Is Zoom providing you with problems and you may’t appear to fix them? Telecommuting is more popular than ever, with hundreds of firms turning to videoconferencing to maintain their employees within the loop. Zoom and other online meeting tools make that easier than ever, but as with every other software, issues will arise, they usually disrupt and even prevent good video calls.
Fortunately, while there are Zoom service outages you may’t do much about, you regularly can fix typical problems yourself. To assist get your Zoom calls working properly, we’ve collected essentially the most common Zoom problems users face and have provided easy solutions to find a way to repair them.
For those who also use Microsoft Teams or are making the switch to Zoom due to issues with Teams, take a look at our guide to fixing Microsoft Teams problems; possibly you can see an answer there so that you won’t must make the switch.
Further reading:
Webcam or audio not working
Nothing is more frustrating than having your webcam or audio not work on a Zoom call. In case your web camera just isn’t showing up or is chosen but not working, try a few of these basic suggestions first.
Solution 1: Check Zoom settings
On the pop-up that prompts for a gathering ID just before joining a call, leave the next settings unchecked:
- Do Not Hook up with Audio
- Turn Off My Video
This permits you to join a call along with your audio and video routinely enabled.
Solution 2: Exit other related apps
In case your webcam isn’t showing up, make sure that all other programs that use the webcam are closed. Zoom may not find a way to make use of the camera if it’s currently being accessed by a special application.
Solution 3: Test the audio and video
In case your webcam or audio issues persist, you may test your audio and video in Zoom by clicking this link. Once open, you may join a test call on the Zoom application and follow the instructions on the screen.
For those who’ve joined on the net (or to only double-check your webcam within the important Zoom app), you too can select your webcam by clicking Start Video (it’d say Stop Video in case you’re in a call) on the underside toolbar. If the screen is blank, you may then click the arrow icon next to the video camera icon and select Same as System (or it’s possible you’ll see Integrated Camera) or a more specifically named webcam from the list.
Solution 4: Check PC settings
Sometimes, the issue may not be Zoom in any respect. For those who’re on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC or Mac, the webcam could be blocked. You possibly can correct this by checking your app permissions to make sure that the Zoom app or your web browser can use your webcam.
On the net specifically, you too can check this setting by restarting your call and ensuring you press Allow when prompted concerning the camera and mic access.
Windows 10
Enter “webcam” within the taskbar search box and choose Select Which Apps Can Access Your Camera from the menu. Scroll down, and also you’ll see the list of Microsoft Store and desktop applications which can be allowed to make use of your webcam.
For non-Microsoft Store apps, like Zoom, you’ll must make sure that the toggle for Allow Desktop Apps to Access Your Camera is switched to the On position. In the identical way, you too can seek for Microphone and select Microphone Privacy Settings to do the identical.
Windows 11
In Windows 11, type Webcam within the Start Menu and click on the Camera Privacy Settings link. From there, scroll right down to let desktop apps access your camera, and make sure that that the toggle switch is On.
MacOS
Open System Preferences and choose Security and Privacy. After that, click the lock icon and enter your password to make changes. You possibly can then click Camera from the sidebar and make sure that your required web browser and Zoom are checked. You’ll also wish to make sure that the box for the device’s microphone is checked.
Note: Some laptops even have a physical webcam switch that should be enabled to permit the webcam to operate properly. Double-check that yours is in the fitting position if you might have one.
Solution 5: Reinstall Zoom
If all else fails, uninstall the software. The following time you are trying to affix or start a virtual meeting, the online browser client should download the software for you. You furthermore mght can manually install the software from Zoom.
Echoes during a call
Zoom
One other common problem with Zoom is an audio echo during a gathering. For those who hear an audio echo or feedback, there are three possible the reason why.
Solution 1: Limit the input
Someone could have each computer and telephone audio lively at the identical time. On this case, ask them to either hang up on the phone call or exit the PC-based audio through the conference by clicking the up arrow icon next to the microphone icon and selecting Leave Computer Audio.
