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Video conferencing has become the de facto way to work these days, but there's nothing worse than joining a call only to realize that your hair is disheveled or that your microphone input isn't working. Thankfully, Google added a new feature to Google Meet that lets you check how you look and sound before joining that next call. We'll show you how to use this new Google Meet "green room" so that you're the most prepared person for the meeting.

How to use Google Meet's virtual green room to check yourself before a call

1. Open up Google Meet in a browser window.

2. Click to create or start a meeting.

   

3. Before you join a meeting, tap on the box to the bottom left of your video preview that says Check your audio and video.

   

4. Make sure that the selected microphone, speaker, and camera settings are correct.

5. Click Next.

   

6. Click Start to record a sample video to test your inputs.

   

7. Click on the play button to review your recording to make sure that you look and sound the way you want.

8. If you are unhappy with the recording, you can click Check again to try once more.

   

9. When everything is the way you want, go ahead and click on the big green Join now button.

   

It should be noted that this new "green room" feature is only available to paid Google Workspace customers, but if your organization or school uses Google Meet, chances are that you have access to it. Now you have no excuse to not look and sound your best for that all-important client call or team meeting. If you find that you do not sound as good as you'd hoped, then you might want to invest in some of the best wireless headphones for Google Meet calls, or even a good webcam light setup. And if all else fails, you can distract your fellow callers from your appearance with a fun custom Google Meet background!

Our top equipment picks

If you want to make sure you can hear that Google Meet call the way it was intended and that your colleagues can see you in your best light, consider picking up one of these web conferencing accessories.

Best headphones for web conferencing

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

$379 at Amazon $379 at Best Buy $379 at Walmart

Comfortable sounding

The Bose 700s have outstanding active noise cancellation and excellent sound quality for you, and they deliver great call quality for your colleagues. Plus, they feel great on the head.

Light it up

Lume Cube Kit

$70 at Amazon $80 at Best Buy

Ready to roll

The Lume Cube video conference lighting kit includes a suction cup holder to secure it to your laptop or monitor. It is battery-powered, but there is also a USB cable for continuous power if you need it.