Webex
Instructions for joining a meeting
Join with the Webex App | Join with Your Browser
Meeting Etiquette | Download/Install the App
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CISCO Webex is a mature online meeting software product designed specifically for business.
Each meeting or meeting series has a unique meeting number and password which is generally provided via email. Join via:
- the Webex app (strongly recommended); or
- using your web browser.
Join with the Webex App
The Webex app is strongly recommended. If you haven't yet installed the app, download and install it now. After launching the app you should see a screen similar to the image below. I recommend checking for updates before continuing.
To join the meeting, follow these steps clicking on “next” or “continue” when you've entered the requested information:
- Click on the Join a meeting button (you don't have to sign in).
- Enter the meeting number that was provided to you.
- Enter the name you want displayed in the meeting and your email address.
- Enter the meeting password matching the meeting number.
I recommend pasting the meeting number and password into the Webex app to avoid errors. In some cases you may be provided with a browser link which will accomplish all those steps automatically for you either in the app or the browser window.
- Using a PC? Use Ctrl+c to copy; Ctrl+v to paste.
- Using a Mac? Use Command+c to copy; Command+v to paste.
The app should then take you to the meeting. You may find yourself in the “waiting room” if the meeting has not yet been started by the host. You'll be let in as soon as the meeting is ready.
Test Your Settings
You should test your speakers and microphone settings to be sure you can hear and be heard before the meeting starts.
Troubleshooting Problems
If you're having trouble, the Webex Help Centre has several options including help in getting started for new users.
Join with Your Web Browser
To join a meeting using your browser go to https://signin.webex.com/join. The following should appear:
If you didn't receive a link that opened the meeting automatically, follow these steps, clicking on “next” or “continue” after you've entered the required information:
- Enter the meeting number that was provided to you.
- Enter the meeting password matching the meeting number.
- click Join Meeting to enter the meeting.
- Enter the name you want displayed in the meeting and your email address.
- When you're ready, click Join Meeting to enter the meeting.
If you need help, see the troubleshooting options.
Meeting Etiquette
Depending upon the nature of the meeting and the number of participants, there are a number of things that help smooth the process.
- Raise your hand when you wish to speak or choose from several reactions.
- Use chat for suggestions, to provide online links or to speak privately to another participant.
- In larger meetings, not everyone is visible. Click Participants for a list of those present.
- Enable closed captioning if you have problems hearing.
Mute Yourself
There can be issues with background noise or echoing. It is recommended that you mute yourself after joining the meeting except to speak. Unmute yourself to speak (pressing the space bar on computers will temporarily unmute yourself).
Be Seen and Heard
People want to see you as well as hear you. It is harder for a speaker to judge whether they are reaching their audience if participants have their video turned off.
- Presenters should always have their video enabled.
- While it is optional for others, the group experience is enhanced when everyone is visible.
- Centre your face to fill most of the screen unless you're using sign language.
- If you're using a hand-held device, prop it up for stability with a suitable stand.
Using Webex's Tools
There are a series of tools in the bottom menu including:
- Mute allows you to mute yourself except when speaking (recommended).
- Video allows you to turn on or off your camera.
- Raise Hand & Reactions provides actions that help keep the meeting order.
- Participants shows a list of meeting attendees (useful in large meetings).
- Chat allows you to make comments or provide suggestions without interrupting the speaker.
The Mute and Video buttons change depending on whether you're muted or not and the “v” on the right side provides access to settings and other options. Clicking on “Leave” will exit you from the meeting.
Additional options may be used in some meetings including polling and AI features. The Record and Share Screen options are only available to hosts.
Recording the Meeting
The meeting host may enable recording to ensure that the meeting minutes are accurate. AI may enable that automatically.
- The meeting software may prompt you to accept the recording.
- If you deny recording, you will probably be ejected from the meeting by the software.
- You can mention any concerns to the meeting host via private chat (change “everyone” to the meeting host's name).
Virtual Backgrounds
You can use virtual backgrounds to mask what is behind you during a meeting. Your image may be jittery if you don't have a recent and relatively powerful device.
Download and Install the App
Before joining a meeting using the Webex app (strongly recommended) you'll need to download the Webex app then install it.
The download site should display the correct installer for your device but you may have to make a selection. See Which Version? if you're uncertain which version is right for your system.
Check for Updates
Only the most recent version of Webex is supported. By keeping the app updated, you get the latest features and fixes.
- If you haven't yet joined the meeting, click on the white circle in the lower right corner, then select “Check for Updates.”
- If you're already in the meeting, click on the help button (? icon) on the bottom left of the app then select “Check for Updates.”
In either case, you will need to restart the app after updating. If the currently installed version of Webex doesn't support updating, download then install the app. You shouldn't need to uninstall the old version first.
Requirements
- Windows 10 or later is supported in either 32- or 64-bit versions.
- Mac computers require the version appropriate for your computer.
- Android devices should obtain the app from the Google Play Store.
- Apple iOS devices should obtain the app from the Apple App Store.
- Linux computers require either the .DEB or .RPM installer.
Installation
Follow the usual installation procedure for your device and operating system or find someone to help you. Webex should install automatically on Android and iOS devices.
Which Version?
Download the correct version of the Webex app for your computer:
Windows 10 or 11
Webex is only supported on Windows 10 and later computers.
You may be offered both a 32-bit and 64-bit download options.
To learn what version your computer is running:
- Click on the Start button.
- Select Settings (the cog icon)
- Click on the System icon
- Choose About from the menu on the left (you'll probably have to scroll down).
- Look for System Type to determine if a 64-bit operating system or 32-bit operating system is installed.
Download and install the Webex version that matches your operating system:
- If your System Type indicates 64-bit operating system, choose the 64-bit version.
- If your System Type indicates 32-bit operating system, choose the 32-bit version.
Once downloaded, you'll need to run the installer to have the Webex app on your computer.
Macs
You need to choose the correct installer for your Mac computer.
Intel or M1?
Mac computers may be running either an Intel or Apple M1–M3 chipset.
- Open the Apple Menu
- Select About This Mac.
- In the Overview tab look for “Processor” or “Chip” then check to see if it indicates Intel or Apple.
Download and install the version that matches your computer's hardware.
Related Resources
On this site:
- Resources index
- Video conferencing software
- Security basics
- Security strategies
- Security policies
- Passwords
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