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How to Join a Zoom Meeting on Your Phone, Tablet or Computer

ByTom Becker

A Zoom link might come from your doctor’s office, your church, a class or the grandkids planning a holiday call. Joining is easier than it looks. These steps follow Zoom’s own help pages for the Zoom Workplace app on iPhone, Android and computers, as of October 2026.

Before the Call

  • Find the invitation. It is usually an email, text or calendar entry with a link under “Join Zoom Meeting.” It may also show a meeting ID and a passcode.
  • If you plan to use a phone or tablet, install the free Zoom Workplace app from the App Store or Google Play ahead of time. On a computer, you can download it from zoom.us/download.
  • Try it a few minutes early so there is time to sort out sound or camera.

Join From the Invitation Link

  1. Tap or click the link in the invitation.
  2. Choose to open the Zoom Workplace app. On a computer, you can instead choose “Join from your browser” if the host allows it.
  3. If asked, allow Zoom to use your microphone and camera.
  4. Check your sound and video, then tap “Join.”
  5. You may see a waiting room message. That is normal. Wait for the host to let you in.

Join With a Meeting ID

If you only have a meeting ID, go to join.zoom.us in your web browser, type in the meeting ID and click “Join.” Enter the passcode if you are asked for one.

Join by Phone Only

No internet? Many invitations list phone numbers you can call. Zoom’s steps are:

  1. Dial one of the numbers in the invitation. Your regular calling rates may apply.
  2. When asked, enter the meeting ID, then press #.
  3. If asked for a participant ID, just press #.
  4. Enter the passcode if asked, then press #.
  5. Press *6 to mute or unmute yourself.

Buttons You’ll Use During the Call

On a phone or tablet, tap the screen if the buttons disappear. Along the bottom you will find:

  • Mute / Unmute: turns your microphone off and on. If you see “Join audio,” tap it first.
  • Stop video / Start video: turns your camera off and on.
  • Chat: lets you type a message.
  • More: holds extra options, such as the list of participants.
  • Leave: leaves the meeting. Only the host can end it for everyone.

A Quick Safety Tip

Only click Zoom links from people and organizations you know. If an unexpected message asks you to join a call about your bank, Medicare or a prize, don’t click. Contact the organization using a phone number you already trust.

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