Stop Zoom Bombers: Prevent Jerks From Ruining Calls

This guide shows you how to lock down your Zoom meetings so uninvited guests, trolls, and disruptive participants can’t crash or ruin your sessions. You’ll learn the exact settings to change before and during a call, plus what to do if a jerk still gets in. No special software is needed—just a Zoom account with host privileges.

What You’ll Need

• A Zoom account (free or paid) with host or co-host permissions.
• Access to the Zoom web portal (zoom.us) or the Zoom desktop app.
• For meetings you schedule in advance, the meeting ID and passcode.

Step-by-Step

1. Enable a passcode and waiting room for all meetings.
   In the Zoom web portal, go to Settings > Meeting > Security. Turn on Passcode and Waiting Room for all new meetings. This is your first line of defense—only people with the passcode and who you admit can enter.
2. Set default join options to “mute on entry”.
   In the same Security section, enable Mute participants upon entry. This prevents a jerk from blasting audio or shouting the moment they join, giving you time to act.
3. Disable “Allow removed participants to rejoin”.
   In the Security settings, turn off Allow removed participants to rejoin. If you kick someone, they won’t be able to sneak back in with the same link.
4. Schedule meetings with a unique ID and passcode.
   When scheduling, choose Generate Automatically for the meeting ID (not your personal ID) and check Require passcode. This makes it harder for anyone to guess your meeting link.
5. Share the link privately.
   Don’t post the meeting link publicly (social media, public forums). Send it directly to invitees via email or a private message. If you must post it, use a URL shortener that expires or add a password.
6. Use the Waiting Room actively.
   When someone tries to join, you’ll see them in the waiting room. In the meeting, click Manage Participants and then Admit or Deny each person. Only admit people you recognize.
7. Lock the meeting once everyone is in.
   After all expected participants have joined, go to Security (bottom toolbar) and click Lock Meeting. No one new can join, even with the passcode.
8. Remove and report a jerk immediately.
   If a disruptive person gets in, hover over their name in the Participants panel, click More > Remove. Then check the box Report to Zoom and confirm. This bans them from your meeting.
9. Disable screen sharing for everyone except the host.
   In the meeting, click the arrow next to Share Screen > Advanced Sharing Options. Set Who can share? to Only Host. This stops trolls from hijacking the screen with inappropriate content.
10. Disable annotation and private chat.
    In Security settings, turn off Annotation and Private Chat to prevent drawing on the screen or sending unsolicited messages. You can also set chat to Host only or Everyone publicly.
11. Make participants wait to be admitted (if not using waiting room).
    If you didn’t enable the waiting room, you can still control entry by going to Security and toggling Waiting Room on mid-meeting. This will put new joiners on hold.
12. Assign co-hosts to help manage.
    If the meeting is large, promote trusted participants to co-host (Participants > More > Make Co-Host). Co-hosts can remove participants and mute others, so you’re not the only one policing.

Common Mistakes

• Using your Personal Meeting ID (PMI) for public meetings. Your PMI is a permanent link that people can reuse. Always generate a random ID for one-off meetings.
• Sharing the link on social media without restrictions. Even if you set a passcode, bots can scrape and share it. Use a private channel.
• Not locking the meeting after everyone arrives. The longer the meeting runs, the more chance someone shares the link mid-call. Lock it early.
• Ignoring the waiting room. If you auto-admit everyone, you lose the chance to screen. Always check names before admitting.
• Not updating Zoom. Older versions may have security vulnerabilities. Keep the app updated to the latest version.

Tips

• Create a “safe” meeting link for recurring events. For regular meetings, use a unique ID with a passcode and enable the waiting room. Change the passcode periodically.
• Pre-assign participants to the waiting room. In the web portal, you can upload a CSV of expected attendees. They’ll be admitted automatically, while unknown people stay in the waiting room.
• Use the “Suspend Participant Activities” feature. If chaos erupts, click Security > Suspend Participant Activities. This ends all screen sharing, disables chat, and mutes everyone, giving you control.
• Keep your meeting ID private. Don’t display it on a public screen before the meeting. If you must, use a random ID.
• Educate participants. Tell them not to share the link and to use the waiting room properly.

Troubleshooting

• A jerk keeps joining even after you remove them. They may be using a different email or device. Lock the meeting immediately, then remove them. Also check that “Allow removed participants to rejoin” is off.
• You can’t find the Security button. It’s on the bottom toolbar of the meeting window. If you don’t see it, you may not be the host. Ask the host to promote you to co-host.
• Waiting room isn’t working. Verify it’s enabled in the meeting settings (the shield icon). If you’re using a personal link, it might be disabled. Turn it on via the web portal for all meetings.
• Participants complain they can’t join. Check that you haven’t accidentally locked the meeting. Also, ensure the passcode is correct and that you haven’t set a maximum participant limit that’s been reached.
• Screen sharing is still available to participants. After changing the setting, it may take effect for the next meeting. For the current meeting, use the Advanced Sharing Options to change it live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I prevent Zoom bombing without a paid account?
A: Yes, the free plan includes passcodes, waiting rooms, and the ability to lock meetings. You just need to enable them.

Q: What’s the best way to handle a troll who is already in the meeting?
A: Immediately mute them, disable their video, and remove them. Then lock the meeting. If they cause trouble, report them to Zoom after.

Q: Does the waiting room work for phone callers?
A: Yes, phone callers will hear a message that they’re on hold until you admit them. You can admit them from the Participants panel.

Q: Can I set a passcode for a meeting that’s already started?
A: No, you can’t change the passcode mid-meeting, but you can lock the meeting to prevent new joiners.

Q: How do I know if someone is a “jerk” before admitting them?
A: You can’t always tell, but you can check the email domain, the name, or ask a quick question in the waiting room. If in doubt, deny them.

Q: What does “Report to Zoom” do?
A: It sends a report to Zoom’s Trust & Safety team. They may ban the user’s account if they violate terms of service.

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