Zoom Basics: Join, Host, and Fix Video Calls

Everything you need to know about Zoom — joining meetings, hosting your own, screen sharing, and fixing common issues.

2 min read · 5 steps · Checked March 2026

1. Step 1. Install Zoom

   Download "Zoom Workplace" from your app store (phone/tablet) or go to zoom.us/download on your computer. You can join meetings without creating an account, but creating a free account lets you host your own meetings (up to 40 minutes with the free plan). Sign up with your email or Google account.

2. Step 2. Join a meeting

   You'll receive a Zoom link (usually by email or text) that looks like zoom.us/j/123456789. Click the link — it will open Zoom automatically. Or open the Zoom app, tap "Join," and enter the Meeting ID (the number from the link). You may need a passcode (also provided by the host). Choose "Join with Video" to show your camera and "Join Audio" to hear and be heard.

3. Step 3. Master the controls during a call

   The toolbar at the bottom shows: Mute/Unmute (microphone icon — tap to toggle), Start/Stop Video (camera icon), Chat (message icon — type messages to everyone), Share Screen (green arrow icon), and Participants (people icon — see who's in the call). The most important one: Mute yourself when you're not talking to avoid background noise.

   Quick Tip

   Press and hold the spacebar to temporarily unmute — release to mute again. Great for quick comments without fumbling for the button.

4. Step 4. Host your own meeting

   Open Zoom and tap "New Meeting." Turn on your camera if you'd like. Tap "Participants" → "Invite" to send a meeting link to others via email, text, or by copying the link. As a host, you can mute participants, enable/disable screen sharing, and use the Waiting Room to admit people one at a time.

5. Step 5. Troubleshoot common issues

   No audio: Check that Zoom has microphone permission (SettingsPrivacyMicrophone). Click "Join Audio" in the meeting. No video: Check that Zoom has camera permission. Close other apps that might be using the camera. Choppy video: Turn off your camera to improve audio quality, or ask others to mute when not speaking. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router.