How to Use Zoom In-Meeting Chat
Learn how to open, use and manage the Zoom in-meeting chat panel, including sending messages to everyone or to one participant.
Before you start
You need the Zoom desktop, mobile or web client installed and signed in with an account that can join meetings. The in-meeting chat is available only while a meeting is running, so join the meeting first. Chat works inside the Zoom service; it is not a separate local tool.
Step-by-step instructions
The button name and position can differ slightly between Zoom desktop, mobile and web versions, but the workflow is the same.
Open the chat panel
Look for Chat in the meeting control bar near the bottom of the Zoom window. If the control bar is hidden, move the pointer over the meeting window to show it. On a phone, tap the screen and open More if Chat is not visible.
Send a message
Select the destination from the To menu. Choose Everyone to send the message to all participants, or choose one participant's name for a private message to that person. Type the text in the message box and press Enter or select Send.
Manage chat controls
The meeting host can control who participants can chat with by using the Chat settings during the meeting. Options usually include everyone, the host and co-host only, no one, or everyone publicly. These settings apply to the current meeting and can be changed back by the host.
Check version differences
Older Zoom versions may label the to menu differently or place Chat under a More menu. If a described control is missing, update the Zoom app to the current version available through the official app or supported download channel.
Check the output
After sending, confirm that your message appears in the chat panel with your display name. A private message is marked as private and may include an indicator next to the participant's name. Chat messages remain part of the meeting transcript if the host saves the chat, but older messages are not permanently stored locally by default.
Common problems and next steps
Chat is missing or cannot be opened
The host may have restricted chat or disabled it for participants. Ask the host whether chat is allowed. Also check that the Zoom app is signed in and updated, because a stale app version can fail to show newer meeting controls.
Cannot send to everyone or to a participant
The available destinations depend on the host's in-meeting chat settings. If a private chat option is unavailable, the host has likely changed the allowed audience. Request that the host adjust the settings or use the Everyone option if present.
Messages are not appearing
Check the connection status in the meeting. A temporary meeting connection problem can delay chat delivery, but chat is designed to send through the same meeting service. Leave and rejoin the meeting only if the chat panel remains unresponsive.