📚 FAQ — Settings & How to Use
Step-by-step guide to TinyChats settings, including how to change your microphone and camera.
⚙️ How do I open Settings?
In a room, look at the bottom control bar (where the microphone and video buttons are).
- Click the ⚙️ gear icon (Settings).
- The settings panel opens. You may need to verify first (click Verify if you see it) before the gear is available.
- Tap or click the 🎥 Audio/Video section header to expand it if it’s collapsed.
All device and audio/video options are under 🎥 Audio/Video.
🎤 How do I change my microphone?
Use the Microphone dropdown in settings.
- Step 1: Open Settings (⚙️) and expand 🎥 Audio/Video.
- Step 2: Find the Microphone: label. Under it is a dropdown list of all microphones your browser can see (built-in mic, headset, USB mics, etc.).
- Step 3: Click the dropdown and choose the microphone you want (e.g. “Headset Microphone”, “Built-in Microphone”, “Default”).
- Step 4: If you’re already broadcasting, your mic switches to the new device automatically. If you haven’t started broadcasting yet, your choice is saved and will be used when you start.
Tip: If you don’t see your mic, allow TinyChats (and your browser) access to the microphone when prompted. On Windows/macOS you may need to allow the browser in System Settings > Privacy > Microphone.
📹 How do I change my camera (video input)?
Use the Camera dropdown in settings.
- Step 1: Open Settings (⚙️) and expand 🎥 Audio/Video.
- Step 2: Find the Camera: label. Under it is a dropdown list of all cameras (e.g. built-in webcam, external USB camera, “Front” / “Back” on phones).
- Step 3: Click the dropdown and choose the camera you want.
- Step 4: If you’re already broadcasting, your video switches to the new camera automatically. If you haven’t started broadcasting yet, your choice is saved and will be used when you start.
You can also choose “No camera” (or similar) to join with audio only. Video size and frame rate (see below) also auto-apply when you change them while broadcasting.
Tip: If your camera list is empty, grant the site permission to use the camera when the browser asks. Check System Settings > Privacy > Camera (or equivalent) so the browser is allowed to access the camera.
📐 Video size and frame rate (FPS)
In 🎥 Audio/Video you’ll see:
- Video Size: 640×480 (SD), 1280×720 (HD), 1920×1080 (Full HD), or 3840×2160 (4K). SD uses less bandwidth; 4K is highest quality.
- Frame rate (FPS): 15, 24, 30, or 60 FPS. Higher FPS is smoother (e.g. for gameplay) but uses more CPU and bandwidth.
When you’re broadcasting, changing Video Size or FPS takes effect automatically. Otherwise your choice is saved for when you start.
🔇 Echo cancellation
Under 🎥 Audio/Video there is an Echo Cancellation toggle. Turn it On to reduce echo and feedback (e.g. when others hear their voice from your speakers). Turn it Off if your audio sounds wrong or you use an external echo-cancelling device.
Your choice is saved and will apply the next time you start broadcasting or when you switch microphone.
🔔 Other settings
In the same panel you’ll find:
- 🔒 Room Settings (if you’re the room owner): guest access, open mic, password, etc.
- 🔔 Notifications: PM sound, chatroom sound, gift sound, allow guest PMs, hide gifts in chat, leaderboards.
- 👤 Profile: profile picture URL and bio (bio saves automatically).
Toggle or edit what you want. Notification toggles and profile (picture, bio) save automatically; device changes apply when you switch the dropdown (if broadcasting) or when you start your broadcast.
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