The “How Was the Call Quality?” feedback feature in Microsoft Teams helps users evaluate the performance of their calls. When you finish a call, Teams may prompt you to share your experience by answering this quick question. This feedback helps IT teams and administrators identify common issues and improve overall call quality.
Providing honest feedback is important because it gives insight into real-world problems like audio delays, dropped calls, or echo sounds. It also helps troubleshoot specific issues, ensuring Teams calls run smoothly for everyone. Whether you had a perfect experience or faced challenges, your input contributes to a better communication environment.
Now, let’s explore how this feature works and how you can understand and interpret the feedback options provided in Teams.
Understanding the Purpose of “How Was the Call Quality” Feedback
This feedback prompt appears at the end of a Teams call. Its main purpose is to gather user insights about call performance. The data collected can identify common network issues, audio problems, or video quality challenges. IT teams analyze this feedback to resolve issues proactively and improve future call experiences.
For example, if many users report poor audio quality, the IT team might suggest network adjustments or hardware upgrades. If users often complain about video lag, they can investigate bandwidth issues. This makes the feedback feature a valuable tool for maintaining and enhancing Teams’ reliability.
How to Use the Feedback Feature Effectively
- Respond honestly: When prompted, select the option that best describes your experience. Choices usually include Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor.
- Be specific if possible: Some feedback forms may include optional comments. Use this space to mention specific problems like echo, delays, or disconnections.
- Report recurring issues: If you experience consistent problems, mention them in your feedback to help in troubleshooting.
- Follow up if needed: If your feedback indicates a severe problem, inform your IT support team directly for faster resolution.
What happens after you give feedback?
Once submitted, your feedback is collected and analyzed by IT or Teams administrators. They review reports to identify patterns or recurring issues. If many users report similar problems, they may schedule targeted maintenance or upgrade infrastructure. This process leads to improved call quality and a better user experience across your organization.
Remember that your honest and detailed feedback can significantly impact troubleshooting and system improvements. It helps create a smoother, more reliable communication environment for everyone.
Why Call Quality Feedback Matters for Your Meetings
Gathering call quality feedback is essential for improving your meetings in Microsoft Teams. When participants report issues like dropped calls, audio disruptions, or video lag, it helps identify the root causes. Addressing these problems quickly can lead to smoother, more productive meetings and a better experience for everyone involved.
Call quality feedback provides valuable insights into network problems, device issues, or software glitches. Without understanding what users are experiencing, it can be difficult to find effective solutions. By actively collecting feedback, you can pinpoint specific troubles and fix them before they impact crucial meetings or collaboration efforts.
For example, if multiple team members report audio cutting out during calls, it might indicate a Wi-Fi issue or insufficient bandwidth. Promptly acting on this feedback can prevent recurring problems. It also helps IT teams prioritize fixes, such as upgrading network equipment or adjusting settings.
How to Collect Call Quality Feedback in Microsoft Teams
- Encourage participants to use built-in reporting features. During or after a meeting, ask team members to report any issues directly through Teams. They can click on the call or meeting details to submit feedback about call quality problems.
- Set up periodic feedback surveys. Use tools like Microsoft Forms or polls within Teams to regularly gather input on call experiences. Keep surveys simple to maximize participation.
- Monitor call analytics and reports. Microsoft Teams offers call health dashboards for admins. These dashboards display data on call quality, dropped calls, latency, and more, helping identify patterns over time.
- Encourage open communication. Create a culture where team members feel comfortable reporting issues without hesitation. Clear channels for feedback can lead to faster troubleshooting.
Why Feedback Helps Troubleshoot and Improve Calls
Every piece of feedback acts as a clue to identify the underlying cause of call issues. If multiple users report audio delays, you might investigate network congestion or check if specific devices need updates. Constant feedback can reveal recurring problems that require strategic fixes.
For example, a company noticed frequent video freezing during meetings. Using feedback data, they discovered that their internet connection was bandwidth-limited during peak hours. Upgrading their internet plan or optimizing network traffic resolved the issue.
