Are you seeing “Waiting for host to start the meeting”?

The meeting room opens two minutes before the hour. The Zoom Tech admits participants individually as they arrive, up until 10 minutes after the hour, at which point the meeting is then locked.

If you are having trouble joining the meeting or are seeing the above “Waiting for host” message for more than a minute or two during the time that the meeting is open for entry, please try the following.

If the host cannot see you, the host cannot admit you.

1. Check That You Are Using the Correct Zoom Link

Sunday: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81352405789

Wednesday: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89916883819

Sunday Women’s: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88598721475

If you are using the correct Zoom link and still can’t connect, continue with the potential fixes below.

2. Join Through a Web Browser

This is often the quickest solution.

1. Copy the Zoom meeting link from your invitation.

2. Open a private or incognito browser window in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.

3. Paste the link into the address bar and press Enter.

4. If prompted to open the Zoom app, select Cancel.

5. Look for “Join from your browser.”

6. Join the meeting through your browser.

If this works, the issue may be related to the Zoom application on your device.

3. Join Using the Meeting ID

Open the Zoom app, select Join, and enter the Meeting ID for your session:

Sunday: 813 5240 5789

Wednesday: 899 1688 3819

Sunday Women’s: 885 9872 1475

Then join the meeting without using the link.

4. Make Sure Zoom Is Up to Date

Outdated versions of Zoom can sometimes create connection issues.

1. Open Zoom.

2. Click your profile picture in the upper-right corner.

3. Select Check for Updates.

4. Install any available updates.

5. Restart Zoom and try joining again.

If Zoom continues to have problems, you may wish to uninstall and reinstall the application.

5. Check for Zoom Service Issues

Occasionally Zoom experiences service disruptions that affect users in specific regions.

Visit Zoom’s status page: https://status.zoom.us

If Zoom is reporting an outage, you may need to wait until service has been restored.

6. Try a Different Internet Connection

Sometimes a local network, firewall, VPN, or router setting can prevent Zoom from connecting properly.

1. Disconnect from your current Wi-Fi network.

2. Connect to a mobile hotspot or another internet connection.

3. Try joining the meeting again.

If this works, the issue is likely related to your original network connection.

7. Clear Your Browser Cache

If you are joining through a web browser, stored browser data can occasionally interfere with Zoom.

Try clearing your browser cache and cookies, opening a new private/incognito window, or using a different browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I can see the waiting screen. Doesn’t that mean the host can see me?

A: No. In some situations, Zoom displays a waiting message even though your device has not successfully connected to the meeting. If the host cannot see your name in Zoom, they cannot admit you.

Q: Can the host fix this for me?

A: No. If the host cannot see you in Zoom, there is nothing they can do from their side. The connection issue must be resolved on the participant’s device, Zoom application, account, or internet connection.

Q: Other people got into the meeting. Why can’t I?

A: If other participants are joining successfully, the meeting is working properly. The issue is likely occurring on your device, internet connection, Zoom account, or Zoom application.

Q: What’s the difference between the Zoom app and a web browser?

A: The Zoom app is software installed on your computer, tablet, or phone. A web browser is a program used to access websites, such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. If your browser asks whether you want to open Zoom, select Cancel and look for “Join from your browser.”

Q: How do I know if Zoom is up to date?

A: Open Zoom, click your profile picture, and select “Check for Updates.” Install any available update, restart Zoom, and try again.

Q: What should I try first?

A: The three most successful fixes are:

1. Join from a web browser instead of the Zoom app.

2. Enter the Meeting ID manually.

3. Update Zoom to the latest version.

If you still cannot join, contact Zoom Support at https://support.zoom.com. PWP volunteers cannot diagnose individual device, internet, or Zoom account issues.

Frequently Asked Questions During a PWP Session

Q: How do I turn on my camera?

A: Everyone enters with video off. Click the video-camera icon in the lower-left corner.

Q: How do I unmute?

A: After you are called on, click the microphone icon in the lower-left corner. Mute again when you finish.

Q: How do I raise my hand?

A: Click Reactions, then Raise Hand. Click it again to Lower Hand.

Q: What if I can’t hear?

A: Check your device volume. Use the arrow beside Audio to choose the correct speaker or headphones, then open Audio Settings and Test Speaker. Reconnect headphones or disable Bluetooth, then leave, quit Zoom, and rejoin. Restart your device if needed.

Q: How do I turn on closed captions?

A: Click Show Captions, or click More and choose Show Captions/CC. Learn more at https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb&sysparm_article=KB0059762

Q: What if my voice is choppy?

A: Turn off your camera, choose the correct microphone, and use Audio Settings > Test Microphone. If audio fades, disable automatic volume adjustment and review background-noise suppression. Close other apps, move closer to the router or use Ethernet, reconnect your microphone, and disconnect any VPN. VPN settings are under Network & Internet > VPN on Windows; System Settings > VPN on Mac; Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN on iPhone/iPad; and Settings > Network & Internet > VPN on Android. Also check VPN apps such as NordVPN.

Q: Why can’t I copy and paste from chat?

A: Copy and paste is disabled for privacy and copyright reasons.

Still Having Trouble?

If you have reviewed all of the information above and are still having technical issues, we recommend contacting Zoom Support directly and/or your Internet Service Provider or Computer Technician for individual device issues.

Zoom Support Center: https://support.zoom.com