Accessibility & Compatibility
BigBlueButton runs entirely in the browser without requiring any app installation. This chapter covers system requirements, recommended hardware, mobile usage, accessibility features, and group size considerations to help you get the best meeting experience.
System Requirements
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Browser | Chromium-based browsers preferred (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Brave). Firefox is largely compatible. Safari is generally compatible, though screen sharing may be limited depending on the version. |
| Operating system | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| App installation | Not required — BigBlueButton runs entirely in the browser. |
For the best experience, use a Chromium-based browser such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Brave. These browsers offer the most complete support for WebRTC, the technology that powers BigBlueButton audio and video.
Hardware Recommendations
- Devices: PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
- Webcam: Built-in or external webcam for video participation.
- Headset (strongly recommended): Prevents echo and feedback and significantly improves audio quality compared to built-in laptop microphones.
Built-in laptop microphones work for basic audio participation, but a dedicated headset provides much better sound quality and eliminates echo issues.
Network Requirements
- Wired (LAN) connection is preferred over Wi-Fi for maximum stability.
- You need a stable connection with enough bandwidth for audio and video.
- For optimal performance, limit the number of simultaneous webcams to approximately 15–20.
- Mobile data (LTE/5G) can serve as a fallback when Wi-Fi is unreliable.
Mobile Usage
BigBlueButton can be used on smartphones and tablets through the mobile browser. However, there are some differences compared to desktop usage:
- Moderators should use a PC or laptop for the best experience, as the management features are more comfortable on a larger screen.
- Participants can use a smartphone or tablet for audio participation and basic meeting features.
- Screen sharing on mobile devices may be unavailable or limited, depending on the browser and operating system.
Accessibility Features
BigBlueButton includes several features to support participants with different needs:
- Keyboard navigation — all major functions can be accessed via keyboard shortcuts.
- Subtitles / Closed Captions — available for participants with hearing impairments (requires plugin or automatic transcription support).
- Dark mode — a dark color scheme for light-sensitive users, available since BigBlueButton 2.6.
- Font size adjustment — the text size can be changed in the personal settings.
Group Size
BigBlueButton technically supports up to 225 participants per meeting. To maintain a stable experience for larger groups:
- Limit the number of simultaneous webcams to approximately 15–20.
- Use the lock settings to restrict camera and microphone access for participants who do not need them.
- The actual maximum may vary depending on server capacity and configuration.
For meetings with many participants, it is recommended to restrict webcam and microphone access through the lock settings and to encourage participants to use "Listen only" mode when they do not need to speak.