Collecting feedback also helps IT teams proactively maintain video and audio systems. It reduces the time spent troubleshooting on a case-by-case basis and saves valuable meeting time. The goal is to create a seamless and reliable meeting environment for all users.
Key Tips for Effective Call Quality Feedback
- Make feedback easy to submit—use quick forms or built-in reporting options.
- Regularly review analytics to spot patterns.
- Follow up on reported issues promptly to show users their feedback matters.
- Educate users on common troubleshooting steps, such as checking internet connections or microphone permissions.
Common Reasons for Call Quality Issues in Microsoft Teams
Experiencing call quality issues in Microsoft Teams can disrupt meetings and reduce productivity. These problems might be caused by various factors related to your device, network, or the Teams app itself. Understanding these common reasons can help you troubleshoot effectively and improve your Teams calling experience.
One of the most frequent causes is poor internet connectivity. If your internet connection is slow, unstable, or experiencing high latency, audio and video quality can suffer. This often results in choppy audio, frozen video, or dropped calls. Check your internet speed using online tools like Speedtest and ensure you have a stable connection, preferably via a wired Ethernet cable for better reliability.
Another common factor is insufficient device resources. If your computer or mobile device is running many applications simultaneously, it may struggle to handle the demands of a high-quality call. This can cause audio delays, video lag, or audio cutouts. Closing unnecessary programs and freeing up system resources can help improve call quality.
Microphone and speaker issues also often contribute to call problems. Faulty or improperly configured audio devices can lead to background noise, echo, or no sound at all. Make sure your microphone and speakers are properly connected, selected in Teams settings, and working correctly. Testing your audio devices before calls helps avoid surprises during meetings.
Software conflicts or outdated Teams app versions may also cause issues. Running an outdated version of Microsoft Teams can lead to bugs or compatibility problems, affecting call stability. Keep your Teams app updated to the latest version and restart it if you notice any glitches. Additionally, conflicting background applications, like VPNs or security software, can interfere with Teams’ network traffic.
Network restrictions such as firewalls, VPNs, or corporate security settings may block necessary ports used by Teams for call transmission. These restrictions can degrade call quality or prevent calls from connecting properly. If you suspect network limitations, consult your IT department or try connecting from a different network to see if performance improves.
Lastly, issues on the other party’s end can impact call quality. If participants have weak internet connections, outdated software, or faulty hardware, their experience may be affected. During a meeting, encourage everyone to use wired connections when possible and check their device settings for better audio and video performance.
By understanding these common causes, users can better identify what might be impacting their Microsoft Teams calls and take appropriate steps to improve their meeting quality. Whether it involves upgrading internet plans, updating software, or checking device settings, troubleshooting systematically can lead to smoother virtual meetings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Disabling Call Quality Feedback
If you find the “How Was the Call Quality?” feedback in Microsoft Teams unnecessary or disruptive, you can disable it. This feature prompts users to rate call quality after each meeting, but some prefer to turn it off for a smoother experience. Follow this simple guide to disable this feedback prompt and customize your Teams experience.
- Open Microsoft Teams: Launch the Teams application on your desktop. Make sure you are signed in with your account that has admin privileges if you want to disable the feature organization-wide.
- Access the Admin Center: If you are an administrator, go to your web browser and visit the Microsoft 365 admin center at https://admin.microsoft.com. Sign in with your admin credentials.
- Navigate to Teams Settings: In the admin center, select Teams from the side menu. Then, click on Meetings or Meeting policies depending on your interface.
- Create or Modify a Policy: To change settings for your entire organization, either edit an existing policy or create a new one. Click + Add to create a new policy, or select an existing policy to modify.
- Find Call Quality Feedback Settings: Scroll through the policy options until you locate the setting labeled Allow users to rate call quality after meetings or similar.
- Disable the Feedback Prompt: Toggle the setting off. This action prevents Teams from asking users to rate call quality after a meeting.
- Save Changes: Click Save or Apply to update the policy. If you created a new policy, assign it to the desired users or groups.
