Getting Zoom & Joining a Meeting
Okay, so you've got two choices for getting Zoom. You can use it in your web browser — no download at all — or you can install the app. I'm gonna be honest with you: get the app.
Option 1: Your Web Browser — Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari (No Download)
When you click a Zoom link, you can choose "Join from Your Browser." This works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari — whatever browser you already use. It gets the job done. But it's clunkier, and some features don't work as well.
Option 2: The App (Recommended)
Download from zoom.us/download on your computer. Install it like any other program.
Skits' Tip
The app runs way smoother than the browser. If you're going to Zoom more than once — and you will — just install it. It's free.
One More Thing
Only download Zoom from the official source: zoom.us. Don't click random "Download Zoom" links from emails or sketchy websites. That's how you get headaches.
Want to get better at spotting fake downloads and scam emails? Check out our Stay Safe Online microcourse.
Now Let's Join a Meeting
There are three ways to join a Zoom meeting. All three get you to the same place.
Way 1: Click a Link from an Email
Someone emailed you a Zoom invite? Just click the link. Zoom opens up and you're on your way in.
Way 2: Click a Link from a Text Message
Got the Zoom link by text? Same thing — click or tap it. A link is a link, whether it comes by email, text, WhatsApp, or carrier pigeon.
Way 3: Enter a Meeting ID and Passcode
Sometimes you don't have a clickable link. Maybe someone read you the meeting info over the phone, or it's printed on a flyer at church. No problem.
- Open the Zoom app (or go to zoom.us/join in your browser)
- Click the "Join" button
- Type in the Meeting ID (the number from the invite)
- Type in your name
- Click "Join"
- Enter the Passcode if it asks for one
Where Do I Find the Meeting ID and Passcode?
They're in the meeting invitation — usually right below the clickable link. If someone is giving them to you over the phone, just ask them to read the Meeting ID and Passcode slowly. That's all you need.
Once You're In (All Three Ways)
No matter how you joined, the next steps are the same:
- Choose "Open Zoom" or "Join from Your Browser"
- Enter your name if it asks
- Click "Join with Computer Audio" — DON'T SKIP THIS
- Wait in the Waiting Room if the host hasn't let you in yet
The Most Common Mistake I See
People forget to click "Join with Computer Audio." If you skip that, nobody can hear you and you can't hear them. When that blue button pops up — click it!
Optional: Want to See It in Action?
I made a quick walkthrough video showing you exactly how to join a Zoom meeting, step by step. It's totally optional — skip it and come back later, or watch it now. Your call.
🎬 Jerry's walkthrough video coming soon
A personal, step-by-step screen recording showing you exactly how to join a Zoom call.
Meeting Controls — What All Those Buttons Do
You're in! Now let me show you what all those buttons do. See that toolbar at the bottom of your screen?
This is roughly what the Zoom toolbar looks like. It lives at the bottom of your screen. Move your mouse to make it appear if it's hiding.
Your Buttons, Left to Right
- Mute / Unmute — This is the microphone icon. Click it to mute yourself (a red line appears). Click again to unmute. This is your best friend.
- Video — The camera icon. Turns your camera on and off. Nobody will judge you if you leave it off.
- Participants — Shows you who's on the call. You can also raise your hand here.
- Chat — Send a text message to everyone (or privately to one person) without unmuting.
- Share Screen (green button) — Shows your screen to everyone. We'll cover this more in a couple of slides.
- Reactions — Send a thumbs up, clap, or other reaction without interrupting.
- Leave (red button) — Click this when you're done. Always use this — don't just close your laptop!
Gallery View vs. Speaker View
Zoom gives you two ways to see everyone. You can switch between them using the "View" button in the top-right corner of your Zoom window.
Look for this in the top-right corner of your Zoom window:
▦ View
▼
↑
Click this button to switch views
Speaker View
Whoever's talking gets the big window. Everyone else is small at the top.
Gallery View
Everyone gets an equal-sized box. Great for group calls.
I like Gallery View for family calls so I can see everybody. Speaker View is nice for presentations when one person's doing most of the talking.
Quick Check 2 of 6: Put These in Order
Your grandchild just texted you a Zoom link for a Sunday family call. Put these steps in the right order. Click them in sequence — first step first.
Click "Join with Computer Audio" (don't skip this!)
Click the Zoom link in your email or text
You're in! Say hello to the family
Enter your name if asked
Choose "Open Zoom" or "Join from Your Browser"
Wait in the Waiting Room if needed