Zoom has become a go-to tool for virtual meetings, but with convenience comes risk. If you allow strangers into your meeting, they could see personal details in your background or disrupt your session with unwanted interruptions. The solution? Enable a waiting room. It’s a simple feature that gives you control over who enters your meeting.
What Is a Zoom Waiting Room?
A waiting room is a virtual space where participants stay until you approve their entry. Instead of letting everyone join automatically, you can review names and decide who gets in. This extra step prevents uninvited guests from crashing your meeting—a common issue known as “Zoom bombing.”
Why It Matters
Allowing unknown participants into your meeting can lead to:
- Privacy Risks: Strangers might see sensitive information in your background.
- Harassment or Disruption: Uninvited guests can share inappropriate content or derail your meeting.
- Security Concerns: Hackers could exploit open meetings to gather information.
By enabling a waiting room, you keep control and protect your meeting environment.
How to Turn On a Waiting Room
Setting up a waiting room is quick and easy:
- Log into Zoom and go to Settings.
- Click “In Meeting (Advanced).”
- Toggle the button next to “Waiting Room.”
Once enabled, participants will enter the waiting room first, and you can admit them individually or all at once.
Extra Tips for Secure Zoom Meetings
- Use a Meeting Password: Adds another layer of protection.
- Lock the Meeting After It Starts: Prevents new participants from joining.
- Update Zoom Regularly: Security patches keep your app safe.
- Avoid Sharing Links Publicly: Send invites only to trusted participants.
A waiting room is a simple feature that makes a big difference in meeting security. Take a minute to enable it before your next Zoom call—you’ll protect your privacy and keep your meeting on track.
