How to make calls in Slack?
How to do calls on Slack?
Slack is an online communication platform that offers a wide range of features for teams and companies. One of the most useful features of Slack is the ability to make voice and video calls, allowing for quick and effective communication between team members, even if they are working. remote form. In this article, we will explore Step by Step how to make calls in Slack and how to make the most of this feature to improve team collaboration and productivity.
1. Initial Call Setup in Slack
Setting up Slack calls in the desktop app
Once you've downloaded and installed the Slack app on your desktop, you can set up calling to start communicating with your teammates more directly. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open the Slack app
Launch the Slack app on your desktop. If you don't already have an account, you can create one by entering your email address and following the registration steps provided.
2. Go to call settings
Click the gear icon (represented by a nut) located in the lower left corner of the Slack interface. Next, select the “Call Settings” option from the drop-down menu.
3. Adjust calling preferences
In the call settings section, you'll find several options to customize your calling experience in Slack. You can choose your preferred audio device, as well as adjust the volume and notification settings for incoming calls. Remember to save the changes you make once you have finished adjusting the preferences.
Call settings in the Slack mobile app
If you prefer to make calls from your mobile device, you can also set this up in the Slack app on your smartphone. Follow these steps to set up calling on your phone:
1. Open the Slack app on your phone
Access the Slack app on your phone and, if you don't have an account yet, sign up as a new user.
2. Access the application settings
Tap the menu icon (represented by three horizontal lines) in the top left corner of the Slack interface to open the main menu. Next, scroll down and select the “Settings” option to access the app settings.
3. Activate calls
Within the app settings, tap the “Calls” option to enable calling in Slack. Make sure the option is checked as enabled in order to use this feature. Once enabled, you will be able to make and receive calls from your mobile device.
2. How to make a call in Slack
For make a call in Slack, you must first ensure that you have access to this functionality. Calling in Slack is available to all users with an account on the platform. Once you have access, you can start an individual or group call.
For start an individual call, simply click the phone icon at the top of the Slack window in the conversation with the person you want to call. This will open a call window where you can talk and chat in real time. Plus, you can share your screen if you need to show something during the call.
If you need make a group call In Slack, you can do this through a group conversation or channel. In the desired conversation or channel, click the phone icon and select the participants you want to invite to the call. Please note that there is a limit on the number of participants who can join a group call, so be sure to choose the right people for your call.
3. Advanced options during a call in Slack
There are different Advanced Options that you can use during a call in Slack to improve communication and collaboration with your colleagues. One of these options is to share your screen on real time, which is useful when you need to show a presentation or guide others through a specific process. To share your screen, simply click the “Share Screen” icon on the toolbar of the call and choose the screen you want to share. Remember that to use this feature, your team must have the paid Slack subscription.
Another advanced option during a call in Slack is record the call to review it later or share it with other team members who could not attend. To start recording, click the “Record Call” icon in the toolbar. Once the call is over, Slack will send you a notification with the link to download the recording. It's important to remember that you need to have the appropriate permissions to record a call in Slack and that this feature is also only available for teams with a paid subscription.
Finally, you can add subtitles in real time to a call in Slack, which is useful for people who are hearing impaired or those who prefer to read the content of the call rather than listen to it. To turn on subtitles, click the “Show Subtitles” icon in the toolbar during the call. Subtitles will be generated automatically as you speak, but please note that this feature is still experimental and may not be completely accurate.
4. Troubleshoot Common Slack Call Issues
If you're having trouble making calls in Slack, here are some solutions that might help:
1. Check your Internet connection: Before making a call, make sure you have a stable Internet connection. Check if other devices are using bandwidth on your network and close any applications or programs that may be consuming resources. If your connection is slow or unstable, this will likely affect call quality.
2. Check the permissions: If you can't join a call or don't have access to some features during a call, make sure Slack has the necessary permissions. Check your account settings and the channels you are trying to make the call on. If necessary, contact your Slack administrator for more information.
3. Update Slack and your operating system: Make sure you have the latest version of Slack and your operating system. Updates are usually solve problems known and improve overall performance. If you're using an outdated version of Slack, you may encounter issues when making calls.
5. Best practices for optimal call quality in Slack
Making calls in Slack is a efficient way to communicate and collaborate with your colleagues. However, to ensure optimal call quality, it is important to follow some best practices. First, make sure you have a stable, high-speed internet connection. An unstable connection can cause audio interruptions or problems during the call. If possible, use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for better stability.
Another important practice is to use a quality headset with a microphone. This will help reduce background noise and improve audio clarity. Also, avoid using external speakers as they can cause echo and distort the sound. When using a headset, make sure it is properly connected and configured on your device.
To optimize call quality, it is advisable to close all unnecessary applications and tabs on your device before starting the call in Slack. This will free up system resources and prevent possible interference. Additionally, if you are sharing your screen during the call, close any programs or windows that are not relevant to avoid distractions and improve call performance.
By following these best practices, you'll be able to enjoy a smooth, high-quality calling experience in Slack. Remember that good call quality is essential for effective and productive communication in remote work environments.
6. Integration of external applications in Slack calls
Slack offers a wide range of functions and features to facilitate team collaboration and communication. One of these functions is the possibility of making calls from the platform. Although Slack provides its own calling system, it is also possible to integrate external applications to improve call quality and efficiency.
To integrate external apps into Slack calls, you must first make sure that the app you want to use is compatible with Slack and is available in its app directory. Some of the popular apps to integrate are Zoom, Google Meet y Microsoft Teams. Once you've chosen the app you want to integrate, you can install it from the Slack app directory and grant the necessary permissions.
Once the app is installed and configured on your work computer, you can use it to make calls from Slack. To do this, simply mention the app in the channel or in any conversation where you want to start a call. The app will detect your mention and generate a link or command that will trigger the call in the built-in external app. This way, you can take advantage of the external app's interface and advanced features while staying in the context of your conversation in Slack.
7. Optimize collaboration during calls in Slack
To optimize collaboration during calls in Slack, it is important to keep some recommendations in mind. First, make sure you have a stable internet connection to avoid call interruptions. You can also improve call quality by connecting your device directly to the Router, instead of using a WiFi connection. If you experience call quality issues, consider using a headset to reduce background noise.
Second, before starting a call in Slack, it is advisable to check the availability of the participants. You can use Slack's status feature to see if someone is busy, on a call, or out of the office. This way, you can choose the right time to call and ensure that all participants can join the call without interruptions.
Third, during calls in Slack, it is essential to make effective use of the available features. Use the screen sharing option to show presentations, documents or any relevant content. Additionally, you can use the recording function to capture the call for later recording. Remember that you also have the possibility of send messages in parallel via Slack chat to share links, notes or ask questions during the call.