Solution 2: Move or disable external speakers
Computer or telephone speakers could be too close to one another. Ask the 2 folks that are too close to one another to maneuver apart or shut a door. You might also ask one among them to go away the audio conference or mute audio on their device; though muting by itself may not at all times be as effective in reducing the echo. Using headphones helps reduce the echoing effect, too.
Solution 3: Disable additional audio
Multiple computers with lively audio may very well be in the identical conference room. Again, ask the 2 folks that are too close to one another to maneuver apart or close a door. You may as well ask one among them to go away the audio conference, mute audio on their device, or wear headphones.
Zoom lags or freezes during meetings
Zoom
Lagging and freezing often indicate an issue along with your web connection. Here’s what to do about choppy video quality:
Solution 1: Change the connection
On a mobile device, move to an area with a greater connection to see if this helps. On PCs, keep on with a wired Ethernet connection, if possible. Otherwise, get near the local router and use the 5GHz connection — it’s faster and (typically) less congested. For those who need an upgrade, here’s our guide to the perfect wireless routers you may get.
Solution 2: Check the connection speed
Aim for the fitting web speeds for a successful video chat. When talking with multiple people in a team setting, you would like the upload speed around 1Mbps and the download speed around 600Kbps. You possibly can at all times check your current speeds with a fast web speed test. If the speeds are undesirable, repeat Solution 1. Also, you may take a look at our tips about tips on how to increase web speed.
Solution 3: adjust Zoom settings
Try unchecking the HD and Touch Up My Appearance options. To access these options, click the cog icon (Settings) on the important screen of the Zoom desktop app, or click the arrow icon throughout the video camera icon during a call after which select Video Settings on the pop-up menu. After that, select the Video category listed on the left (if it isn’t already chosen).
By unchecking these two options, you’ll decrease the quantity of bandwidth your video connection requires (and the overhead in your system’s hardware), which will help fix problems with lag.
I can’t share my screen
Sharing your screen is a crucial a part of many Zoom calls. It’s as easy as clicking Share Screen at the underside of the Zoom window. For those who’re planning to share your screen during a call, check a few settings first.
Solution 1: Check your connection
Sharing your screen takes up a whole lot of bandwidth. Make certain that you might have a solid web connection and that you simply’re connected to the decision. Use a wired connection, if available, for the perfect performance.
Solution 2: Try a Share Screen meeting
On the house screen, click the down arrow icon next to Latest Meeting and uncheck Start With Video. Your meeting will then start with only audio, freeing up bandwidth. Your video is not going to be routinely turned on.
Alternatively, in case you’re already on a call and wish to share your screen, turn off your video by clicking the Stop Video button after which select the green Share Screen button.
I haven’t any handheld remote control while screen sharing
Zoom
When sharing your screen, the viewer can request handheld remote control to assist you troubleshoot or explain a process more clearly. This tool is listed as Request Distant Control under View Options and may be accessed at any time while sharing the screen. If you desire to enable handheld remote control, however it’s not working properly, there are several possible issues to contemplate.
Solution 1: Allow handheld remote control
Chances are high, the sharer (host) just isn’t agreeing to the request for handheld remote control. A notification will pop up on their screen, and they have to select Allow to enable handheld remote control.
Solution 2: Don’t interfere with the host PC
The sharer (host) could also be interrupting the method. Technically, the person sharing their screen can stop the handheld remote control at any time by clicking their mouse. All the time leave the host computer alone while the viewer (client) assumes handheld remote control.
Solution 3: Discover a compatible device
You might be on the fallacious device. iPad and Android devices, for instance, cannot give or request handheld remote control, but another person may give them control.
I’m not getting email messages from Zoom
One other common problem just isn’t with the ability to receive email messages from Zoom. This may include notifications and activation emails. These can take as much as half-hour to reach and should take longer. If it doesn’t arrive, you have to make sure that that your email is configured properly.