- Inform Users (Optional): If you changed settings organization-wide, notify users that the feedback prompt will no longer appear after meetings. This helps prevent confusion and ensures everyone knows about the change.
- Verify the Change: After a scheduled meeting, check if the feedback prompt appears. If you have successfully disabled it, users will no longer see the “How Was the Call Quality?” option.
Disabling call quality feedback can streamline your meetings and reduce interruptions. If you ever want to re-enable it, simply follow the same steps and toggle the setting back on. This flexibility allows you to customize your Microsoft Teams experience based on your team’s preferences.
Tips to Improve Call Quality in Microsoft Teams
Experiencing poor call quality during Microsoft Teams meetings can be frustrating. Whether you’re facing audio dropouts, buffering video, or lag, there are practical steps you can take to enhance your experience. Improving call quality involves optimizing your internet connection, device settings, and meeting environment. Below are proven tips to help you enjoy clearer, more reliable Teams calls.
- Check Your Internet Connection
Microsoft Teams relies heavily on a stable internet connection. A slow or fluctuating network can cause audio and video disruptions. Use a wired Ethernet connection if possible, as it tends to be more stable than Wi-Fi. If you must use Wi-Fi, place your device close to your router to reduce interference. Consider running a speed test to verify your upload and download speeds meet Teams’ recommended requirements, which are at least 1.2 Mbps for audio calls and higher for video.
- Close Unnecessary Apps and Tabs
Running multiple applications or browser tabs can consume bandwidth and system resources, affecting call quality. Before joining a meeting, close any programs that aren’t needed. If you’re using a web browser, mute or close other open tabs—especially those streaming videos or downloading files. This helps keep your device focused on the Teams call and minimizes background noise or performance issues.
- Optimize Your Audio Settings
Poor audio quality often results from microphone issues. Test your microphone before the meeting using Teams’ audio devices settings. Use a quality headset or earphones with a built-in microphone, which typically provides better sound than a built-in device. Enable noise suppression within Teams to reduce background noise. During the call, select the correct microphone and speaker from the device settings to ensure Teams uses the right hardware.
- Update Microsoft Teams and Device Drivers
Keeping your Teams app and device drivers up to date helps prevent compatibility issues. Check for updates within Teams by clicking your profile picture and selecting ‘Check for updates.’ For your operating system and hardware, visit the manufacturer’s website regularly to install the latest drivers. This reduces the likelihood of bugs that may cause audio and video glitches.
- Adjust Video and Meeting Settings
If video quality drops, try lowering the video resolution in Teams settings. Turn off incoming video or limit the number of video streams if bandwidth is tight. During meetings, ask participants to turn off their cameras if bandwidth is constrained. Also, enable ‘Low Data Mode’ in Teams to reduce data usage, which can improve performance on slower connections.
- Maintain a Good Meeting Environment
Find a quiet, well-lit space for meetings. Minimize background noise and interruptions. Inform others nearby to keep noise to a minimum during calls. Using a dedicated workspace helps your microphone pick up your voice clearly and reduces distractions for other participants.
| Common Issue | Potential Solution |
|---|---|
| Audio cutting in and out | Check internet stability, switch to wired Ethernet, or test different microphone hardware. |
| Video freezing or lagging | Lower video resolution, turn off incoming or outgoing video, and improve your internet connection. |
| Background noise or echo | Use a headset with noise-canceling features and enable noise suppression in Teams settings. |
Troubleshooting Call Quality Problems Effectively
If you’re experiencing call quality issues in Microsoft Teams, it can be frustrating and disruptive. Poor audio, dropped calls, or echoing are common problems that many users face. Fortunately, there are straightforward troubleshooting techniques to help identify and resolve these issues quickly.
- Check Your Internet Connection. A stable internet connection is crucial for good Teams call quality. Use a wired Ethernet cable if possible, as it provides a more reliable connection than Wi-Fi. You can test your internet speed by visiting a site like Speedtest.net. Ensure your download and upload speeds meet Microsoft’s recommended minimums—at least 1.2 Mbps for audio calls or 2 Mbps for video calls.
