Where to get Zoom and what to expect

Zoom is available directly from Zoom's official website at zoom.us, or through your device's app store — the Apple App Store on iPhone and iPad, or Google Play on Android phones. The desktop version for Windows or Mac also comes from zoom.us. Downloading from the official source protects you from fake versions that could contain malware.

The download is free. Once you install it, you can join video meetings without paying anything. Zoom makes money from people who host meetings with more than 100 participants or want extra features, not from people who join calls. You do not need to pay to use Zoom as a participant.

The whole process — from clicking download to opening Zoom for the first time — takes about five minutes on most devices. The file size is roughly 150 MB on a computer and 200 MB on a phone, so it works on slower internet connections.

Key Takeaways

  • Download Zoom only from zoom.us on a computer, or from the Apple App Store or Google Play on a phone — never from third-party websites.
  • On Windows, the installer file downloads to your Downloads folder and you double-click it to begin installation; on Mac, you drag the Zoom icon into your Applications folder.
  • On iPhone or Android, tap the download button in your app store and wait for installation to finish, then open the app and sign in or create an account.
  • You do not need to pay anything to download Zoom or join meetings; the free version works for calls with any number of participants as long as the host does not have a paid account.

Downloading Zoom on Windows

Go to zoom.us in your web browser. In the top right corner, you will see a button that says "Sign In" or "Download". Click "Download" (or look for a link that says "Download Zoom Client"). This takes you to a page with download options.

Find the section labeled "Zoom Client for Meetings" and click the blue "Download" button next to it. Your browser will download a file called something like "ZoomInstaller.exe" to your Downloads folder. This usually takes 30 seconds to a few minutes depending on your internet speed.

Once the download finishes, open your Downloads folder (usually by clicking the folder icon in your taskbar or opening File Explorer and clicking Downloads on the left). Double-click the ZoomInstaller.exe file. Windows may ask "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" — click "Yes". The installer will unpack files and Zoom will open automatically when it finishes.

Downloading Zoom on Mac

Open your web browser and go to zoom.us. Click "Download" in the top right corner, then click the blue "Download" button under "Zoom Client for Meetings". A file called "Zoom.pkg" or "ZoomInstaller.pkg" will download to your Downloads folder.

Double-click the .pkg file. A window will open asking you to confirm the installation. Click "Continue", then "Agree" to accept the terms. When prompted, enter your Mac password (the one you use to log in to your computer). The installer will run and Zoom will appear in your Applications folder automatically.

You can also drag the Zoom icon directly into your Applications folder if you download the .dmg file instead of the .pkg file. Either method works — the .pkg file is simpler because it handles everything automatically.

Downloading Zoom on iPhone or iPad

Open the Apple App Store (the blue icon with a white square). Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen and type "Zoom". The official Zoom app will appear at the top of the results — it has a blue icon with a white video camera symbol. Tap the cloud icon with a down arrow (or "Get" if you have never installed it before).

Your phone will ask you to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. Complete whichever authentication method your phone uses. The app will download and install automatically — you will see a progress bar, then the button will change to "Open". Tap "Open" to start Zoom for the first time, or find the Zoom icon on your home screen and tap it later.

Downloading Zoom on Android

Open Google Play (the colorful triangle icon). Tap the search icon at the bottom and type "Zoom". The official Zoom app will appear first in the results — it has a blue icon with a white video camera. Tap "Install".

Google Play will download and install the app automatically. Once the button changes to "Open", tap it to launch Zoom, or find the Zoom icon in your app drawer and tap it whenever you are ready to use it. You do not need to do anything else — the installation is complete.

Creating your Zoom account or signing in

When you open Zoom for the first time, you will see a screen asking you to sign in or create an account. If someone sent you a meeting link, you can click "Join a Meeting" and paste the link without creating an account — Zoom will let you join as a guest. You only need an account if you want to host your own meetings or save your settings.

To create an account, click "Sign Up Free" and enter your email address. Zoom will send you a confirmation email — click the link in that email to finish creating your account. You can then set a password and add your name. If you already have a Zoom account, click "Sign In" and enter your email and password.

Troubleshooting common download problems

If your download stops or fails, check that you have a stable internet connection. Close your browser and try downloading again from zoom.us. If you see a warning that the file is not recognized or is unsafe, this is normal — Windows and Mac flag installer files from any company they do not recognize. Click "Keep" or "Yes" to proceed.

If Zoom will not open after installation, restart your computer. On Windows, you can also uninstall Zoom (go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, find Zoom, and click Uninstall), then download and install it again. On Mac, drag the Zoom icon from Applications to the Trash, empty the Trash, then download and install fresh.

If you downloaded from a website other than zoom.us or your device's official app store, delete it and download again from the official source. Third-party download sites sometimes host older or modified versions that may not work correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create a Zoom account before I can join a meeting?

No. If someone sends you a meeting link, you can click it and join as a guest without signing in or creating an account. You only need an account if you want to host your own meetings or if you prefer to save your settings and meeting history.

Is Zoom safe to download from zoom.us?

Yes. zoom.us is Zoom's official website and is safe. Never download Zoom from any other website — third-party sites sometimes host older versions or modified files that could contain malware. Stick to zoom.us, the Apple App Store, or Google Play.

Can I download Zoom on a tablet?

Yes. iPad users can download from the Apple App Store the same way as iPhone. Android tablet users can download from Google Play. The app works the same way on tablets as on phones.

What if I get an error message during installation?

Restart your computer and try installing again. If the error persists, uninstall Zoom completely (on Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features; on Mac, drag Zoom to Trash), restart, then download and install fresh from zoom.us or your app store.

Do I need to pay to download or use Zoom?

No. Downloading Zoom is free, and joining meetings is free. You only pay if you want to host meetings with more than 100 participants or use advanced features — and even then, only if you choose to upgrade.