By Jacqueline N. Torres-Carbo · U.S. Notary Authority — Online Notarization, Loan Signing & Apostille Services
Most tech check failures come down to one of five things, and each takes about two minutes to fix. Work down this page in order and retest after each step.
The two-minute fix list
Allow your camera and microphone.
Use a current browser, not an in-app one.
Close any other app that's using your camera.
Get a steady connection.
Set up your room and your ID.
Nothing on this page is recorded. Your camera preview stays on your device.
1. Allow your camera and microphone
Your browser asks permission the first time a page wants your camera. Tapped "Block" or "Don't allow" by accident? Here's how to undo it.
In the browser (any device)
Tap or click the icon at the left end of the address bar (a lock or a settings symbol).
Set Camera and Microphone to Allow.
Reload the page and run the tech check again.
iPhone and iPad
Safari: open Settings › Apps › Safari (on older iOS, Settings › Safari). Set Camera and Microphone to Ask or Allow.
Chrome: open Settings › Apps › Chrome and turn on Camera and Microphone.
Android
Open Settings › Apps › Chrome › Permissions. Set Camera and Microphone to Allow only while using the app.
Windows 11
Open Settings › Privacy & security › Camera.
Turn on Camera access, Let apps access your camera and Let desktop apps access your camera.
Repeat under Privacy & security › Microphone.
Mac
Open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera.
Turn on your browser.
Repeat under Microphone, then quit and reopen the browser.
2. Use a current browser, not an in-app one
Use an up-to-date Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox. Your notary's platform lists exactly which ones it supports in your session link email.
Opened the link inside an email, text or social media app? That's an in-app browser, and it often blocks the camera. Tap the menu and choose Open in browser (or Open in Safari or Chrome).
Update your browser. Chrome and Edge: menu › Help › About, then restart. Safari updates with your iPhone, iPad or Mac software.
Turn off your VPN for the session. Identity checks and connection quality work best without one.
3. Free up your camera
On many devices only one app can use the camera at a time. If your preview stays black:
Fully close Zoom, Teams, FaceTime, Webex, Google Meet and any other video app, including ones running in another tab.
Reload the tech check.
Still black? Restart your device. It fixes more than you'd think.
Using an external webcam or headset? Unplug it, plug it back in, and pick it in the browser's camera and microphone settings.
4. Get a steady connection
A frozen video can end a session before it's done, so fix the connection first.
Move closer to your Wi-Fi router, or plug your computer in with a cable.
Weak Wi-Fi? Try cellular, and the other way around.
Pause the bandwidth hogs on your network: streaming, gaming, big downloads and cloud backups.
Run a speed test at speedtest.net or fast.com. Our rule of thumb is at least 5 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up for a smooth session.
5. Set up your room and your ID
Light in front of you, not behind you. A window or lamp behind you turns your face into a silhouette.
Quiet room, phone or laptop propped up, and plan to stay put for the whole session.
ID out of your wallet. Every signer needs a current, unexpired government-issued photo ID. Slide it out of any sleeve so the camera gets a clean shot.
Two or more signers on one device? Sit side by side so everyone stays in frame, and each signer verifies their own ID.
Signers on separate devices? Each signer runs this checklist on their own device before the session.
Still stuck? We've got you
Tech should never stand between you and a signed document.
A notary comes to you. Switch to Mobile ASAP and a notary drives to your door. Your details carry over.
Rather pick a time? Book at TheUSNotary.com/book.
Talk to a human. Call or text (202) 743-8188, or email USNotaryAuthority@outlook.com.