Russ Harvey Consulting - Computer and Internet Services

Join a Webex Meeting

Join with the Webex App | Join with Your Browser
Meeting Etiquette | Installing the App

 

A laptop logged into a virtual meeting showing people chatting.

Webex is an online meeting software built by CISCO. A mature product designed specifically for business, Webex didn't go through the growing pains that Zoom experienced.

You can join using the Webex app (strongly recommended) or join using your web browser.

Each meeting or meeting series has a unique meeting number and password which is provided to you via email or is listed in our newsletter.

Join with the Webex App

The Webex app is strongly recommended.

If you haven't yet installed the app, do so now then launch it.

You should see a screen similar to the image below:

The Webex app displays options to sign-in, join a meeting and create a new account.

Follow these steps clicking on “next” or “continue” when you've entered the requested information:

  1. Click on the Join a meeting button (you don't have to sign in).
  2. Enter the meeting number that was provided to you.
  3. Enter the name you want displayed in the meeting and your email address.
  4. Enter the meeting password matching the meeting number.

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

It is strongly recommended that you test your speakers and microphone settings to be sure you can hear and be heard.

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Join with your web browser

To join a meeting using your browser go to https://signin.webex.com/join. The following should appear:

Join a meeting using your browser.

Follow these steps clicking on “next” or “continue” when you've entered the requested information:

  1. Enter the meeting number that was provided to you.
  2. Enter the meeting password matching the meeting number.
  3. click Join Meeting to enter the meeting.
  4. Enter the name you want displayed in the meeting and your email address.
  5. When you're ready, click Join Meeting to enter the meeting.

If you need help, visit Get started with the Webex Meetings web app.

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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.
  • If everyone isn't visible, click Participants for a list of those present.
  • Enable closed captioning if you have problems.

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 (look to the bottom left).
  • Pressing the space bar will temporarily unmute yourself on computers.

Present Yourself

People want to see you as well as hear you.

  • 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, try to prop it for stability.

It is harder for a speaker to judge whether they are reaching their audience if video is turned off.

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.

The Record and Share Screen options are only available to hosts. Clicking on “Leave” will exit you from the meeting.

Additional options may be used in some meetings including polling.

Recording the Meeting

The meeting host may enable recording to ensure that the meeting minutes are accurate.

Where this is necessary, it is recommended that meeting hosts notify people when the meeting notice is sent out.

  • The meeting software may prompt you to accept the recording.
  • If you deny recording, you will 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 device.

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Troubleshooting Problems

If you're having trouble, check the Webex Help Centre for solutions or contact the meeting host.

 

Download the App

To join the meeting using the Webex app (strongly recommended) you'll need to download 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.

Requirements

Installation

Follow the usual installation procedure for your device or find someone to help you. Webex should install automatically on Android and iOS devices.

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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:

  1. Click on the Start button.
  2. Select Settings (the cog icon)
  3. Click on the System icon
  4. Choose About from the menu on the left (you'll probably have to scroll down).
  5. 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.

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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 chipset.

  1. Open the Apple Menu
  2. Select About This Mac.
  3. 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.

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Related Resources

Related resources on this site:

or check the resources index.

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RussHarvey.bc.ca/resources/webex.html
Updated: May 14, 2023