# Start and control a practice call

> Check your devices, begin a browser conversation, and find the call controls.

Source: https://lira.thoughtly.com/docs/practice/start-call
Audience: everyone
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Practice calls take place in your browser. Keep the Lira tab open and use a stable connection while you practice.

## Before the conversation

1. Open a scenario and select **Start practice**.
2. Select **Enable microphone** if access has not been granted. Allow access in the browser prompt.
3. Choose the microphone you want to use. Speak a few words and check the input indicator.
4. Select **Test speaker** and confirm you can hear the sound.
5. Select **Start call** to begin.

If you have already granted access, the microphone check may connect automatically. The conversation still waits for you to select **Start call**.

## During the call

Use **Mute** to stop sending microphone audio, then **Unmute** to continue. The call timer and connection status help you see whether the conversation is active.

You can navigate within the workspace without losing the call controls. If you open another scenario while a call is active, **Call controls** returns you to the existing conversation rather than starting a second one.

Select **End** when you have finished. If ending fails, use **Retry end** when offered instead of repeatedly starting a new call. If the practice partner ends the call, three short beeps confirm the disconnect. After the call ends, Lira prepares the available feedback.

## When something interrupts the call

If Lira shows **Reconnecting**, pause and give the connection time to recover. Use the recovery action shown if it cannot reconnect. A microphone that disconnects may need to be reconnected or selected again.

Avoid closing or refreshing the tab as a way to end a conversation. If a call was interrupted, return to its attempt before assuming the result was lost or starting over.

Microphone access, recording availability, and permission to share audio are different things. Review [recordings and transcripts](https://lira.thoughtly.com/docs/results/recordings-and-transcripts) and [privacy](https://lira.thoughtly.com/docs/workspace/privacy) for what can be retained or shared.

Need help? Start with [audio](https://lira.thoughtly.com/docs/troubleshooting/microphone-and-audio) or [connection troubleshooting](https://lira.thoughtly.com/docs/troubleshooting/connection).