How to Join a Zoom Meeting for the First Time
Whether it’s a family gathering, a class, a community group or a doctor’s appointment, sooner or later someone will send you a Zoom link. If you’ve never used it, it can feel like a lot. The good news is that joining a meeting takes just a few steps, and you don’t need an account to do it.
What Zoom Is
Zoom is a free video calling service. Everyone joins the same “meeting” on their phone, tablet or computer, and you can see and hear each other. You can use your camera and microphone, or just listen.
The Easiest Way: Use the Link
Most of the time, the person hosting the meeting will send you a link by email or text message.
Tap or click the link a few minutes before the meeting starts.
On a computer, your browser may ask whether to open Zoom, or offer to join from your browser. Either choice works.
On a phone or tablet, you may be asked to install the free Zoom app from the App Store or Play Store. Install it, then tap the link again if needed.
Type your name when asked, so the host knows who you are.
Allow the camera and microphone if your device asks for permission.
Choose to join with audio (on a computer, “Join with Computer Audio”) so you can hear and speak.
If you see a message saying “Please wait, the meeting host will let you in soon,” that’s normal. It’s like a waiting room, and the host will admit you.
Another Way: Meeting ID and Passcode
Sometimes you’ll be given a Meeting ID (a number) and a passcode instead of a link. In that case, open the Zoom app, tap Join, enter the Meeting ID, type your name, and enter the passcode when it asks.
The Buttons You’ll Use Most
At the bottom of the screen (on a phone, tap the screen to make them appear):
Mute / Unmute: turns your microphone off and on. It’s polite to stay muted when you’re not speaking.
Start Video / Stop Video: turns your camera on and off.
Leave: the red button that ends your part of the call. Tap it when you’re done.
A Few Tips for a Smoother Call
Join a few minutes early, so there’s time to sort out any surprises.
Sit facing a window or lamp, so people can see you clearly. Light behind you makes you look like a shadow.
Prop your phone up so your hands are free and the camera is at about eye level.
Use headphones if you have them. They reduce echo and make it easier to hear.
Test it first. Ask a family member to start a quick practice meeting with you.
If Something Isn’t Working
People can’t hear you: check that you’re not muted and that you joined with audio.
People can’t see you: make sure the camera isn’t covered or turned off, and that you allowed camera permission.
You can’t hear anyone: turn up your volume, and check that you joined with audio.
The picture freezes: move closer to your Wi-Fi router, or leave and rejoin through the same link.
Stay Safe
Only join meetings from links sent by people you know and expect to hear from. Scammers sometimes send fake meeting invitations to get you to enter your password or install something harmful. If an invitation is unexpected, check with the person who supposedly sent it before you click.
Practice Before the Big Day
If you’ve got an important meeting coming up and want to feel ready, a Kendera Global session can walk you through it step by step, and run a practice call with you so everything works on the day.
