Zoom Basics 101: A Simple Guide to Mastering Video Calls

In today’s digital world, video calls have become an essential part of communication, it serves multiple purpose nowadays, such as for remote working, online class in school or university or simply just connect with your friends, family, and your loved ones. Among the many video conferencing tools available, Zoom is one of the most popular and widely used platforms

If you’re new to Zoom or looking to just want to master zoom more, this guide will walk you through the very basics from setting up an account to using advanced features immediately. Without further ado, let’s get started!

1. Getting Started with Zoom

a. Creating a Zoom Account

The first step to use Zoom is you need to create an account. Here’s how you can create one:

1. Visit Zoom’s website and click Sign Up, It’s Free.

2. Enter your email address and verify it through the confirmation email.

3. Set up your account by adding your name and password.

4. Customize your profile with a picture and personal settings.

b. Downloading and Installing Zoom

Once your account is ready, you need to install Zoom on your device to access many features that zoom can offer:

• For Windows/Mac: Download Zoom from Zoom’s download center and follow the installation steps.

• For iOS/Android: Install the Zoom app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Tip: Check the system requirements to ensure Zoom runs smoothly on your device.

2. Navigating the Zoom Interface

a. Home Screen Overview

Open the Zoom app, after logging in, you’ll see the Zoom Dashboard, which includes:

• New Meeting: Start an instant meeting.

• Join: Enter a meeting ID to join a call.

• Schedule: Plan a future meeting with specific settings.

• Share Screen: Share your screen without starting a meeting.

b. Understanding Meeting Controls

When you’re in a Zoom meeting, you’ll find various controls at the bottom of your screen:
✅ Mute/Unmute – Control your microphone.
✅ Start/Stop Video – Turn your camera on or off.
✅ Participants – View and manage attendees.
✅ Chat – Send messages to individuals or everyone in the meeting.
✅ Share Screen – Present slides, documents, or videos.
✅ Reactions & Raise Hand – Engage without interrupting.
✅ Leave Meeting – Exit the call when you’re done.

3. How to Join and Host a Meeting

a. Joining a Zoom Meeting

There are two ways to join a zoom meeting.

1. First method is click the meeting link sent by the host, you will be immediately joining the meeting.

2. Second method is you need to open Zoom, click Join, enter the Meeting ID. You will be join the meeting instantly, but if the meeting is private you need to enter the passcode.

Recommended Etiquette When Joining a Meeting:
✔ Mute your microphone when entering.
✔ Check your camera angle and background.
✔ Use headphones to reduce background noise.

b. Hosting a Zoom Meeting

Hosting a Zoom meeting gives you control over the session, allowing you to manage participants, share content, and set up security features. Whether you’re leading a work meeting, online class, or casual hangout, follow these steps to host a smooth Zoom meeting.

1. Scheduling a Zoom Meeting in Advance

If you want to plan a meeting for a future date, follow these steps:

1️⃣ Open Zoom and Sign In

• Go to Zoom's website or open the Zoom app on your device.

• Sign in to your account.

2️⃣ Click on “Schedule”

• On the Zoom home screen, click Schedule to create a meeting.

3️⃣ Set Up Meeting Details

• Topic: Name your meeting (e.g., "Weekly Work Meeting" or "English Class").

• Date & Time: Choose when your meeting will start and how long it will last.

• Time Zone: Ensure the correct time zone is selected.

4️⃣ Customize Meeting Settings

• Meeting ID:

• Generate Automatically (recommended) for unique security.

• Personal Meeting ID for recurring meetings with the same link.

• Passcode & Waiting Room:

• Enabling a passcode adds security and prevent link leak or unwanted attendant

• The Waiting Room feature lets you approve participants before they join, so whoever wants to join your meeting they need to get your approvement before they can join the meeting.

• Audio Settings:

• Choose Computer Audio for online meetings.

• Select Both if participants might join via phone.

5️⃣ Click "Save" or "Schedule"

• This finalizes your meeting and provides a Meeting Link & ID that you can share with participants.

2. Starting an Instant Zoom Meeting

Need to start a meeting right away? Don't worry we got you covered, here's how to starts your own meeting right away:

1️⃣ Click "New Meeting" on the Home Screen

• This starts a meeting immediately.

2️⃣ Adjust Settings Before Participants Join

• Click the arrow next to "Mute" to select your microphone and speakers.

• Click "Start Video" to enable your camera.

3️⃣ Invite Participants

• Click "Participants" > "Invite" to send invitations via email, contacts, or by copying the meeting link.

4. Advanced Features for a Better Zoom Experience

a. Virtual Backgrounds and Filters

Zoom has a special feature that allows you to change your background to a virtual image or blur it for privacy. You can find this option under Settings > Background & Effects.

b. Screen Sharing and Whiteboard

• Click Share Screen to share your computer/laptop or phone screen to present slides, documents, or videos.

• Use the Whiteboard for brainstorming and drawing or pointing an important things.

c. Recording Meetings

• Free Users: Can record meetings and store it locally to their device.

• Paid Users: Can record meetings on the cloud for easy access and can be accessed anywhere anytime as long as you have internet connection.

• Access recordings in Meetings > Recorded.

d. Breakout Rooms

Ideal for group discussions, Breakout Rooms allow the host to split participants into smaller groups. You can enable them in Settings > Breakout Rooms before the meeting.

6. Troubleshooting Common Zoom Issues

a. Audio Not Working?

✔ Check if your microphone is muted.
✔ Select the right audio device under Audio Settings.
✔ Restart Zoom or update your app.

b. Video Not Showing?

✔ Ensure your camera is on and not blocked.
✔ Select the correct camera under Video Settings.

c. Connection Issues?

✔ Move closer to your Wi-Fi router.
✔ Close other apps that might be using bandwidth.\

7. Useful Zoom Shortcuts for Faster Navigation

🖥️ Windows/Mac Keyboard Shortcuts:

• Mute/unmute mic: Alt + A (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + A (Mac)

• Turn video on/off: Alt + V / Cmd + Shift + V

• Share screen: Alt + S / Cmd + Shift + S

• Switch between Speaker/Gallery View: Alt + F1

By mastering the basics of Zoom, you can confidently join and host video calls, collaborate with others, and use advanced features to enhance your experience. Visit Zoom’s Help Center for additional guides and troubleshooting tips. Have questions or Zoom tips to share? Drop them in the comments below!