Remote work culture is on the rise due to COVID 19 lockdowns. Everyone is resorting to best video conferencing apps such as Zoom, Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, etc. While some of us tech-savvy folks always find a way around but it’s not the same story for other people who are in a transition state. It might be embarrassing to encounter some technical glitch when hosting a webinar or a Zoom Meeting.
In this segment, we have covered all the known issues related to Zoom. Some of them are quite common such as audio and video issues. While some are a bit technical such as connectivity and webcam related problems.
We have tried our best to provide an easy fix for all the Zoom issues. Even if you don’t have a problem using Zoom right now, you may encounter any one of them later. So keep reading to know all possible Zoom issues and their appropriate solution.
Zoom Installation Issue
Starting off with Zoom installation, if it isn’t successfully installed, then this can be due to several reasons. Firstly, your antivirus might be blocking Zoom from installing, in that case, it quarantines the installation files.
This issue is rare and can be triggered if you download Zoom Setup unofficially from a different location. It could contain malware or a virus for such behaviour. Download and Install Zoom from the official website i.e. https://zoom.us only.
Zoom app Update Issue
Zoom crashes while you try to update the software. If this is the case with you then kindly uninstall your current Zoom app and reinstall after downloading the setup from its official website.
Zoom Meeting Audio & Video issue
Before you start using the Zoom, it’s essential to check if you have granted the Camera and Microphone permissions to the app. You can quickly check this by going to your Computer Settings > Privacy.
Now Under Camera and Microphone, toggle the Allow apps to access your camera / Microphone respectively. Sometimes we look for all different solutions, but this one solves majorly all the issues related to camera and microphone for Zoom Meeting.
Similarly, make sure that you grant permission to use the camera and microphone in your mobile devices as well.
There’s also a possibility that other background apps are trying to access Microphone and Camera. To make sure this isn’t the case, scroll down under privacy and select Background apps. Disable any of the apps that are not required.
Audio issues with Zoom are the most common of all as Zoom gives you two different options for audio, i.e. Computer’s Audio or Join with the telephone.
Generally, if you don’t select any of the audio options after you join a meeting, then audio will not be transmitted to you. Make sure to choose ‘Join with Computer Audio’ after starting a session.
Make sure that you have not muted yourself or by anyone else. In that case, press the Unmute button to resolve it.
Similarly, besides the Unmute button, there’s also an option to Start Video. Press that if your video didn’t start when you entered the meeting. It could be due to default settings. Apart from this, you can also directly start your zoom meeting with Video. To do this, there’s a downward arrow option in the New Meeting icon. Press it and select Start with Video. This will automatically turn on the camera for your Zoom Meeting.
Change Zoom Speaker, Microphone and Video Settings
Another reason where you can’t hear someone else’s voice or no one can listen to yours could be due to faulty selection of speakers and microphone. Here, click on the upper arrow button for more options and select the appropriate Microphone and Speaker.
Alternatively, you can even configure this before the meeting. To do this, Go to Settings and select Audio. Choose the appropriate device configurations. Now click on Test for both Mic and Speakers if you cannot hear while testing speakers, then again try changing it from the drop-down menu to the appropriate ones until you hear the sound. Same goes for the Microphone test.
Another fix for the Zoom Video issue is to Start meetings with Video enabled. Under settings, go to Video and uncheck the option Turn off my video when joining the meeting option. Also, make sure the right webcam is selected under the Camera option. For those who are using an external USB camera, then please select that accordingly. If it doesn’t show up later try changing the USB port through which you are connecting the external camera.
Driver Fix for Microphone, Speaker and Camera
Make sure that you have correct drivers installed for speakers and external audio and video devices. You can try to disable and re-enable the drivers from your device manager. If the issue still persists, then try updating the drivers.
Zoom audio Echo issue Fix
Echo in Zoom meeting usually occurs after someone joins the session or when you join someone’s room. It is probably due to someone using inbuilt speakers and microphone for communication. It’s also possible due to keeping the receiver very close to speakers. Double-check for this with everyone attending the meeting, and you will be fine.
Zoom Connectivity issue Fix
Sometimes the Zoom app won’t connect to any meetings, or it won’t log you in. Generally, it is stuck on the connecting screen or gives a timeout error.
Most of the time, when you run new software, your computer asks you if this app must be allowed internet access. If you close that popup, then your device will block the internet access for Zoom. Sometimes there won’t be any warning, and by default, the firewall will be blocking its access.
To make sure this isn’t the case, Open up your Antivirus, and go to the firewall settings. Under that, there must be an option that lets you choose trusted apps. Make sure to put Zoom in the section of a trusted application if you don’t have any firewall then open Windows Defender Firewall by searching for it in the start menu. Now select Allow an app through a firewall. Click on Change Settings and search for Zoom under the apps and features list and select it for private and public.
Zoom Video Freezing issue Fix
There’s a chance that your video keeps freezing when in a meeting, Not necessarily your own video but even of others. This problem could occur if your internet bandwidth is low. In such a case, try moving in an area with better WiFi signal reception.
Do a speed test to know more about your internet bandwidth and having at least 2Mbps while doing a Video call will let you conduct your discussions without any interruption. Also, try restarting your modem/router and then connect to any Zoom calls.
There’s also a possible Zoom Black Screen error. To fix this, please update your video drivers. You can download the drivers through Intel, AMD, and Nvidia’s website.
Zoom Bombing, Security and Privacy
Zoom Bombing is on the rise. Hackers are targeting Zoom, and it is critical for you to take appropriate measures before and after starting a meeting. Having complete control of your Zoom meeting will help you eliminate any disturbance caused by some unknown intruders.
Usually, you can prevent them from joining your session by small tweaks to the settings of your Zoom Meeting. There are different security options that let you use secure authentication and encryption, create a waiting room, choose video and audio options and control user behaviour while in a zoom meeting.
Advanced options will let you choose to message and file-sharing options as well. Use them appropriately and secure your zoom meetings from Zoom Bombing. We have an in-depth Zoom Safety and Security guide that you can follow to overcome any privacy issues on Zoom.
Conclusion
A lot of Zoom issues revolve around your device and Zoom app settings. In rare cases, it could be a hardware issue. If your external mic and camera are not detected, then try changing USB ports and check it on other systems.
There’s a chance of faulty camera or mic hardware, or maybe the USB port isn’t functional. Just in case, if any of the above solutions don’t fix your issue, then you can contact Zoom support or show it to a local technician. Do let us know about your Zoom issues in the comments section below.