Chat and Reactions

A popular feature in Zoom is its chat room, this is where you can type messages to people in the meeting and they can type back to you.

You may want to use chat when your microphone isn’t working, you need to leave a meeting early or the person hosting the meeting has asked you to.

To open chat, click or tap on the “chat” button on the toolbar along the bottom or top of the screen. If you are using a phone or tablet your chat button may be hidden – tap the “more” button and select chat from the drop down box.

You can select to either send the message to everyone or select an individual to send a private message to – the person hosting the meeting can’t see messages you send to other people in a private message. Type your message in the text box and click or tap send.

You can also send reactions during a meeting which are images or icons similar to emojis. You can send “clapping” or “thumbs up” reactions when you like something, when your microphone is muted or when someone has asked you to. 

To send a reaction, click or tap on the “reaction” button on the toolbar along the bottom or top of the screen. If you are using a phone or tablet your reaction button may be hidden – tap the “more” button and tap on the reaction you would like to send.

Click on the buttons below for more information on chat and reactions and try out using these features in a test meeting. 

Video from Zoom

Other resources

Updating Application

Zoom often updates its application (app) to release new features and fix bugs. It is important to make sure the application on your computer/laptop, tablet and phone is updated to the latest version to protect your security and keep it working as it should.  

When an update is mandatory, you will receive a notification to update to the latest version – click or tap on this notification to update. 

You can also check for updates by clicking on your profile image in the application and selecting “check for updates” or you can go to the Zoom website (www.zoom.us/download) to download the latest version.

If you are using a phone you can also download the latest version on Google Play or App Store. 

If your application is upto date there will be no install options available when you check for updates.

Click on the buttons below for more information and to check your updated to the latest version.

Video from Zoom

Other resources

To ensure everyone can access Zoom, we have created Easy Read guides for you to download.

The guides cover the basics of using Zoom on a computer or laptop, tablet and phone. We start at the beginning, answering key questions that will help you get the most out of this new technology. 

• What is Zoom?
• Safety and codes of conduct 
• How to download Zoom? 
• How to join a Zoom meeting?
• What are the basic controls in Zoom?
• How to use chat and reactions in Zoom?

The ‘Easy Read’ format breaks down the process step-by-step, highlighting new words, using a large font, short sentences and images. 

Click on the buttons below to download the guides and help a friend or family member stay connected using Zoom. 

Easy Read Guides: Computer or Laptop

What are the basic controls in Zoom?

Easy Read Guides: Tablet 

What are the basic controls in Zoom?

Easy Read Guides: Phone

What are the basic controls in Zoom?

Other Resources

Introduction to Zoom Meetings

Hosting a Zoom Meeting

Tips for Virtual Digital Champions