(Un)mute from anywhere
Did you know that you can just mute/unmute yourself in video calls with one simple click? No need to search for the right window/tab in panic if someone asks you a question.
In my first article of this series I explained how you can use your smartphone as webcam for improved image quality. As that seemed helpful to many of you I decided to create a series of bite-sized tips to improve your working from home.
You might be familiar with this situation: You are in a video call. It’s not your turn to speak and — as it became best practice — you are muted. You are taking notes, instant messaging someone, writing an email,… when suddenly someone asks you a question.
In panic reaction you are searching for the window/tab with the video call to unmute yourself. Is it Zoom? Is it MS Teams? Is a Google Meet call? Time is running. Everyone is waiting for your answer and telling you “You are on mute.” You finally found the right window but you are still searching for the right keyboard shortcut or button to unmute.
Another couple of seconds pass until you finally unmute yourself to say:
“Sounds good to me.”
Good news: That’s not necessary.
You just need the right app on your computer to mute and unmute yourself with one click or keypress.
For macOS
If you’re running on macOS just go to the AppStore and download MuteKey.
For Windows
If you’re running on Windows just download MicMute and configure it as described here: https://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/mute-unmute-the-mic-with-a-keyboard-shortcut-on-windows-10/
