© Carl Field / History-Computer.com
Zoom has become an integral part of our society. Over 300 million meetings took place on Zoom in 2022. With millions of people logging in to Zoom daily for meetings, training, interviews, and everything in between, knowing how to use it is critical. Don’t worry, we’ll show you how to join a Zoom meeting.
Perhaps someone important sent you a meeting link, or you only received a meeting ID and password. We’ll teach you how to join your next Zoom meeting and give you a few troubleshooting steps if you run into errors.
How to Join a Zoom Meeting with Invite Link
When an administrator creates a new Zoom meeting, they have two options: create a Zoom link, or copy a meeting ID and password. A meeting ID consists of a series of numbers, often accompanied by a passcode.
The easiest way to join a Zoom meeting is with a link. All you need to do to join a meeting is click the link (on any device), and Zoom will open automatically. There’s no need to copy and paste any information because the link takes you to your meeting on any device.
Note: You don’t have to sign into your account to use a link. The link will take you to whichever Zoom platform is available (i.e., a web browser or Zoom app).
How to Join a Zoom Meeting on a Web Browser
To join a Zoom meeting with a Meeting ID, you’ll need to open Zoom, copy the login credentials, and join. While joining with a link is easier, sometimes the link is broken. So, the meeting ID is often more reliable.
If you received a meeting ID, follow these steps:
Helpful hint: You don’t have to log into Zoom or create an account to join a meeting. However, when you sign in, your profile picture and name are displayed in the meeting, making it easier for others to identify you.
Step 1: Open Zoom
Before we can do anything, we need to open Zoom. You can use your computer and go straight to the web version.
Step 2: Locate Your Meeting ID and Password
Most of us receive Zoom invitations in our email, but if you received yours via text or chat app like GroupMe, check there for the meeting ID. Using the ctrl+C (for PC) or cmd+C (for Mac) keyboard shortcut, highlight the meeting ID.
Step 3: Click Join Meeting
Go to the web page and click the blue Join Meeting link.
Step 4: Input Your Meeting ID
Now, click the box to input your meeting ID. Then, use ctrl+V or cmd+V to paste your ID.
Step 5: Click Join
When you input the meeting ID, and as long as it’s accurate, the Join button will turn blue. Click Join.
Step 6: Input a Name
You can input your name on the left side of the screen. Then, you can choose to keep this name for future use.
Step 7: Input the Password
Finally, copy the meeting password (if one is required) and input it into the password field.
How to Join a Zoom Meeting on the Desktop App
Joining a meeting on the desktop app is easy for Mac and Windows users. Simply follow these steps to join your next Zoom meeting:
Step 1: Copy the Meeting ID
The steps to joining a Zoom meeting on the desktop app are very similar to those for joining a meeting on the web browser. Start by copying the meeting ID.
Step 2: Click Join
Open the Zoom app and click Join.
Step 3: Input Your Meeting ID
Click the Meeting ID box. Then, use ctrl+V or cmd+V to paste the meeting ID.
Helpful hint: Toggle the switches next to Don’t Connect Audio and Turn off my video to join while muted and without video.
Step 4: Enter Your Zoom Meeting Passcode
Now, you can input your Zoom meeting passcode. You can copy and paste the Zoom meeting passcode the same way we did above. Then, click Join.
Now, wait for the host to start the meeting if they haven’t already.
How to Join a Zoom Meeting on the Mobile App
You can also join a Zoom meeting via the mobile app.
Step 1: Open the Zoom App
If you don’t already have the Zoom app, you can download it from the App Store or the Google Play Store.
You don’t have to sign into your Zoom account, although it is helpful if you want to display a profile picture and your name.
Step 2: Copy Your Meeting ID
Now, head over to your Meeting ID and long-press it. Then, tap Copy.
Step 3: Click Join
Go back to the Zoom app and long-press the Meeting ID field. Then, tap Paste.
Finally, tap Join.
Helpful hint: If you don’t want to join with your audio and video, toggle the switches to disable the functions before joining.
Step 4: Input Your Password
Now, copy your password (it’s beneath the meeting ID). Then, paste it in the password field. Finally, you can join the meeting.
How to Dial Into a Zoom Meeting
Finally, you can join a Zoom meeting by dialing the phone number listed in the invite. Choose the number that’s closest to your location.
Then, call it as you would any other phone number.
You will hear an automated voice guiding you through inputting your Meeting ID, Participant ID (if you don’t know it, don’t worry, tap # to skip), then your meeting passcode (the numeric passcode is typically at the bottom of the email).
Troubleshooting
There’s little worse than trying to join an important Zoom meeting and something goes wrong. Perhaps you can’t sign in, or your internet connection is weak. Maybe, the link is broken, or the meeting ID takes you to a blank page.
Zoom typically works very well. But sometimes you need to try a few things to join the meeting. Here are some basic troubleshooting steps to try if you can’t join a Zoom meeting:
1: Check Your Internet Connection
Try using a different Wi-Fi band or network. You can even try a mobile hotspot or another device altogether.
2: Contact the Administrator
If you see a blank page or one that says you’re waiting for the administrator to start the meeting, contact the Zoom meeting’s administrator.
Helpful hint: Sometimes, your Admin needs to admit you into the meeting. Have them click Participants on their end. Then, click Admit next to your name.
3: Use the Meeting ID or Link
If the Zoom meeting ID doesn’t let you join, try using the link and vice versa. Then, reach out to the administrator and request a new login.
4: Close and Re-Open the App
Finally, close and reopen Zoom. Sometimes you need to clear the cache on your web browser or the app, depending on which you’re using.
Welcome to the Zoom!
So many of us use Zoom every day for important conference calls. Hopefully, we helped you join your Zoom meeting! The software is easy to use and works with various devices, making it one of the most important resources to comment with others.
Follow all the steps above to join your next Zoom meeting on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. If you have any problems, work through our troubleshooting steps and resolve the issues in no time.
