How to Join and Use Zoom or Microsoft Teams

Here’s how to join a Zoom or Microsoft Teams meeting from a link, get past the waiting room or lobby, and use the basic controls once you’re in.

Two popular video call apps

Zoom — Common for doctor’s appointments, webinars, and many businesses
Microsoft Teams — Common for work meetings, especially with Microsoft 365
Both work the same basic way — Click a link, wait to be let in, then mute, camera, and leave

How to join and use Zoom or Microsoft Teams, step by step

Zoom

1Zoom: join a meeting from a link

Click the meeting link in your email or calendar invite. Zoom opens and you wait here.

WHAT TO DOOnce the host admits you, use Mute and Stop Video to control your mic and camera.

Join and use zoom or microsoft teams: Zoom: join a meeting from a link

Teams

2Microsoft Teams: join a meeting from a link

Click the meeting link. Teams opens to a lobby, and you wait here.

WHAT TO DOOnce you’re let in, use the microphone and camera buttons the same way.

Microsoft Teams: join a meeting from a link

A few tips

Test your camera and mic first — Both apps have a quick audio/video test before you join
Use headphones if you can — Cuts down on echo for everyone else on the call
Face a light, not a window — So you’re not a silhouette on camera

Recap: joining and using Zoom or Microsoft Teams

Click the meeting link; the app opens and you wait to be let in
Mute/unmute and turn your camera on or off with the control bar
Both Zoom and Teams work the same basic way
Click Leave when you’re done

Printable quick guide

Join & Use Zoom or Microsoft Teams (1-page quick guide PDF)

Frequently asked questions

How do I join a Zoom meeting from a link?

Click the meeting link in your email or calendar invite. Zoom opens, and if the host has a Waiting Room on, you’ll see “Please wait, the meeting host will let you in soon” until they admit you.

How do I join a Microsoft Teams meeting?

Click the meeting link. Teams opens, and if you can’t join directly you’ll wait in the lobby until the organizer, a co-organizer, or a presenter lets you in.

How do I mute myself or turn my camera off?

Once you’re in the meeting, use the control bar at the bottom of the window: click the microphone icon to mute or unmute, and the camera icon to turn your video on or off.

Why can’t my camera or microphone turn on?

Check that you clicked Allow when the app or your browser asked for camera and microphone permission, and that no other app is already using the camera.

If your camera or microphone doesn’t work the first time, check that you clicked Allow when the app or your browser asked for camera and microphone permission.