Zoom has become the video meeting platform of choice during this period of social distancing and self-isolation.
If you’ve not used the tool before, it’s very similar to Skype, FaceTime or WhatsApp, but it works on a variety of platforms, including smartphones and tablets.
Here are a few handy tips for using Zoom on any device to take part in a video call.
If you plan to use Zoom on your smartphone or tablet, step one is to download the app.
Here’s the link in the Apple AppStore, for iPhone and iPad users: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zoom-cloud-meetings/id546505307
If you’re an Android user, here’s the link to download the Zoom app in Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=us.zoom.videomeetings&hl=en_GB
The apps are free on both devices.
If you’re planning to use Zoom on your laptop, PC or Mac, skip step one and head straight to step two!
When someone invites you to a Zoom meeting, they will share a link with you. This link will look like https://zoom.us/j/xxxxxx, where the x’s are a 9 or 10-digit meeting ID.
Just before the meeting is due to start, click on the link to enter the meeting. Clicking the link will launch the Zoom app on your device.
You might also need to enter a six-digit password to enter the call. We advise Zoom meeting hosts always set a password, as this helps to make the call more secure.
When you enter the Zoom call, your device will automatically check your video and audio settings.
The first time you use Zoom on a smartphone or tablet, you will need to grant the app access to your camera and microphone.
Depending on the Zoom call settings, you might also need to start your camera and/or unmute your microphone; look for the camera and microphone icons on the screen.
We recommend wearing headphones for your Zoom call, as this cuts out feedback and echo.
If you have a headset with microphone, even better!
When plugging in your headphones or headset, you might need to then update your audio settings (bottom left of the screen) to select a new microphone.
Before starting the meeting, close any other apps on your device which could take up processing power.
If possible, plug your Internet cable into your device, or sit somewhere close to your WiFi router.
If you have a webcam, try placing the camera at your eyeline and centrally above your monitor, for a more flattering angle and so you can better maintain eye contact with other people on the call.
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