Zoom: Can't Join Meeting, "Update Required, Contact IT" Error

Environment

U-M Zoom, desktop app

Issue

I tried to join a Zoom meeting or webinar and received the following error message:

"Update Required: Your app version needs to be [version number] or higher to sign in. Please contact your IT team to update your app."

Resolution

To join the meeting or webinar, you must either update your Zoom app OR join from your web browser.

  • RECOMMENDED: Update your desktop app, then try joining the meeting or webinar again.
    • Most people should be able to update their app independently without contacting ITS. The message regarding contacting IT is a standard Zoom message that cannot be customized with U-M instructions.
  • ALTERNATIVE: Join from your browser by clicking the Join from browser link.
    • Many Zoom features are unavailable in the browser version and only available in the desktop app. ITS recommends updating your app whenever possible rather than joining from the browser.

Additional Information

  • Earlier desktop app versions are less secure and lack many critical features that people need for teaching, learning, and research at U-M, such as the ability to self-select breakout rooms and suspend participant activities.
  • U-M requires a minimum client version to increase security and minimize confusion and issues caused by missing features in earlier app versions.
  • The minimum client version applies to anyone joining U-M Zoom meetings or webinars, including external (non-UM) guests.
  • This minimum client version is regularly updated as later versions are released and is usually kept between two and five minor versions behind Zoom's global minimum version.
  • The required version can be referenced on the U-M Zoom Getting Started page.

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.

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Related Articles (2)

This article provides instructions for checking the current version of your Zoom desktop app.
This article provides instructions for updating the Zoom app on a computer or mobile device.

Related Services / Offerings (1)

This service unifies cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, group messaging, and provides the option for meeting recordings. Zoom offers high quality video, audio, and wireless screen-sharing across Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, iOS, Android, Blackberry, Zoom Rooms, and H.323/SIP room systems.