How to Use Zoom for Video Calls

Zoom lets you meet face to face over the internet using a computer, phone, or tablet. You can join a call from an invitation or start one yourself; before you begin, install the Zoom Workplace app or use a supported web browser, and check that your internet connection, microphone, and camera are ready.

What You’ll Need

• A computer, smartphone, or tablet with an internet connection.
• The Zoom Workplace app, or a supported browser if joining through the web. Download the app from Zoom’s official website or your device’s app store.
• A microphone and speakers or headphones. Most phones and laptops have these built in; a headset can help reduce echo.
• A camera if you want to appear on video. You can join with your camera off.
• A meeting link or meeting ID and passcode to join someone else’s call. You do not usually need a Zoom account just to join, though the host’s settings may require sign-in.

Step-by-Step

1. Install or open Zoom. On a computer, download and open Zoom Workplace from Zoom’s official site if it is not already installed. On a phone or tablet, install the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. If you are joining in a browser, open the invitation link and choose the browser option when it is offered. Available choices can depend on the host’s settings and your browser.
2. Join from an invitation link. Open the email, message, or calendar event containing the Zoom invitation and select its meeting link. If prompted, allow Zoom to open. Choose Join or enter your name if asked. Do not share a private meeting link publicly; anyone with access may be able to try to join, depending on the host’s controls.
3. Join using a meeting ID instead. Open Zoom and select Join. Enter the meeting ID from the invitation, then provide the passcode if requested. Type your display name and select Join. Check the meeting details before entering, especially if you have multiple invitations.
4. Wait for the host if needed. Some calls place guests in a waiting room. Stay on the screen until the host admits you. If you see a message that the host has not started the meeting, wait or contact the organizer to confirm the time and link.
5. Choose your audio and video. Zoom may show a preview before you enter. Turn your camera on or off using the video control, and choose Join with Computer Audio or the equivalent audio option when prompted. On mobile, allow microphone or camera access if you want to use those features. You can decline camera access and join without video.
6. Check the meeting controls. The microphone button mutes and unmutes you; the video button starts or stops your camera. On a computer, the controls are usually along the bottom of the meeting window. On mobile, tap the screen to reveal them. A red slash or similar indicator generally means the microphone or camera is off. Select the small arrow beside a control, when available, to choose a different microphone, speaker, or camera.
7. Speak and take turns. Unmute when you want to talk, then mute again when you are finished if there is background noise. Select Participants to see who is present, or Chat to send a message if the host has enabled it. Use Raise Hand when available to signal that you would like to speak.
8. Leave the meeting. Select Leave when you are ready to go. If you are the host, you may see additional choices, such as ending the meeting for everyone. Choose carefully: leaving and ending a meeting are different actions.
9. Start your own call if you are hosting. Sign in to Zoom, select New Meeting, and turn on video if you want it. Use the meeting controls to invite participants or copy the invitation link and send it privately. You can also schedule a meeting in advance and share its link, ID, and any required passcode.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong link or ID: Old calendar entries and copied links can lead to another meeting. Reopen the latest invitation and check its time and details.
• Joining without selecting audio: You may see people but not hear them. Choose the computer or device audio option, then check the speaker output.
• Assuming the camera is broken: The camera may simply be off, blocked by another app, or denied permission. Check Zoom’s video control and your device’s privacy settings.
• Leaving the microphone unmuted: Keyboard sounds, conversations, and room noise can interrupt others. Mute when you are not speaking, particularly in a group call.
• Closing the whole app to leave: Use the meeting’s Leave control so you can exit cleanly without accidentally disrupting anything you are hosting.

Tips

• Join a few minutes early to handle updates, permissions, and audio checks.
• Use headphones if you hear an echo. Keep your microphone close enough to pick up your voice, but avoid covering it.
• Place the camera near eye level and face a light source so others can see you clearly. A quiet room and stable internet also help.
• Keep your meeting invitation handy. If you are disconnected, use the same link to try rejoining.
• On a shared or public device, sign out of your Zoom account when finished. Avoid displaying private documents or notifications while screen sharing.

Troubleshooting

• No one can hear you: Check that you are not muted, then open the audio options and select the intended microphone. Confirm that Zoom has microphone permission in your device settings. Close other apps that might be using the microphone, then leave and rejoin if it still fails.
• You cannot hear the meeting: Turn up your device volume, check that the correct speaker or headphones are selected in Zoom, and make sure headphones are connected. If using Bluetooth, confirm they are connected for audio, not merely paired.
• Your camera does not appear: Turn video on in Zoom, check the selected camera, and allow camera access in system or app permissions. Quit video-call apps that may be using the camera, then restart Zoom if necessary.
• The link will not open: Copy the full invitation link into a browser, or open Zoom and enter the meeting ID and passcode manually. Update or install Zoom from an official source if prompted. Ask the host to verify that the meeting is active and that the invitation is correct.
• The call freezes or disconnects: Move closer to your Wi-Fi router, pause large downloads or streaming, or switch to a more stable network. Turning off incoming video or your own camera can reduce bandwidth use. Rejoin using the invitation if you drop out.
• You are stuck in the waiting room: Check that you joined the correct meeting and that the host has started it. Contact the organizer if you have waited and cannot be admitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Zoom account to join a video call?
Usually not. You can often join through an invitation link or meeting ID without signing in, but the host may require participants to authenticate.

Can I join a Zoom call without turning on my camera?
Yes. Turn off the video control before or during the meeting. You can still listen and speak if you join with audio.

Can I use Zoom in a web browser?
Often, yes. Open the invitation and choose the browser joining option if it appears. The app may offer more features, and browser availability depends on Zoom and the host’s settings.

How do I invite someone to a meeting I started?
Open the meeting controls and select the invite option, or copy the invitation link and send it privately. Share any passcode the person needs, but use a trusted channel.

How do I mute myself quickly?
Select the microphone button in the meeting controls. Keyboard shortcuts can vary by device and settings, so use the on-screen control if you are unsure.

What should I do if Zoom asks for microphone or camera permission?
Allow access if you want to use that feature. If you previously denied permission, change it in your device’s privacy or app settings, then reopen Zoom.

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