Telehealth Technical Requirements
Check these requirements before your first telehealth session to avoid last-minute problems.
Supported browsers
| Browser | Minimum version |
|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Version 90 or above (recommended) |
| Microsoft Edge | Version 90 or above |
| Firefox | Version 85 or above |
| Safari | Version 14 or above (macOS and iOS) |
Internet Explorer is not supported.
Device requirements
Computer (desktop or laptop)
- A webcam (built-in or external)
- A microphone (built-in or external; headset strongly recommended)
- Speakers or headphones
Tablet or smartphone
- A device with a front-facing camera
- iOS 14 or later (iPhone or iPad) or Android 10 or later
- Use the device's built-in browser — Safari on iOS, Chrome on Android
Internet speed
| Session type | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Individual session | 1 Mbps upload / 1 Mbps download | 3 Mbps upload / 3 Mbps download |
| Group session | 3 Mbps upload / 3 Mbps download | 5 Mbps upload / 5 Mbps download |
You can check your current speed at speedtest.net before your session.
Testing your setup
Before your first session, take a few minutes to test each component:
- Camera — Open your device's camera app and confirm video is working
- Microphone — Use your device's voice recorder app to make a short recording and play it back
- Internet — Run a speed test to confirm your connection meets the requirements above
- Browser — Open your portal and check that the Join Waiting Room button appears on your upcoming appointment
Setting up your environment
- Choose a quiet, private room where you will not be interrupted
- Sit facing a window or lamp — avoid sitting with a light source behind you, as this makes your face hard to see
- Place your device on a stable surface — avoid holding your phone during a session
- Close unnecessary apps and browser tabs to free up bandwidth and processing power
- If using Wi-Fi, sit as close to your router as practical, or connect via an ethernet cable if your device supports it
Headphones
Using headphones (wired or Bluetooth) is strongly recommended. They:
- Improve audio quality for both you and your practitioner
- Reduce echo and audio feedback
- Provide greater privacy, especially in shared living spaces
Troubleshooting
If you run into problems during or before a session, see Telehealth Troubleshooting for step-by-step fixes for the most common issues.