> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.dscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.dscout.com/interview-studies/conduct-an-interview-session/manage-camera-audio-and-microphone-during-an-interview-session.md).

# Manage camera audio and microphone during an interview session

If you want to turn off your camera or mute yourself during an interview session, you can do so directly in the interview window. Here, you can also blur your background, select a new camera device, or change your audio inputs and outputs.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** These settings are only available to session **moderators** and **participants**, as observers and guests are neither seen nor heard during interview sessions.
{% endhint %}

## Disable camera

If you need to step away for a moment, you can easily toggle your camera off and on during your session.

To turn your camera on or off, click the **Camera** icon in the bottom right of the interview window:

![](/files/4196c785a6012888696b19fa6ebbf6026840f2ac)

When your camera is off, the icon turns red and your video is replaced by your initials during the session and recording. To turn your camera back on, click the icon again. The icon turns blue and your video resumes.

## Blur background

Blurring your camera background can help maintain participant focus if you’re in a public place or if you’re in a busy environment. It can also help maintain your privacy if you’re conducting sessions from your home.

**To blur your background during an interview session:**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
During your session, click the **Session settings** icon in the bottom right corner. The session settings menu is displayed.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Set the **Blur background** toggle **ON**.

![](/files/8c299d5ba08d6da7cf9653ab9f31192b9f1827c0)
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Now, the background in your video feed is blurred. To disable this, return to this setting and toggle it OFF.

## Disable microphone

If you want to mute yourself during an interview session, you can do so from the bottom toolbar during your session.

To turn your microphone on or off, click the **Microphone** icon in the bottom right of the interview window:

![](/files/1410bd2070e76e9b232dc38a29e59f192f658e9d)

When your microphone is off, the icon turns red and your audio is muted during the session and recording. To turn your microphone back on, click the icon again. The icon turns blue and your audio resumes.

## Disable noise cancellation

By default, noise cancellation is enabled during interview sessions. This helps cut down on background noise for you and your participants, especially if you’re in a public place. However, you can disable this if your microphone doesn’t seem to be picking up the audio you want it to.

**To disable noise cancellation:**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
During your session, click the **Session settings** icon in the bottom right corner. The session settings menu is displayed.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Set the **Noise cancellation** toggle **OFF**.

![](/files/28c360ce6de962d8392f30cee3682cfe9494325c)
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Now, noise cancellation is disabled and more audio from your surroundings will be captured. To enable noise cancellation again, return to this setting and toggle it ON.

## Change camera or audio device

Your camera and audio inputs/outputs are selected during the hardware check before you join a session. But if you need to change these devices for any reason, you can do so directly within your session.

**To change your camera or audio input during an interview session:**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
During your session, click the **Session settings** icon in the bottom right corner. The session settings menu is displayed.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select the desired device from the **Camera**, **Audio input**, and **Audio output** drop-downs.

![](/files/69f2908bd85f27c5ee81704edc2791402b91d0da)
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Now, your session continues using the selected devices. The session recording continues regardless of your selection, so be sure to select the correct device as early in the session as possible to avoid interruptions.


---

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