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Overview
Successful Zoom meetings are dependent on available bandwidth, processor power and meeting logistics. Here are some tips to help you optimize your Zoom meeting experience.
Here's How
Use Supported and Up-to-Date Technology and Have Sufficient Bandwidth
One of the most important things to remember is to do your homework to ensure an optimized experience. Be sure to use supported technology and you are connecting with an adequate Internet connection.
System Requirements
Take some time to compare the system requirements to your setup when using Zoom.
Internet Connection and Bandwidth
Your Internet connection may not be fast enough for streaming video.
- Wired (Ethernet) connections are more reliable than wireless (wi-fi) connections.
- Wi-fi connections are more reliable than cellular data connections.
If possible, join Zoom meetings from a location where you can use a fast, reliable, wired Internet connection.
Avoid Other Activities that Steal Bandwidth
Don't start other bandwidth-intensive activities just before, or during, a Zoom meeting. On your Zoom device—and as much as possible, on other computers and devices that share your Internet connection—avoid:
- streaming video (e.g. Netflix, Hulu, YouTube)
- cloud backups
- cloud file synchronizations (e.g. OneDrive, Dropbox)
- large downloads
- large uploads
Close Other Unneeded Applications on Your Computer
Closing other applications will give Zoom more computer resources. Be sure that your system meets Zoom's recommended system requirements.
Mute Your Microphone When You're Not Speaking
Ambient or background noise can often get in the way of clear communication. When your microphone is on, Zoom will streams your audio, even if you are not speaking. Mute your microphone when you do not need it. This setting ensures you enter meetings quietly without bringing sudden noise to the call.
- Hover over the bottom of the Zoom window until the control panel becomes visible.
- Select the Mute button labeled with a microphone icon.
- If you need to speak again, un-mute your client using the Unmute button in the same location.
Stop Your Webcam Video When You Don't Need It
Unless video is a necessity, we’ve found that turning it off can help increase the clarity of the call. This particular setting allows you to turn it off when entering a call (you can always turn it on later)—which is another helpful way to reduce sudden interruptions.
- Hover over the bottom of the Zoom window until the control panel becomes visible.
- Select the Stop Video button.
- If you need to be seen in the meeting again, select the Start Video button in the same location.
Disable HD Webcam Video
Sending high definition (HD) webcam video requires more bandwidth than sending non-HD. Disabling HD video will free up more of your Internet connection for other parts of your Zoom meeting.
- Hover over the bottom of the Zoom window until the control panel becomes visible.
- Select the arrow located next to the Start/Stop Video Button.
- Select Video Settings.
- Uncheck the box next to Enable HD.
Communicate With the Instructor or Moderator of Your Zoom Meeting
If the best Internet connection you have for Zoom is a slow one, such as a weak cellular data connection, let the person or people running your session know ahead of time.