Sometimes the audio or video in Zoom becomes choppy or distorted. Here are some things you can do to improve your Zoom connection:
Use the best Internet connection you can
Plan ahead for Zoom meetings, and as often as possible, join Zoom meetings from a location where you can use a fast, reliable, wired Internet connection.
- Wired connections are better than wireless (WiFi or cellular) connections.
- WiFi connections are better than cellular (3G/4G/LTE) connections.
Wi-Fi connections might disrupt live video streaming. If you have to use Wi-Fi, make sure that you sit close to the Wi-Fi access point and have full antenna reception.
Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking
When your microphone is on, Zoom will devote part of your Internet connection to an audio stream for you, even if you are not speaking.
Mute your microphone when you do not need it, and you will allow Zoom use your Internet connection more effectively.
Stop your webcam video when you don’t need it
If your instructor or moderator is okay with you doing so, start your video only when you need to show yourself on webcam, and stop your video when it isn’t needed.
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 (see How do I Disable HD video in Zoom?)
Close other, unneeded applications on your computer
Zoom meetings can demand significant memory and processing power from your computer. Closing other applications, ones you do not need during the session, will help Zoom run better.
Download the Software / App
You can view a zoom meeting in an internet browser, but performance is not as good, and not all browsers work well.
We recommend that all teachers and students download the zoom software or the install the phone app (see Get Zoom).