Before You Begin

The latest version of Zoom (4.6.10 and later) includes a new Security button that can be accessed anytime during your Zoom meeting. While all the features in the Security button are available elsewhere, the new button makes it much easier to find and secure Zoom during a meeting.

Note: If you do not see the Security button after joining a Zoom meeting (as host), see “Where Do I Download the Latest Version”. If you are using a university managed computer, you may see a message titled “Auto Update Disabled”. The new update will be available soon. If you are on the latest version, 4.6.10 or later, and do not see the Security option, make sure you are the host of the meeting.

For more comprehensive advice for managing disruptions, see “Managing Risk of Disruption in Zoom Meetings.”

Accessing The Security Button

The Security button can be accessed in the bottom navigation of any Zoom meeting you are hosting. Clicking on the Security button will present five options. If an option is enabled, you will see a check mark appear on the side.

Security Button Options:

Lock Meeting

Enabling Lock Meeting will prevent anyone else from joining your meeting. This may cause issues if students or other participants accidentally leave the meeting due to a connection issue and need to return.

Enable Waiting Room

Enabling the Waiting Room feature allows the host to control when a participant joins the meeting. As the meeting host you can admit attendees one by one or hold all attendees in the waiting room and admit them all at once. For more information, see “Admitting participants during a meeting.”

To secure your meeting, consider only enabling the waiting room once you believe all students or participants have joined. This will prevent unknown participants from joining but still allow the host to allow disconnected or late participants to join.

Share Screen

Enabling Share Screen for participants will allow all participants to share their screen during a meeting. This may be needed if students or participants need to present or share material to the rest of the meeting participants. Disabling Share Screen does not prevent students or participants from sharing their screen within a breakout room.

Chat

Enabling Chat will allow participants to chat with the host and privately with other students. Disabling chat will block all participants from chatting in any form. Hosts can still send messages to participants but they won’t be able to respond. Disabling Chat does not prevent students or participants from using the chat tool within a breakout room.

Rename Themselves

Enabling Rename Themselves will allow participants to change their name after entering the meeting. Disabling will prevent students from changing names to something inappropriate or in an attempt to mimic another student.