Browser and Device Requirements for Live Class
Live Class runs directly in your web browser, so you don't need to install additional software to join a session. However, browser compatibility, device capabilities, and network conditions can affect which features you can use.
1. Check Your Browser Compatibility
Live Class supports the following browsers:
| Browser | Desktop | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Supported | Android |
| Microsoft Edge (Chromium) | Supported | Android |
| Mozilla Firefox | Supported | Android |
| Safari | macOS | iOS |
| Brave, Opera, and other Chromium browsers | Supported | Android |
For the best experience, use an up-to-date browser. Older versions may not support all the capabilities required for live sessions.
Important: On iPhones and iPads, all browsers use Apple's underlying browser engine. Chrome and Firefox on iOS therefore share Safari's limitations.
Browsers Not Supported
Internet Explorer: Does not support the required WebRTC capabilities.
Legacy Microsoft Edge: The older, non-Chromium version is not supported. Install the current version of Edge.
In-app browsers: Browsers built into Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, WeChat, Snapchat, TikTok, and similar apps may block camera and microphone access.
If you open a session link inside a social media or messaging app, switch to a supported browser:
Open the menu in the in-app browser.
On iPhone or iPad, select Open in Safari.
On Android, select Open in Chrome or your preferred supported browser.
Alternatively, copy the session link and paste it into your browser's address bar.
2. Check Requirements for Each Feature
Different Live Class features require different browser capabilities.
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Watching and listening | Supported browser |
| Microphone | Supported browser and microphone permission |
| Camera | Supported browser and camera permission |
| Screen sharing | Desktop browser for full support |
| Audio output selection | Chrome, Edge, or Firefox on desktop |
| Background blur | Recent Chrome or Edge on desktop |
| Live captions | Chrome or Edge; partial support in Safari; not supported in Firefox |
3. Understand Screen-Sharing Requirements
Screen-sharing capabilities depend on your browser and device.
| Browser or device | Screen sharing | System audio |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome, Edge, and Opera on desktop | Tab, window, or entire screen | Supported |
| Firefox on desktop | Supported, including video | Limited or unavailable |
| Safari on macOS 13 or later | Screen or window; limited tab capture | Not supported |
| Android browsers | Limited or unavailable, depending on OS version | Not supported |
| iPhone and iPad | Not available | Not supported |
Important:
Screen sharing is not available from an iPhone or iPad because of an Apple platform limitation.
Use a computer if you need to present your screen.
For sharing a video with its audio, use Chrome or Edge on a desktop computer for the most reliable system-audio capture.
4. Understand How Session Recording Works
Live Class recordings are processed on the server rather than directly in your browser.
This means:
Your browser choice does not determine recording quality.
Temporary connection issues on your device do not directly degrade the server-produced recording.
Closing your laptop does not stop an ongoing server-side recording.
You can record a session from any supported browser, including Safari on iOS.
Streaming to external destinations is also handled server-side.
5. Check Your Device Requirements
Make sure your device meets the requirements for the features you plan to use.
Watching and listening: Use a reasonably modern computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Camera and microphone: Ensure your device has working hardware and that browser permissions are granted.
Large sessions: Your device must process every visible video tile. Older laptops may struggle when many participants' videos are displayed.
If a session feels slow when multiple video tiles are visible, switch to the speaker layout, which displays one large tile and a smaller filmstrip.
For more information, see How Many Video Feeds Can Be on Screen.
6. Check Your Network Connection
Live Class automatically adjusts media quality based on your available connection. There is no single fixed minimum speed for every session.
For a better experience:
Use a wired connection when possible. Wi-Fi is generally preferable to mobile data.
Check your upload speed if your camera or screen sharing looks poor to other participants.
Turn off your camera if you experience connection issues. This is often the most effective way to reduce network load.
Allow the session to adjust its quality automatically as network conditions change.
Video quality may decrease before audio quality does, helping participants continue communicating during weaker connections.
7. Check Secure Connection and Page Access
Two additional requirements can prevent participants from joining.
Open Live Class directly
Live Class session, live, and launch pages must open directly in a browser tab or window. They cannot run inside an iframe because embedded pages can interfere with camera access, screen sharing, and audio playback.
If Live Class is embedded in another page, open the session separately.
Use HTTPS
Live Class requires a secure HTTPS connection because browsers restrict camera and microphone access on insecure connections. Session links use HTTPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which browser should I recommend to attendees?
Recommend Chrome or Edge on desktop for the widest feature support, reliable screen sharing, and fewer compatibility issues.
2. Can attendees join from a phone?
Yes. Attendees can use Safari on iOS or supported browsers such as Chrome and Firefox on Android to watch, listen, speak, and use their cameras. Screen sharing is not available on iPhones or iPads.
3. What should I check if someone's camera isn't working?
Check the following in order:
Confirm they are not using an in-app browser.
Ensure they have granted camera permission.
Check whether another application is using the camera.
Confirm that the correct camera is selected in the device settings.
4. Why is the audio output selector missing?
Selecting a specific audio output device requires browser support that Safari does not provide, including on iOS. Audio output follows the device's system settings instead.
5. Do attendees need an account to join?
No. Attendees can open the session link and enter a display name.
6. Will an older browser still work?
Older browsers may lack required capabilities. If Live Class displays a compatibility warning, switch to a current supported browser rather than attempting to continue with an unsupported setup.
Conclusion
For the best Live Class experience, use an up-to-date supported browser, grant the required device permissions, and maintain a stable network connection. Recommend Chrome or Edge on desktop for sessions that involve screen sharing or other advanced features.