- Close Unnecessary Applications. Running many applications or browser tabs can consume bandwidth and system resources, affecting call quality. Before a call, close any programs that are not needed, especially bandwidth-heavy apps like streaming services or large downloads.
- Update Microsoft Teams and Your Device. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues. Make sure you have the latest version of Teams installed. Also, update your device’s operating system and drivers, particularly audio and network drivers, to ensure smooth communication.
- Check Your Hardware Settings. Make sure your microphone and speakers are properly connected and selected as default devices. In Teams, go to Settings > Devices and verify your input and output devices. You might want to test your microphone and speakers using the device’s built-in testing tools or other apps.
- Reduce Background Noise and Interferences. Background noise can cause echo and reduce call clarity. Use a quiet environment for calls. If possible, use a noise-canceling headset or microphone for clearer audio. Turning off other devices that may create interference can also help improve sound quality.
- Verify Network Configuration. Firewalls, VPNs, or network protocols might block Teams’ traffic, causing poor quality. Try disabling VPNs temporarily or consult your IT department to ensure Teams has the necessary permissions. You can also run the Microsoft Teams Network Assessment Tool to identify network issues.
- Perform a Call Test. Use Teams’ built-in device setup and call quality dashboard to monitor your connection. During a test call, note any issues with latency, jitter, or packet loss, which can indicate network problems. Adjust settings accordingly or contact your internet provider if persistent issues occur.
By carefully following these troubleshooting steps, most call quality problems in Microsoft Teams can be resolved. Remember, consistent updates, good hardware setup, and a stable internet connection are key to clear, uninterrupted meetings. If problems persist, contact your IT support or check Microsoft’s support resources for further guidance.
When and How to Re-enable Call Quality Feedback
Call quality feedback is a useful feature that helps improve the overall experience by providing insights into your call connection. Sometimes, users disable this feature either intentionally or accidentally, and they may wonder when and how to re-enable it to ensure better call performance. This section guides you through the common scenarios where re-enabling is beneficial and provides step-by-step instructions to do so easily.
When to Re-enable Call Quality Feedback
- You notice degraded call quality such as call drops, echo, or poor audio during calls.
- Before troubleshooting persistent call issues, re-enabling feedback can help gather more data for analysis.
- After a system update or device reset, feedback settings might revert to default, so check if it’s still enabled.
- If your organization’s IT policies require call quality reporting for monitoring and support.
How to Re-enable Call Quality Feedback
- Open the app or device settings where call preferences are managed. For most smartphones, this is found in the Settings app.
- Navigate to the section labeled Calls or Call Settings. The exact name varies depending on your device or app.
- Look for an option named Call Quality Feedback or Improve Call Quality. It may also be under advanced settings or privacy options.
- If the toggle switch beside this option is turned off, tap to re-enable it. Often, it is a simple switch labeled On or Enable.
- Once enabled, some devices or apps may ask for your permission to send anonymous data to service providers. Confirm any prompts to allow feedback collection.
- For enterprise or managed devices, you might need admin permissions. In that case, contact your IT administrator for assistance.
Additional Tips
- If you cannot find the option, consult the app’s help or support section for specific instructions.
- Keep your device and app updated to ensure all features, including call quality feedback, work correctly.
- Remember that enabling feedback may send anonymized data about your calls. Review privacy policies if you’re concerned.
- If enabling feedback does not resolve call issues, consider other troubleshooting steps such as checking network connection or updating device firmware.
Examples of Re-enabling in Popular Apps
| App/Device | Steps to Re-enable |
|---|---|
| Android Phone (Default Dialer) | Settings > Apps > Phone > Calls > Call Settings > Call Quality Feedback > Toggle On |
| Google Voice | Settings > Calls > Call Quality Feedback > Enable |
| Zoom | Settings > Meeting > In-Meeting (Basic) > Feedback & Statistics > Turn On |
Re-enabling call quality feedback helps both users and service providers identify issues early and improve overall call experience. Follow these simple steps whenever you need to activate this feature again, and stay connected smoothly.
