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Telehealth Technology Setup Guide

Published March 2026 · Last updated · Written and edited by Paul Paradis · Educational information – not medical or mental-health advice

What changed: Reworded phrases in the text, such as “comprehensive privacy guidance” to “guidance on keeping sessions private”. Before that, on October 29: cited the FCC Broadband Speed Guide (last updated July 18, 2022) for the minimum download speeds a personal video call needs: 1.5 Mbps for an HD personal video call and 6 Mbps for HD video teleconferencing.

A reliable technology setup is essential for getting the most out of telehealth, and the good news is that most people already have everything they need. The HRSA-funded National Telehealth Technology Assessment Resource Center suggests about 5 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload for live video; the sections below cover testing that, positioning a camera, and what to do when the call drops halfway through a session.

A closed laptop sits on a wooden desk beside a small plant.

Internet Connection Requirements

Minimum Speeds for Video Calls

How to Test Your Internet Speed

  1. Visit a speed test website (speedtest.net is commonly used)
  2. Click "Go" or "Start" to begin the test
  3. Note both download and upload speeds
  4. Test at the time you'll typically have appointments
  5. Test from the location where you'll take calls

Once your technology is ready, see our guide on preparing for your appointment and learn how telehealth works if you're new to virtual care.

Improving Your Connection

Choosing the Right Device

Computers (Recommended)

Laptops and desktops often provide the best experience:

Tablets

A good middle ground:

Smartphones

Best for flexibility, but have limitations:

Device Requirements

Most telehealth platforms require:

Camera Setup

Positioning

Lighting

Background

Audio Setup

Microphone Tips

Headphones vs. Speakers

Software and Platform Setup

Common Telehealth Platforms

Different providers use different platforms. Common ones include:

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Pre-Session Setup

  1. Download required apps: Do this well before your appointment
  2. Create accounts: Set up login credentials in advance
  3. Grant permissions: Allow access to camera and microphone
  4. Update software: Keep apps and browsers current
  5. Test the platform: Most have a test feature to check audio/video
  6. Bookmark the login page: Or save the app to your home screen

Browser Requirements

If using web-based telehealth:

Privacy and Security Setup

For more guidance on keeping sessions private, see our guide on keeping your sessions private and secure.

Physical Privacy

Digital Privacy

HIPAA Compliance

Check whether your telehealth platform is HIPAA-compliant:

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Video Not Working

  1. Check if camera permissions are granted
  2. Close any other app that may be using the camera
  3. Try closing and reopening the app
  4. Restart your device
  5. Check if there's a physical camera cover or switch
  6. Try a different browser if using web-based platform

Audio Not Working

  1. Check if microphone permissions are granted
  2. Verify the correct audio device is selected in settings
  3. Unmute yourself in the app
  4. Check volume levels on your device
  5. Try unplugging and replugging headphones
  6. Restart the app or browser

Poor Video Quality

Call Drops or Freezing

Creating Your Ideal Telehealth Space

Essential Elements

Helpful Additions

Pre-Appointment Checklist

  1. Device charged or plugged in
  2. Internet connection tested
  3. App or browser ready
  4. Camera and microphone working
  5. Headphones connected (if using)
  6. Lighting checked
  7. Background appropriate
  8. Phone silenced
  9. Other notifications turned off
  10. Private space secured
  11. Backup plan ready (phone number)

What the primary sources say

Telehealth.HHS.gov recommends testing your internet and device beforehand, keeping the camera steady and at eye level, checking your speakers or earphones, and closing other programs so your connection runs faster (Telehealth.HHS.gov). It also suggests signing on early, so you have time to message or call the office if video won't start.

For a sense of how much speed a session needs, the FCC's Broadband Speed Guide lists a minimum download speed of 1.5 Mbps for an HD personal video call and 6 Mbps for HD video teleconferencing, assuming one activity at a time. The FCC calls these rough guidelines, and other people streaming on the same connection raise what you need (FCC, Broadband Speed Guide, last updated July 18, 2022).

Talk to a licensed clinician: If tech problems keep cutting sessions short, ask your licensed clinician's office about a phone backup. The site's free AI guide can help you sort through questions, but it is not a therapist or doctor.

Sources

Checked .

Frequently asked questions

What internet speed do I need for telehealth video calls?

For basic video calls, you need at least 1.5 Mbps download and upload. HD video calls require 3-4 Mbps. For reliability and to handle fluctuations, 10+ Mbps is recommended. Test your speed at speedtest.net at the time and location where you'll have appointments.

Which device is best for telehealth appointments?

Computers (laptops or desktops) are recommended as they have larger screens, are more stable, and easier to position at eye level. Tablets are a good middle ground: more portable with larger screens than phones. Smartphones work for flexibility but have small screens and battery drain issues. Use a stand for tablets and phones to keep hands-free.

How do I fix video or audio problems during a telehealth call?

For video issues: check camera permissions, close any other app that may be using the camera, close and reopen the app, restart your device, or try a different browser. For audio issues: check microphone permissions, verify the correct audio device is selected, unmute yourself, check volume levels, or try unplugging and replugging headphones.

How should I set up lighting for a telehealth video call?

Face a light source: the light should be in front of you, not behind. Avoid sitting with a window behind you as this causes backlighting. Aim for soft, even light without harsh shadows. Natural light from a window in front of you is ideal. Ring lights are an affordable option for better lighting.

Should I use headphones for telehealth appointments?

Yes, headphones are recommended for better privacy (others can't hear your provider) and reduced echo. Wired headphones are more reliable than Bluetooth. Earbuds work, though over-ear headphones can be more comfortable for longer sessions. If using speakers, keep the volume moderate to prevent feedback.

How do I keep a telehealth session private at home?

For physical privacy, use a private room with a closed door, alert household members not to interrupt, use headphones, and consider a do not disturb sign. For digital privacy, avoid public WiFi, password protect your device and therapy apps, log out after sessions, use private browser mode, and clear your history if sharing a device.

Keep reading after telehealth tech setup

What this telehealth tech setup guide can and cannot do

What you read here about telehealth tech setup is general education only. Technical requirements may vary by platform and provider. Always follow your specific provider's instructions for technology setup.

If you're experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: don't rely on telehealth technology.

Sources

Who researched and edited this telehealth tech setup guide

Everything in this telehealth tech setup guide was written and edited by Paul Paradis, the founder and editor of Telehealth Navigator, whose background includes more than two years inside a forensic mental health hospital setting and a personal and family life that mental health runs through. He works by reading the source material most readers don’t have time to read, namely SAMHSA program documents, APA and NIMH guidance, and CMS telehealth policy, and he turns that reading into plain English, linking each original so you can check his work. Paul is not a licensed clinician, and nothing in this telehealth tech setup guide is medical advice, and the full process for how each guide is researched, reviewed, and updated is described in our editorial standards.