Get Started with Zoom

Zoom is a video conferencing tool that allows groups of people to "meet" online from distant locations. It features the ability to share video from webcams, to speak to each other through microphones, and to present visual materials to the entire group.

Do I need to create a Zoom account?

• You do not need to create a Zoom account.
• Your instructor will provide meeting information to join a Zoom session without needing an account.

What software do I need to connect to Zoom?

• You can use Zoom within your Internet web browser. You can also choose to download the Zoom Workplace desktop app for your computer, or an app for your Android phone or iPhone. Find all Zoom downloads on this page.
• If you are attending a scheduled Zoom session, be sure to download and install Zoom several minutes before the scheduled start of the session.
• If you have not installed Zoom, it will download automatically when you start or join your first Zoom meeting.

What hardware do I need to connect to Zoom?

• You can attend a Zoom meeting on your PC, Mac, tablet, phone, or other device. Features will vary based on which device you use.
• A microphone, even one that is built-in to your phone, PC, or an external device, will enable you to speak in the Zoom meeting. You will have the option to test your microphone audio when you join a meeting.
• It is not necessary to have a webcam to join a Zoom session. In fact, many instructors may prefer you not use your webcam.
• If you connect to a Zoom meeting on a smartphone or phone, you may not have access to all features, such as text chat.

Troubleshooting

• Zoom has developed training resources that you may find helpful.

I joined a Zoom meeting, but I cannot hear anything

• It is possible that no one is speaking, especially if at the start of the meeting. You can always enter a message in the chat area to ask if others can hear
• It may be necessary to join audio in order to hear. If you do not have a microphone option, choose the Join by Phone/Phone Call option. This should allow you to hear even if you cannot speak.

I am trying to join a Zoom meeting, but I get a message that says the meeting hasn't start yet

• It may be that the instructor has not enabled the "join before host" setting. Try joining again once the scheduled meeting time has been reached.
• If this does not work, contact your instructor to confirm the meeting details.

I am trying to join a Zoom meeting, but I get a message that says the host is in another meeting

• Double-check that you are using the correct link or Meeting ID.
• Try joining again once the scheduled meeting time has been reached.
• If this does not work, contact your instructor to confirm the meeting details.