Getting started:

• How to download and sign in to Zoom
• How to handle unstable WiFi in Zoom
• Recording and sharing zoom meetings and chat
• How can I sign into a different account on Zoom?

Personalizing the experience:

• How do I encourage my students to participate?
• How do I change my name during a meeting?
• How do I update my profile so I don’t have to change my name every time?
• How can I set a virtual background?

Operating Zoom:

• What are the best practices for hosting Zoom meetings?
• My video/camera isn’t working
• My audio isn’t working
• As a host/participant, why can’t I see a Zoom feature (like Breakout Rooms)?
• How can I use a whiteboard for my Zoom class? 

Managing security:

• How can I adjust the security settings for my Zoom meeting?
• How do I add a guest speaker to a Zoom call if I am using high-security settings?

Breakout rooms:

• Please see our article on FAQs for Zoom breakout rooms.

How can I sign into a different account on Zoom?

• Launch Zoom and go to the main window then click the small box with your account name in the top right and choose switch accounts from the drop down menu.

How do I change my name during a meeting?

1. Enter the Zoom meeting or class
2. Open the Participants Menu
3. Find your name and hover over or double tap to select RENAME
4. Enter your preferred First Name, Last Name AND/OR gender pronouns.

How do I update my profile so I don’t have to change my name every time?

1. Log in to https://stanford.zoom.us/profile with your SUNet ID.
2. Click Edit next to your name.
3. Enter your preferred First Name. 
4. Enter your preferred Last Name AND/OR gender pronouns.
5. Save changes.

How can I set a virtual background?

• One of the ways to change your virtual background is to click on  the little arrow next to the video tab in the bottom left corner and then “Choose Virtual Background.”

• Here, you can choose a virtual background out of the few provided ones or add a personalized one by clicking the little plus button.

• For more on virtual backgrounds, check out the official Zoom page on virtual backgrounds.

My video/camera isn’t working

• Make sure that all other programs that might be using your camera are closed (e.g., FaceTime or Skype).
• Make sure your Zoom settings are properly set
  • Check your video settings by going to Zoom settings and making sure that you have the right camera selected.
  • In the video tab, test your camera by seeing the video preview.
• Make sure that you’re using the latest version of Zoom.
  • If not, then update your client by clicking “Check for Updates” in the main Zoom menu.
• Try restarting your zoom client.
• Restart your computer.
• Check if your camera works in other programs.
  • If your camera works fine in other programs, consider deleting the Zoom app and reinstalling it from the Zoom Download Center.

My audio isn’t working

• Test your audio settings by going to the audio tab and choosing Test Speaker and Test Mic or by choosing Test Speaker & Microphone by clicking on the arrow next to the audio icon in the bottom left corner.
• Double check your input volume and input levels to see if your audio devices are working properly.
• Try leaving computer audio and rejoining.

• Consider calling in from your phone.
  • You can do so by clicking the up arrow from the microphone and selecting “Switch to Phone Audio.” From there, you can go to the “Call Me” tab when joining audio and Zoom will call your phone.
• If more problems ensue, try restarting your zoom client.

As a host/participant, why can’t I see a Zoom feature (like Breakout Rooms)?

• Make sure you are logged into Zoom. Try accessing the meeting through stanford.zoom.us and logged in through your Stanford account. Alternately, use the Zoom app to log into the meeting. [Zoom Help]

• Make sure that you have the correct role (host/co-host)
  • For example, only the host can start Breakout Rooms [Zoom Help]

• Try updating the Zoom app [Zoom Help] 
  • On Mac, look in the finder bar under Zoom.us

How can I use a whiteboard for my Zoom class?

• Zoom has a whiteboard feature that can be accessed through the Share Screen option. 

• Depending on your settings, anyone in the class may be able to annotate on the whiteboard as well. 

• If you have an iPad, Zoom has a built-in whiteboarding feature that works seamlessly with the Apple Pencil. Instructors and TAs who have a preference for “writing on the whiteboard” can consider this option. 
• Stanford Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) provides instructions on using digital ink for remote lectures, using Powerpoint and Zoom with iPad, and using Zoom whiteboard with iPad.  
• If you save the whiteboard, it will automatically be saved in an internal folder on your computer. After closing the meeting, this folder will appear and you will be able to make edits or upload the whiteboard to Canvas.