How to Use Zoom for Video Calls With Family and Friends

Zoom is a free video calling app that works on any phone or computer — here's how to join a call and start one yourself.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Download Zoom and create a free account
2.Join a Zoom meeting someone else set up
3.Start your own Zoom meeting
4.Control your microphone and camera during the call
5.Use the chat and reactions features

Download Zoom and create a free account

~33s

On your phone: open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for "Zoom." Install the free "Zoom - One Platform to Connect" app. Open the app and tap "Sign Up Free." Enter your email address, choose a password, and verify your email by clicking the link Zoom sends you. That's all — you now have a free Zoom account.

Quick Tip

On a Windows computer, go to zoom.us and click "Download" to install the desktop app. A Zoom account is free for calls up to 40 minutes with 3 or more people, and unlimited for two-person calls.

Join a Zoom meeting someone else set up

~24s

When someone invites you to a Zoom call, they'll send you a link that looks like "zoom.us/j/123456789" or a Meeting ID number. If they send a link, tap or click it and the Zoom app will open automatically and join the meeting. If they send only a Meeting ID, open the Zoom app, tap "Join a Meeting," type in the Meeting ID, type your name, and tap "Join Meeting."

Start your own Zoom meeting

~29s

Open the Zoom app and tap "New Meeting." You'll see yourself on camera right away. Tap "Start a Meeting." To invite others, tap "Participants" at the bottom of the screen, then "Invite." You can send the meeting link to people via text message or email. When they click your link, they'll join your meeting automatically.

Quick Tip

To see everyone in "Gallery View" (small squares showing all participants at once instead of just the person talking), tap the three dots at the bottom right of the Zoom screen and select "Gallery View."

Control your microphone and camera during the call

~23s

At the bottom of the Zoom screen, you'll see two main buttons: a microphone icon and a video camera icon. Tap the microphone icon to mute or unmute yourself — a red line through it means you're muted and others can't hear you. Tap the camera icon to turn your video on or off. The red "End" button at the bottom right ends the call.

Use the chat and reactions features

~23s

During a Zoom meeting, tap the three dots at the bottom right for more options. "Chat" opens a text chat where you can type messages to everyone without speaking — useful in large groups. "Reactions" lets you give a thumbs-up or clapping hands to respond without interrupting the speaker. These features make Zoom calls work well even in noisy settings or when you don't want to unmute.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Use Zoom for Video Calls With Family and Friends

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Zoom is one of the most popular video calling apps in the world. It works on iPhones, Android phones, iPads, Windows computers, and Macs. You can use it to talk face-to-face with family members anywhere, attend virtual events or classes, or see your doctor for a telehealth visit. The basic plan is free and includes everything most people need.

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