Common zoom issues and how to fix them

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(Pocket-lint) – As more and more people turn to services like Zoom, many are running into issues that need fixing, and if that’s you, don’t worry – we’ve got some of the best solutions for you. fastest and easiest way to troubleshoot Zoom if you’re having trouble.

Is Zoom low?

First of all, if you are unable to get Zoom working, you should check the service status of Zoom to see if the problem is with Zoom. Point your browser to status.zoom.us and you’ll be able to see if any of Zoom’s services aren’t working, any ongoing issues, and what’s being done about them.

General fixes for zoom issues

Stop apps you don’t use: Zoom and any video app can be demanding on your computer and internet connection, so it’s worth stopping apps you don’t need if you’re having trouble. This frees up resources for Zoom to use.

Make sure you’re using the latest version of Zoom: There have been a number of Zoom updates recently, the latest version at the time of writing is Zoom 5.9.3, so it’s worth checking that you’re using the latest version of the app. You’ll usually be prompted to update when you open Zoom if there’s an update, but it’s always worth checking as some features change between updates.

My app keeps crashing or closing: First, do the above two things. If you are still having problems, try restarting your computer. If that doesn’t fix the problem, check for software updates for your computer.

Zoom says my connection is unstable: Unfortunately, this happens from time to time. This is a local connection issue, so the first thing to do is to check your Wi-Fi or wired connection. It’s worth running a speed test – just a Google speed test and you’ll have the option to run a quick test where you can see if there really is a speed issue. If you’re using Wi-Fi, see if you can connect to a wired connection instead, as it’s likely to be more stable than Wi-Fi, or move closer to your router. Definitely worth it if you’re still having trouble connecting to Zoom. If it’s a one-time issue, there’s probably nothing you can do about it except wait for the problem to pass – you can try stopping all other activity on your connection to let Zoom have all available bandwidth.

Troubleshoot audio issues on Zoom

Check that you are not muted: when you join a Zoom meeting, you’ll normally have to click to unmute the microphone because you’re muted. Look for the microphone icon in the lower left corner, if it’s crossed out, click it to unmute your microphone. If you’re on the mobile app, you’ll need to “join audio” to be able to speak or hear audio.

If you are using an external microphone: many external microphones have their own mute function – make sure the microphone itself is not muted.

Check your Bluetooth connection: If you join a call and no one can hear you, check that you are not connected to a Bluetooth headset elsewhere in the house. An existing connection may have requested your audio. Or, if you want to use a Bluetooth headset, make sure it’s properly connected to the device running Zoom.

Check the audio source in Zoom: If you’re on a call and no one can hear you, you can click the up arrow to expand the audio button in the Zoom app. You will then see the options available on your computer so that you can use the correct microphone.

Check the audio settings in Zoom: As above, if you’re not in a meeting, you can open Zoom, open settings and go to “audio”. Here you will have the option to set your preferences as well as test your PC’s microphone and speaker to see if it works. If your mic is too quiet, you can increase the levels here.

My Mac can’t access the microphone: sometimes your Mac may say that it can’t access the microphone and ask you to restart. This might then ask for admin permission. Entering your details can then correct the microphone fault without having to restart.

Make sure your PC audio settings are correct: If you were unable to resolve the issue through Zoom itself, check your settings or preferences on your computer. Above all, verify that they actually work to help isolate the problem.

Background noise interferes with the call: If there’s too much noise around you – people in the house, traffic noise, animals, planes – consider using a noise canceling app like Krisp. This can reduce background noise so you find clearer sound. It can also reduce background noise from other call participants, so you don’t hear their noise either. Zoom also has its own background noise filter, which you can find in the settings.

There is no sound when sharing a video/YouTube: If you want to share video content with sound via screen sharing, you will need to check the “share computer sound” option when you share your screen. Otherwise, the only sound people will get is from your microphone. It’s in the lower left corner of the screen sharing options.

There are echoes or feedback on the audio: this usually happens when a mic picks up sound coming from the speakers. It could be that the microphone is too close to the speakers, someone is using a phone and a computer, or multiple computers are too close together. Muting the microphone may solve the problem or identify the participant(s) causing the problems.

Troubleshoot video issues in Zoom

No one can see me: If you can’t be seen – and can’t see yourself – first check that you started the video on the call. Tap the button in the bottom left corner to make sure you’ve joined the video on the call. Most calls start with video off.

Check the camera you are using: just like with audio, Zoom lets you choose which camera to use. Tap the arrow next to the video button and a list of available cameras will appear. Check that you are not using a covered camera or on a closed (docked) laptop, for example. This is also where you can find virtual cameras, if you want to turn into a chat.

Confirm video settings in Zoom: If you’ve tried both solutions above without success, open the settings in the Zoom app and look at the “video” options. You will be able to see a preview of your webcam and select the available webcams. If you cannot see a webcam preview, you will need to check your computer settings and verify that your webcam is installed correctly.

My video is blocky and keeps freezing: many quality issues in video are due to data. This could be because you don’t have strong Wi-Fi or someone else is using the bandwidth on your connection (streaming in 4K or downloading large files, for example). Try to limit other demanding services and make sure you have a good Wi-Fi signal or wired connection.

Written by Chris Hall.