New to Zoom? Or - Need Help with Zoom??

1. Before We Meet: Connection & Updates

Having the latest version of the Zoom app prevents most connection issues. Please follow the steps for the device you plan to use:

For Laptops & Desktops (Mac & Windows): Open the Zoom desktop application. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Check for Updates. If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.
For iPhones & iPads (Apple): Open the App Store on your device. Tap your profile icon at the top right, and scroll down to your pending updates. If Zoom is listed, tap Update.
For Android Phones & Tablets: Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, select Manage apps & device, and check the Updates available section. If you see Zoom, tap Update.

You don't need to wait for our meeting to start to make sure your app works! We highly recommend running a quick test an hour or two before we begin:

Open the web browser on your specific device (laptop, tablet, or phone) and go to zoom.us/test.
Click or tap the blue Join button.
This will automatically launch your Zoom app and drop you into a private test meeting. Here, you can follow the on-screen prompts to ensure your camera, microphone, and speakers are working perfectly.

When you join the actual meeting, follow these steps to be seen and heard:

Connecting Audio: As soon as you join, Zoom will ask how you want to connect audio. Select Join with Computer Audio (on laptops/desktops) or Wifi or Cellular Data (on phones/tablets).
Finding the Controls: Locate your Zoom toolbar. On a computer, hover your mouse over the Zoom window. On a phone or tablet, gently tap the center of your screen to make the toolbar appear at the bottom.
Turning on Video: In the bottom-left corner of the toolbar, click or tap the Start Video (camera) icon. When there is a red slash through it, your camera is off.
Turning on the Microphone: Next to the camera, you will see a Mute/Unmute (microphone) icon. Click or tap this to turn your microphone on and off.

Position Your Lighting: Sit facing a window or a soft lamp. Avoid having bright light sources directly behind you, which creates a dark silhouette.
Elevate Your Camera: Prop up your laptop or phone on a few books or a stand so the camera is at eye level. This provides a much more natural and flattering angle.
Use Headphones: Wearing even simple wired or wireless earbuds prevents microphone feedback, room echo, and audio looping, making it much easier for everyone to hear you.
Plug In & Optimize: Video conferencing consumes significant battery power. Ensure your device is connected to a charger. If your connection stutters, sit closer to your Wi-Fi router. If you have a wired connection, you may wish to use that rather than wifi.

The Golden Rule: Stay Muted! Please keep your microphone muted unless you are actively speaking. This minimizes background noise (like typing, pets, or sirens) for everyone else. You can easily unmute when you want to share, and re-mute when finished.
Blur Your Background: Joining from a busy room? Enable Zoom's "Blur" feature in your Virtual Background settings for instant privacy and a professional look.
Raise Your Hand: Need to ask a question? Use the Raise Hand button found under the "Reactions" menu at the bottom of your screen to join the queue without interrupting the speaker.
Use the Chat: The Chat box is perfect for dropping links, technical questions, or secondary thoughts without disrupting the main presentation flow.