Guest participants who can join Zoom without registering an account. how to tell it

Zoom has a function that allows you to participate as a guest without registering an account. In this article, we will explain how to join a Zoom meeting as a guest and what the host should be aware of when there are guest participants.

How to invite/join Zoom as a guest without registering an account?

Zoom does not require an account to attend a meeting created by the host.

Even if you do not have an account, you can invite and join the meeting as a “guest participant“.

Let’s take a concrete look at how to invite guest participants to a Zoom meeting and how invited guests can join a Zoom meeting without creating an account.

How the host invites guest participants

The procedure for inviting participants by the host is the same whether the recipient has an account or not.

PC/smartphone common

1. Schedule a meeting on Zoom.
2. Copy the invitation from the meeting details screen and send it to your participants.

You can do this on your computer (desktop client, web portal) or on your smartphone (mobile app).

How Invited Guests Join

This is the procedure for an invited participant to join a Zoom meeting as a guest.

PC (desktop client, web browser)

1. Click the invitation URL received from the host.
2. Zoom will open in your web browser and prompt you to install the app. Once installed, the Zoom app will launch. If you don’t want to install it, select “Join from Your Browser” to open the meeting screen in your browser.
3. Enter your name (display name) and click “Join” to join the Zoom meeting.

Smartphone (mobile app)

If you want to participate from a smartphone, you will need to install the app in advance.

1. Tap the invitation URL received from the host.
2. You will be prompted to install the Zoom mobile app. Once installed, the Zoom app will launch.
3. Enter your name (display name) and tap “Join” to join the Zoom meeting.

When do you need an account?

If you can join a Zoom meeting without an account, when do you need an account?

No need to create an account: just join the meeting

You don’t need to create an account if you are invited to join the meeting. All you have to do is prepare an invitation from the host, a device to participate in Zoom, and a network environment.

If you need a free account: You have the opportunity to host a meeting

You cannot host a meeting without an account. Create an account to host a meeting at least once. Meetings that can be held with a free account have the following restrictions.

• Up to 100 participants
• Up to 40 minutes at a time, even for meetings with two participants

Cases where a contract for a paid account is required: Use advanced functions

If the features of the free account are not enough, consider signing up for a paid account.

A paid account is required if you want to use advanced functions, if you want to manage users and settings for your organization as an administrator, or if you want to host a webinar.

Are there any restrictions on guest functions in Zoom meetings?

If I join a meeting without registering a Zoom account, will there be any restrictions on guest functions?

Can I change my name?

You can register your name when entering the Zoom meeting. The display name must be re-entered after leaving the meeting, and permanent name registration is not possible.

Can I use virtual backgrounds?

Virtual backgrounds can also be used by guest participants.

Can I share my screen?

Guest participants can also share their screens on Zoom. If not, the host may have restricted screen sharing by participants, so check with the host.

How the host allows participants to screen share

1. On the Zoom meeting screen, click the arrow on the Share Screen icon.
2. Click Advanced Sharing Options.
3. Under “Who can share?” select “All participants”.

Creating a Zoom account is easy

There is no problem if you just participate in Zoom without registering an account. However, it is also true that registering an account will allow you to host Zoom meetings, customize settings, view scheduled meetings, and more.

You can easily create a Zoom account, so if you have time, you can create one.

1. Go to the Zoom web portal (https://zoom.us/).
2. Click “Sign up is free”.
3. Enter your date of birth.
4. Enter your email address.
5. A verification email will be sent to the registered email address. Click the button in the body of the email to authenticate.
6. Enter your name and password.
7. “Let’s increase friends” is a function to send an invitation email to the other party when you enter the email address, but if you do not need it, click “Skip the procedure”.
8. Registration is complete.

Things to keep in mind when accepting guest participants

If you know the invitation URL or meeting ID, you can participate in a Zoom meeting without registering an account.

Meeting security is a concern here. It is new to remember that the “Zoom bombing” that illegally invaded the Zoom meeting became a problem. If you can’t reject abusive users, the meeting will be a mess. Let’s think about how to properly manage unknown attendees.

Ability to identify guest participants

Zoom has the ability for hosts to identify guest participants among attendees. It’s a good idea to pay attention to guest attendees and be available in case of emergency.

1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal (https://zoom.us/).
2. Click Settings.
3. Select the Meetings tab.
4. Enable ‘Identify meeting/webinar guest attendees’ under ‘In Meeting (advanced)’.

With this feature, the names of attendees who are:

• Don’t have a Zoom account (not signed in)
• Signed in with an email address that is not the same account as the host
• Using an older version of the Zoom app than supported

Requiring Participant Entry by Approval

Keep trolls and pranks out by allowing attendees to enter only if approved by the host.

Use the Waiting Room feature to require approval for entry.

1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal (https://zoom.us/).
2. Click Settings.
3. Select the Meetings tab.
4. Enable “Waiting Room” in “Security”.

summary

• You can join Zoom as a guest without registering an account.
• Account registration required to host a Zoom meeting
• Host can identify guest attendees without an account

If the host considers security, the meeting can be safely held even if guest participants are invited.

If you don’t have a Zoom account, don’t give up on attending meetings and webinars. First, try using it as a guest participant, and if you like it, create an account and use it further.