Zoom is video conferencing software that runs as an app on a mobile device or on a computer.  The app allows you to interact with other participants by using your device's camera and microphone.

Often, a meeting organizer sends out a link to the Zoom meeting via text or email.  When you click or tap on the link, your device will attempt to open the Zoom app (if you haven't installed the Zoom app, your device will prompt you to download and install it; you might need to click the link again after installation).

Once connected to the Zoom meeting, you might encounter one of several messages:

• Password - likely, you'll be prompted for a password.  In our ward, we often use the bishop's last name (all lower case, 7 letters) as the default password.  Alternatively, your meeting organizer may provide you with a different password (check your original text or email).  

• Waiting Room - many Zoom meetings use a "waiting room" feature that requires the meeting organizer to manually admit newly connected users to the meeting.  If the meeting start time has passed and you are still in the waiting room, text your meeting organizer or another meeting participant.

• Meeting Not Yet Started - If you arrive early, sit tight.  The meeting will begin when the organizer joins and starts the meeting.

Occassionally, you might be prompted to enter a meeting ID.  Refer to the original text or email you got from the meeting organizer for the meeting ID.  It's usually an 11-digit number.

Mute your microphone

Participants should mute their microphones at the start of the meeting.  When you wish to contribute to the discussion, unmute your microphone, say what you need to say, and then mute your microphone again until the next time you need to speak.  This prevents background noise, echoing, and unintentional private communication from interfering with the discussion.  

Use headphones (if possible)

When possible, connect headphones to your device.  You'll be able to hear the meeting better, and when you're speaking, your device's speakers won't interfere with your own voice.  If you do not have or do not use headphones, it is even more important to manage your microphone's mute button to avoid background noise and echoing.

Enabling/disabling your camera

Most of the time, having your camera enabled is best, so that you and other participants can more effectively communicate.  However, disabling your camera is appropriate if you need to step away or have another reason to keep yourself hidden.

If you can't hear audio during the meeting, it could be the result of any of the following conditions:

• Your device's speaker volume might be too low or muted.

• Your headphones might not be properly connected to the device.

• Your Internet connection might be temporarily struggling.  In this case, you can try exiting Zoom and reconnecting.

If you can hear, but the audio and/or video is poor quality, your Internet connection might be struggling.  Try exiting Zoom and reconnecting.

Please refer to our more detailed page Zoom Best Practices.