This page provides troubleshooting steps for the most common issues with virtual patients.  

Students can't hear the Virtual Patient speaking

Troubleshooting steps for students:

Chrome (Desktop)

1. Go to app.geekymedics.com
2. Click the padlock icon in the address bar → Site settings
3. Set Sound to Allow
4. Close the tab and reload the page

Safari (macOS)

1. Open Safari → Settings (or Preferences) → Websites
2. Select Auto-Play
3. Find app.geekymedics.com and set to Allow All Auto-Play

Firefox

1. Go to app.geekymedics.com
2. Click the padlock → Permissions → Autoplay
3. Set to Allow Audio and Video

Mozilla’s guide here

The Virtual Patient can't hear students speaking

Troubleshooting steps for students:

1. Check browser permissions

• Chrome: padlock → Site settings → set Microphone to Allow
• Safari: Safari → Settings for This Website → set Microphone to Allow
• Edge/Firefox: similar steps via padlock/settings icon

Refresh the page after updating permissions.

2. Clear cache or try Incognito/Private mode

• If it works in incognito, an extension may be interfering. Disable extensions one by one.

3. Check your microphone hardware

• Test in another app (e.g. Zoom or voice recorder).
• Reconnect headphones/microphone if needed.

4. Firewall issues

• Some institutional networks block the data needed.
• Test on mobile 4G/5G — if it works, the issue may be with your Wi-Fi firewall.

Issues with realism

If your virtual patient doesn’t feel natural, it’s usually because the patient script doesn’t include enough detail.

A clear, well-structured script helps the AI portray the patient more convincingly - from what they say, to how they respond emotionally.

For guidance on how to improve your scripts, read our Top tips for writing realistic patient scripts.

Still having issues?

If you’ve tried everything above and it’s still not working, please contact us with the following:

• Your browser (e.g. Chrome)
• Your device type (e.g. Windows laptop, iPhone)
• A description of what happens

We'll do our best to help!

Updated on: 03/09/2025