Minimum requirements may vary depending on the device and browser being used.
fWe recommend all users ensure they are meeting the minimum requirements for BigBlueButton HTML5 prior to their first live session.
If you would like to test your connection prior to joining, please feel free to do so at: https://test.bigbluebutton.org/.
Recommended Browsers
The recommended browsers are:
- Desktop/Laptop: Chrome, Firefox or Edge (latest versions)
- Mobile iOS (12.2+): Safari Mobile
- Mobile Android (6.0+): Chrome Mobile
Note: IE and legacy EDGE browsers are not supported.
Network connectivity
Each user should be able to make the following TCP/IP and UDP network connections.
| Protocol | Port(s) | Description |
| TCP/IP | 80 | HTTP |
| TCP/IP | 443 | HTTPS |
| UDP | 16384-32768 | Encrypted WebRTC audio, video, and screen share media stream (DTLS-SRTP) |
Note: If a firewall that blocks the UDP connections for the user, it would cause the media connections to "tunnel" through port 443, which, if is also behind a firewall, the user may experience performance issues with sharing and viewing audio/video.
Mobile Device Users
The following settings are recommended for all users connecting to BigBlueButton from a mobile device:
- For data network, we recommended 4G LTI for best results or minimum 3G Network to use audio, view presentation content, and receive screen sharing.
- For connection via wireless, we recommend private versus public networks.
- For device settings, we recommend reducing device usage while connecting to BigBlueButton; close applications that may run in the background and reduce browsing activities.
Additional Recommendations for Moderator/Presenters
Moderators and presenters can join BigBlueButton using a mobile device, however, use of more bandwidth intensive features such as the screen sharing may be limited.
We recommend Moderators and Presenters connect from a desktop or laptop device whenever possible to ensure all features and functions available in BigBlueButton are accessible to the user.
IMPORTANT: at this time screen sharing is not supported from mobile devices. Presenters who wish to use the screen sharing function should use a laptop, desktop, or Chromebook device.
Desktop/Laptop Users
The following settings are recommended for all users connecting to BigBlueButton via desktop or laptop device:
- For computer, you need a laptop or desktop computer with (at least) 4G of memory and a 2+ Ghz processor (any computer bought in the last three years should be fine), or any Chromebook with 4G of memory and a 1.5+ Ghz processor.
- For bandwidth, you must have at least 1.0 Mbits/second upstream and 2 Mbits/second downstream. To check bandwidth use, https://speedtest.net/.
- For browsers, we recommend Google Chrome, Mozilla FireFox or Microsoft Edge.
- For audio, we strongly recommend using a headset. A headset will ensure that others can hear your voice clearly and you don’t cause echo or background noise for others. You do not need to buy an expensive one -- any basic headset with a built-in microphone will work.
A laptop with a built-in webcam and microphone will be sufficient as well if you’re in a quiet area.
Additional recommendations for Moderator/Presenters:
Moderators and Presenters have the same requirements as viewers. For screen sharing, we recommend using FireFox, Chrome or Edge for the best results.
Screen sharing uses more bandwidth than sharing a webcam. To broadcast screen sharing takes about 1 Mbits/sec of upstream bandwidth. Therefor, for the current presenter -- such as when a viewer (student) is made presenter by a moderator -- we recommend the presenter have upstream bandwidth of at least 2 Mbits/sec.
We recommend moderators or presenters connect through a wired network (not wireless) if possible. If connecting from a wireless network that is not reliable, you may experience periodic disconnects or gaps in your audio.