If you have ever been sent a meeting link and felt unsure what to click, this guide explains how to use Zoom from the very first download to your first hosted call. Zoom is one of the most widely used video conferencing tools in the world, and the good news is that the basics take only a few minutes to learn. Whether you are joining a work standup, a class, a telehealth appointment, or a family catch-up, the core actions are the same.
In this beginner’s guide you will learn how to install Zoom, join a meeting with or without an account, host your own meeting, and use everyday controls like mute, video, chat, and screen sharing. We cover both the desktop app and the mobile app, plus a troubleshooting section for the problems new users hit most often.
What is Zoom and what do you need?
Zoom is a video conferencing service that lets people meet over audio and video from a computer, phone, or tablet. The app is now branded Zoom Workplace, but most people still simply call it Zoom. You can join any meeting for free, and a free personal account lets you host meetings of up to 100 participants for up to 40 minutes.
To get started you need a device with a camera and microphone (most laptops and phones have these built in), a reliable internet connection, and either the Zoom app or a modern web browser such as Chrome, Edge, or Safari. You only need to create an account if you want to host meetings; joining as a guest requires no account at all.
How to download and install Zoom
Installing the app gives you the most reliable experience, but you can also join straight from a browser if you cannot install software.
- Go to the download page. On a computer, visit zoom.us/download and choose Zoom Workplace for desktop. On a phone or tablet, open the Apple App Store or Google Play and search for Zoom Workplace.
- Run the installer. On desktop, open the downloaded file and follow the prompts. On mobile, tap Get or Install and wait for it to finish.
- Open the app. Launch Zoom once it is installed. You will see options to Join a Meeting and Sign In.
- Create a free account (optional). If you want to host, tap Sign Up Free and register with an email address, Google, Apple, or Facebook account.
- Grant permissions. The first time you join a call, allow Zoom to access your camera and microphone so others can see and hear you.
How to join a Zoom meeting
Joining is the most common thing beginners do, and there are two easy ways to do it.
Join with a link
The simplest method is to click the meeting link in your email, calendar invite, or message. Your browser will offer to open the Zoom app; approve it, and Zoom will connect you automatically. If prompted, enter your name and click Join.
Join with a Meeting ID
If you only have a Meeting ID and passcode, open Zoom, click Join, type the 9 to 11 digit Meeting ID, enter your display name, and click Join. Enter the passcode if asked. You may land in a waiting room until the host admits you.
No account needed. Click the link, enter your name, and choose “Join with Computer Audio.” Great for one-off meetings, webinars, and appointments.
Sign in first so the meeting is under your account. You get host controls such as recording, muting others, admitting from the waiting room, and ending the meeting for everyone.
How to host your own meeting
Once you have signed in, hosting is straightforward.
- Open the Home tab in the Zoom app after signing in.
- Click New Meeting to start an instant meeting, or click Schedule to set one for later.
- Invite people. Click Participants, then Invite, and copy the invite link or send it by email.
- Admit guests from the waiting room if it is enabled by clicking Admit next to each name.
- Manage the meeting using host tools such as Mute All, Record, and Security.
- End the meeting by clicking End, then End Meeting for All when you are finished.
Everyday Zoom controls
The meeting toolbar sits at the bottom of the screen on desktop and can be tapped to appear on mobile. These are the controls you will use most.
- Mute / Unmute: Toggle your microphone. Tip: hold the spacebar to talk while muted on desktop.
- Start / Stop Video: Turn your camera on or off.
- Chat: Send text messages to everyone or privately to one person.
- Share Screen: Present your screen, a window, or a whiteboard.
- Reactions: Send an emoji or raise your hand without interrupting.
- View: Switch between Speaker view and Gallery view to see everyone.
How to share your screen
Click Share Screen in the toolbar, choose the screen or specific window you want to show, and click Share. A green border shows what others can see. Click Stop Share when you are done. If you are sharing a video with sound, tick “Share sound” before you start.
| Action | Desktop | Mobile app |
|---|---|---|
| Mute / unmute | Mic icon (bottom-left) or Alt+A | Tap Mute in the bottom bar |
| Start / stop video | Video icon or Alt+V | Tap Start Video |
| Open chat | Chat icon or Alt+H | Tap More, then Chat |
| Share screen | Share Screen or Alt+S | Tap Share, then Screen |
| Leave / end | End (bottom-right) | Tap Leave (top-right) |
Staying secure and comfortable on Zoom
A few habits keep your meetings safe and pleasant. Keep the Waiting Room on so you approve who enters, never share meeting links publicly, and use the Security button (host only) to lock the meeting once everyone has arrived. If you are camera-shy, join with video off and use a virtual background. For more walkthroughs like this, browse our how-to guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Zoom account to join a meeting?
No. You can join almost any meeting as a guest by clicking the invite link or entering the Meeting ID and passcode. An account is only required if you want to host or schedule your own meetings.
Is Zoom free to use?
Yes. Joining is always free, and a free Basic account lets you host meetings with up to 100 participants for up to 40 minutes. Paid plans remove the time limit and add features like cloud recording.
Why can’t people hear me on Zoom?
Usually you are muted, or Zoom is using the wrong microphone. Click the arrow next to the mic icon and select the correct device, make sure you chose “Join with Computer Audio,” and check that your device is not muted at the system level.
Can I use Zoom without downloading the app?
Yes. When you click a meeting link, choose the “Join from your browser” option on the download page. The web client works in most modern browsers, though the installed app offers more features and better reliability.
How do I change my name in a Zoom meeting?
Open the Participants list, hover over or tap your own name, choose More, then Rename, and type the name you want others to see.
