your scheduled meeting with Social Security:

  1. Go to the email invitation you received from Social Security and select Join Microsoft Teams Meeting.
  2. This will open a webpage. If you do not already have the Microsoft Teams app, you will have two options: Download the app and/or Join on the web instead. If you already have the Microsoft Teams app installed on your device, you will have a third option to join the meeting using the app.
    3. screenshot of MS Teams ways to join options
  3. Choose how you would like to join your MS Teams meeting.
  4. If you are asked if it is okay for Microsoft Teams to use your microphone and camera, be sure to allow it so you are seen and heard during the meeting.
  5. Enter your name (first and last) and make sure your camera and microphone are enabled.
    6. screenshot of MS Teams name entry field
  6. When you are ready, select Join now.
  7. This will bring you to the lobby and notifies the meeting hosts that you are there. Someone will admit you to the meeting.
    8. screenshot of MS Teams Lobby

Mobile users: follow these six steps to join your scheduled meeting with Social Security:

  1. If you do not already have the MS Teams App, go to app store for your device and download the Microsoft Teams app.
  2. Go to the email invitation you received from Social Security and select Join Microsoft Teams Meeting.
  3. This will open the MS Teams app. Select Join as a guest.
    4. screenshot of MS Teams Join as a Guest option
  4. If you are asked if it is okay for Microsoft Teams to use your microphone and camera, be sure to allow it so you are seen and heard during the meeting.
  5. Enter your name (first and last) and select Join meeting.
    6. screenshot of MS Teams Enter name entry field and Join meeting button
  6. This will bring you to the lobby and notifies the meeting hosts that you are there. Someone will admit you to the meeting.
    7. screenshot of MS Teams lobby feature where you wait until host lets you into the meeting

Troubleshooting

Poor sound or video quality:

Ensure that there are no other devices streaming on your network. Close any other tabs and/or apps on your computer or mobile device.

Audio Challenges:

Check to make sure your speakers are enabled. Ensure the volume is unmuted and turned up on your device and that the app has access to your microphone.

When you enter a Microsoft Teams meeting, make sure the microphone button in the app is not on mute. If you see a line through the microphone icon on your computer, it means that you are currently on mute (silenced). You need to select the microphone button to unmute yourself.

screenshot of MS Teams with microphone muted
screenshot of MS Teams with microphone unmuted

If you are having challenges hearing other participants during a Microsoft Teams meeting, please use a headset for better audio quality. If you are using a headset, make sure the headset is not muted, and the volume is up. You can also remove your mobile or tablet case, as it might block your speaker/microphone.

Video Challenges:

Please make sure the video button in the app is on. If you see a line through the video icon on your computer, it means your video is currently turned off. To turn on your video, select Turn camera on in your tool bar. If your computer has a webcam cover, please make sure the cover is removed before joining a Microsoft Teams meeting.

screenshot of MS Teams with camera option off screenshot of MS Teams with camera on

If you are experiencing poor video quality, you may want to check for other devices streaming on your network and stop them.