Often, this isn’t something in your end, so that you’ll must ask your IT department to whitelist Zoom’s email IP addresses. For those who’re using Gmail or a private email service, check your spam folder too. Emails will come from [email protected]
Zoom is crashing
If Zoom is crashing and shutting itself entirely, see if these solutions help.
Solution 1: Check for service issues
Check Zoom Service Status and Downdetector to see if there may be a regional Zoom problem. Sometimes there are server issues or platform maintenance, which could mean the service will probably be down for some time. You will want to attend, if so.
Solution 2: Use the online version
Try the online version if the issue isn’t regional. So long as your web connection is sufficient, it tends to be a bit more reliable if the installed app is experiencing problems.
Solution 3: Dheck Zoom settings
Sometimes Zoom can get confused about audio versus video settings. If it’s attempting to use your webcam connection as an audio output, for instance, it should often start crashing consequently. Make certain video connections are routed to your webcam and, if vital, your audio is routed to connected speakers.
I get Zoom-bombed
Peace N Peas
Yes, Zoom bombing is a thing. It’s a growing fad of joining a personal meeting and disrupting it with anything from blaring music to porn — even courtrooms aren’t immune. If someone Zoom-bombed your meeting up to now, there may be one solution that’s incredibly effective at stopping future invasions.
Solution 1: Require a passcode!
The host creating the meeting and sending out invitations can require all participants to enter a passcode before joining. Meaning strangers have a tough time finding ways to drop in. The truth is, requiring a password is about because the default.
And in case you are apprehensive about hacking in additional elaborate ways, there may be excellent news: Zoom has end-to-end encryption to all meetings. For more details about enabling this feature, read Zoom’s guide.
Ultimately, this can help protect content and stop more advanced versions of Zoom-bombing, even in case you are using a free account.
We hope we’ve helped you iron out all of your issues with Zoom. With Zoom’s presence set to affect how we work for the foreseeable future, it’s best to get the platform working easily from the outset.
I can’t add Zoom’s extension to Outlook app
If the Zoom add-on isn’t working with Outlook and also you’ve tried updating the Outlook app, we highly suggest taking the issue to IT. This is generally a problem with allowing the fitting URLs or sites in your network, so IT might want to manage the small print. For those who are using Zoom on your individual, there are a few things you may try.
Solution 1: Manage your trusted sites
Visit the Security tab in Windows under the Web section. Search for the Trusted Sites section, and visit the Sites section. If there’s an error message here, add the URL that the error message cites. If there isn’t a message, use “https://zoom.us” and choose Add. Make certain Protected Mode is enabled, and security is about to Medium-high.
My Zoom meeting won’t record
Zoom
Do you not have the choice to record your Zoom meeting? It’s probably a problem along with your permissions. Here’s what to do.
Solution 1: Manage Zoom permissions
Only hosts can record Zoom meetings, or pass that ability on to another person. For those who’re presupposed to be the recorder in your meeting, ask your host to offer you permission with the Participants menu, where the More button will show an choice to Allow Record.
Solution 2: Ese built-in screen recorders
That is somewhat clunky, but each Windows and macOS have built-in screen recorders you may activate to capture the portion of the screen where your Zoom meeting is happening.
I’m too apprehensive about Zoom security to make use of it for my business
That’s comprehensible, as Zoom has had several security flaws up to now, including a notorious bug that allowed hackers to take control of Mac computers. That gave many business users pause, although you don’t have to offer Zoom up in case you depend on it.
Solution 1: Update consistently
Zoom has been pretty good at pushing fast patches for its bugs, especially security fixes to maintain Zoom use safely. The corporate also provides detailed details about its latest releases to review. If Zoom is at all times updated, it’s definitely safer to make use of.
Note that Zoom business plans also include managed domains which can help to limit Zoom use to only authorized users.
If you desire to consider something aside from Zoom, take a look at our guide to the perfect Zoom alternatives.
Editors’ Recommendations
