Creating a Zoom link takes three steps: sign into your account, start a new meeting, and copy the meeting link to share

A Zoom link is the URL that lets other people join your video call without installing anything or creating an account. When you create a meeting in Zoom, the system generates a unique link automatically. You copy that link and send it to whoever you want to attend — they click it and join.

The process is the same whether you use Zoom on a computer, phone, or tablet. You need a Zoom account (free or paid) to generate the link, but the people joining do not.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign into your Zoom account on the web or in the app, then select "New Meeting" or "Schedule" to create a meeting.
  • Zoom generates a meeting link automatically — you do not have to do anything extra to create one.
  • Copy the link from the meeting details and send it by email, text, or any messaging platform.
  • You can set a password, limit who can join before you arrive, and change the link settings before sharing it.

Creating a meeting link on the Zoom website

Go to zoom.us and sign in with your email and password. On the left side of the screen, you will see a menu with options including "New Meeting" and "Schedule". Click "New Meeting" if you want to start right away, or "Schedule" if you want to set a specific date and time.

When you click "New Meeting", Zoom opens a new meeting window and displays the meeting details on your screen. The link appears in a box labeled "Invite Link" or "Meeting Link" — it looks like zoom.us/j/followed by numbers. This is your Zoom link. Copy it by clicking the copy icon next to the link, or by highlighting the text and pressing Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac).

If you chose "Schedule" instead, fill in the meeting title, date, time, and duration. Scroll down to find the meeting link in the same format. Copy it the same way.

Creating a meeting link in the Zoom app

Open the Zoom app on your computer or phone and sign in. On the home screen, you will see a button labeled "New Meeting" (computer) or a plus icon (phone). Tap or click it to start a new meeting.

The app opens a meeting window and shows your meeting ID at the top or in the meeting details. On a computer, look for "Invite" or "Copy Invite Link" — click that button and the link copies to your clipboard. On a phone, tap the three dots or "More" menu, then look for "Invite" or "Share Link" and select "Copy Link".

The link is now ready to paste into an email, text message, or chat. You do not need to do anything else to set up it.

Setting a password before you share the link

By default, Zoom meetings can be joined by anyone with the link. If you want to add a password, you can do that before or after you share the link. On the web, sign in and go to Settings (bottom left of the screen). Click "Security" and toggle on "Require a password for when ready meetings" or "Require a password for scheduled meetings" depending on which type you created.

In the Zoom app, open the meeting details and look for "Security" or a lock icon. Toggle on "Require Participant Password" or similar wording. The password generates automatically, but you can change it by clicking "Edit" or the pencil icon next to the password field.

When you share the link, tell the people joining that they will need to enter the password. Zoom will prompt them for it when they click the link.

Controlling who can join before you arrive

Zoom has a setting called "Waiting Room" that holds people in a virtual lobby until you join and admit them. This prevents uninvited guests from starting the meeting without you. To turn it on, go to Settings on the web (zoom.us) and click "Security". Toggle on "Waiting Room" and select "For all meetings" or "For scheduled meetings only".

In the app, open a meeting's details and look for "Waiting Room" or a similar option under Security settings. Toggle it on. Now when someone clicks your link, they will see a message saying the host (you) will let them in shortly, and they will wait until you join and click "Admit".

Sharing your Zoom link

Once you have copied the link, you can send it anywhere: email, text message, Slack, Teams, a calendar invite, or a document. Paste it using Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac) on a computer, or long-press and select "Paste" on a phone.

If you are sending it by email, include the date and time of the meeting and any password people will need. If the meeting is happening right now, say so clearly so people know they can join when ready. You can also include a note about what to expect — for example, "This is a quick 15-minute check-in" or "Please have your camera on".

The link works the same way no matter how you send it. When someone clicks it, they either join the meeting directly (if you are already in it) or enter the waiting room (if waiting room is on) or see a message that the meeting has not started yet (if you have not joined).

Changing or regenerating your link

Your meeting link stays the same each time you use it if you are using a scheduled meeting. If you want to change the link — for example, because you shared it with the wrong group — you can regenerate it. On the web, go to zoom.us, sign in, and click "Meetings" on the left. Find the meeting you want to change, click the three dots next to it, and select "Edit". Scroll down and look for "Regenerate" or "Change Meeting Link". Click it and confirm.

In the app, open the meeting details, tap the three dots or "More" menu, and look for "Edit Meeting" or "Regenerate Link". The old link will stop working, and a new one will be generated. Share the new link with the correct people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do people need a Zoom account to join my meeting?

No. Anyone with the link can join by clicking it in a web browser. They do not need to create an account, read the app, or sign in. Zoom will ask for their name when they join, but that is all.

Can I use the same link for multiple meetings?

Yes, if you use a scheduled meeting. The link stays the same and you can reuse it for the same recurring meeting. For when ready meetings (New Meeting), the link is tied to that specific meeting session and cannot be reused for a different time.

What happens if I share my link by accident with the wrong person?

If waiting room is off, they can join when ready. If waiting room is on, they will wait in the lobby until you admit them — you can then click "Deny" to remove them. You can also regenerate the link to make the old one stop working, but anyone already in the meeting will stay.

Can I change the meeting link after I have already shared it?

Yes, you can regenerate it, but the old link will no longer work. Anyone you sent the old link to will need the new one. It is usually easier to use the waiting room feature instead, so you can control who joins without changing the link.

Where do I find my link if I forgot to copy it?

On the web, sign into zoom.us, click "Meetings", find the meeting, and the link is displayed in the meeting details. In the app, open the meeting and tap "Invite" or the share icon to see the link again.