Zoom Passcodes for Meetings and Webinars

Environment

U-M Zoom

Issue

What is a passcode for a Zoom meeting or webinar? Why would I use it? How do I use it?

Resolution

What is a passcode for a Zoom meeting or webinar? Why would I use it?

Zoom meetings and webinars can require passcodes for an added layer of security. When the host creates a meeting or webinar, they choose what the passcode will be. Participants will be required to either enter the passcode in order to join the meeting or webinar, or use a link which includes the passcode encrypted and embedded within it in order to join (encrypting and embedding the passcode is a feature only for meetings, not webinars).

Passcodes can help to prevent unintended guests from joining your meeting or webinar. However, passcodes can be shared. If an intended guest shares the passcode or the link with the passcode encrypted and embedded within it with someone who is an unintended guest, those unintended guests will be able to join the meeting. Therefore, ITS recommends using Only authenticated users (meetings and webinars) and/or a Waiting Room (meetings only) in addition to a passcode for security.

How do I use a passcode?

To embed and encrypt passcodes in Zoom meeting links so that participants do not need to know or enter the passcode:

1. Navigate to https://umich.zoom.us/profile/setting and login if prompted
2. Toggle on the setting Embed passcode in invite link for one-click join. This will only impact new meetings that you have not yet scheduled; it will not impact meetings you have already scheduled.
   1. Note: Screen-reader software that is reading the settings page will read this as "True"

To set a passcode on a meeting you are scheduling (from the scheduling workflow):

1. Check the box next to Passcode in the Security section
2. Enter the passcode you want your participants to enter in order to join your meeting
3. The passcode will be automatically included in the meeting join information. Make sure to provide invitees with the full information instead of simply copying the link.

To set a passcode on a webinar you are scheduling (from the scheduling workflow):

1. Check the box next to Require webinar passcode in the Webinar Passcode section
2. Enter the passcode you want your participants to enter in order to join your webinar
3. The passcode will be automatically included in the webinar join information. Make sure to provide invitees with the full information instead of simply copying the link.

Additional Information

• Zoom Help Center article about Meeting and webinar passcodes. 
• Which Security Setting(s) Should I Use for My Zoom Meeting?

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