How to Use Zoom for Video Calls With Family and Doctors

Zoom is one of the most common ways to have a video call in the United States. Grandchildren use it to stay in touch, book clubs use it to meet, and many doctors use it for telehealth visits. Once you have joined a few times, it will feel as familiar as answering your phone.

You do not need a Zoom account to join a call somebody else set up. You only need the link or the nine-digit meeting ID they share with you. Zoom is free for these kinds of calls. If you want to host your own meeting longer than 40 minutes, that needs a paid plan, but most family calls are well under that.

Zoom works on almost any device: iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Windows computer, or Mac. The first time you join, your device will ask to download the Zoom app. Say yes — it is safe and free. And it comes from the official Zoom company.

Two small things cause most of the trouble. First, muting. There is a microphone button at the bottom of the screen. If there is a red line through it, the other people cannot hear you. Tap once to fix it. Second, the camera. Next to the microphone is a camera button. If it has a red line, people can hear you but not see you. These two buttons solve about 90% of "they can't hear me!" moments.

If you are invited to a call, the best thing to do is plan to join 5 minutes early. That gives you time to test your microphone and camera without anyone waiting on you.