The three ways to join a Zoom meeting

You can join a Zoom meeting in three ways: by clicking a link someone sent you, by entering a meeting ID number, or by dialing in by phone. The link is fastest — it opens Zoom automatically and takes you straight into the meeting. If you have the meeting ID instead, you type it into the Zoom app or website. If you're away from a computer or your internet is unreliable, you can call a phone number and enter the ID as touch-tones.

Which method you use depends on what the meeting organizer gave you and what device you have available. Most people receive a link in an email or calendar invite, which is the simplest route. But if your link doesn't work or you're joining from a phone, the other methods will get you in.

Key Takeaways

  • Clicking a link sent by the organizer is the fastest way to join — it opens Zoom and enters the meeting automatically.
  • If you have only the meeting ID, you can type it into the Zoom app or visit zoom.us and enter it manually.
  • You do not need a Zoom account to join a meeting, though having one lets you save meetings and adjust settings.
  • Phone dial-in works when your internet is slow or unavailable, using the phone number and meeting ID the organizer provides.
  • Test your camera and microphone before the meeting starts, or mute them when you join if you're not ready to be heard or seen.

Joining by clicking a link

The organizer will send you a link that looks like zoom.us/j/1234567890 or sometimes a shorter link that redirects to Zoom. Click it from any device — computer, phone, or tablet. Your browser will ask whether to open Zoom, and you should click "Open" or "Launch Meeting". If Zoom is not installed, your browser will offer to read it or will open Zoom in your web browser instead.

Once Zoom opens, you'll see a screen asking for your name. Type your first and last name or whatever name you want to appear in the meeting. Then click "Join" or "Join Meeting". You may be asked to wait for the host to admit you, or you may enter the meeting room when ready — this depends on the organizer's settings.

If the link doesn't work, copy it and paste it into your browser's address bar instead of clicking it. If that still doesn't work, ask the organizer for the meeting ID number and use the method below.

Joining by entering the meeting ID

If you have the meeting ID but not a link, open the Zoom app or go to zoom.us in your browser. On the Zoom app home screen, click the "Join a Meeting" button. On the website, look for "Join a Meeting" near the top of the page. You'll see a field that says "Meeting ID or Personal Link Name".

Type the meeting ID — a string of numbers, usually 9 or 11 digits long — into that field. Then click "Join". You'll be asked for your name, just as with the link method. Type it and click "Join Meeting". If the organizer has set a passcode, you'll be prompted to enter it before you can join.

The meeting ID is different from your own Zoom account ID. The organizer will give you the meeting ID in an email, text, or calendar invite. If you're not sure whether a number is the meeting ID, ask the organizer to confirm.

Joining by phone

The organizer will provide a phone number and the meeting ID. Open your phone's dialer and call the number. When the automated system answers, it will ask you to enter the meeting ID using your phone's keypad. Type the numbers and press the pound key (#) when you're done. If there's a passcode, you'll be prompted to enter that too.

Phone dial-in is useful when your internet connection is slow, unreliable, or unavailable. You'll hear the meeting audio through your phone speaker, but you won't see video or be able to share your screen. If you want to speak, you can unmute your microphone in the Zoom app on another device, or you can just listen and speak through the phone.

Some organizers disable phone dial-in for security reasons, so this option may not be available for every meeting. If the organizer hasn't provided a phone number, ask them whether dial-in is an option.

What to do before you join

Before clicking join, close other programs that use your camera or microphone — video editing software, other video apps, or even some web browsers with camera access enabled. If two programs try to use the same camera at once, one will fail. Zoom will tell you if another program is blocking your camera, but it's easier to close things first.

Check your internet connection by opening a web page or streaming a video. If it's slow or dropping, consider joining by phone instead, or move closer to your router. If you're on WiFi and it's unreliable, try plugging in an ethernet cable if you have one.

Find a quiet space if possible, or at least mute your microphone when you join. You can unmute it when you're ready to speak. Test your camera and microphone in the Zoom app settings before the meeting starts — on a computer, click your profile picture in the top right, then "Settings", then "Audio" or "Video" to see a preview.

Troubleshooting common join problems

If you see "Invalid meeting ID", the number you entered is wrong or the meeting has ended. Double-check the ID with the organizer. If the meeting is scheduled for later today, you may have entered it too early — some meetings don't accept joins until a few minutes before the start time.

If you see "Waiting for host to start the meeting", the organizer hasn't started the meeting yet. You're in the waiting room and will be admitted once they begin. This is normal. If you've been waiting for more than 15 minutes past the scheduled time, the organizer may have forgotten or the meeting may have been cancelled — send them a message.

If your camera or microphone isn't working, check that Zoom has permission to use them. On Windows, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and Microphone, and make sure Zoom is turned on. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Camera and Microphone. On a phone, go to Settings > Apps > Zoom > Permissions.

If the link opens a web page instead of the Zoom app, you can join through the web browser instead — click "Join from Browser" on that page. This works on any device and doesn't require installing Zoom, though the app usually offers more features.

Do you need a Zoom account to join?

No. You can join any meeting without creating an account. Just click the link or enter the meeting ID, type your name, and join. You don't need a password or login.

Creating a free Zoom account is optional and useful only if you want to save a list of meetings you've joined, customize your profile picture, or change audio and video settings that will stay the same across all meetings. If you join meetings occasionally, you don't need an account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have the Zoom app installed?

You can join through your web browser without installing anything. Click the link the organizer sent, and when asked whether to open the app, select "Join from Browser" instead. The meeting will open in your browser window. You can also go to zoom.us, click "Join a Meeting", enter the meeting ID, and join that way.

Can I join a Zoom meeting on my phone?

Yes. read the free Zoom app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android), or join through your phone's web browser. Click the link or enter the meeting ID the same way you would on a computer. Your phone's camera and microphone will work, and you can see video and share your screen if needed.

What if the meeting requires a passcode?

The organizer will give you the passcode in the same message as the meeting ID or link. When you join, you'll be prompted to enter it before entering the meeting room. If you don't have the passcode, ask the organizer for it.

Why does it say I'm waiting for the host?

The organizer has set the meeting so that people wait in a virtual waiting room until they start the meeting and admit people. This is a security feature. You'll be admitted automatically once the host begins, or they may admit you manually. If you've been waiting longer than expected, send the organizer a message.

Can I join a meeting that already started?

Yes, unless the organizer has disabled late joins. Use the same link or meeting ID to join at any time while the meeting is happening. You'll enter the meeting room and see everyone who's already there.