How to Make Video Calls on Linux (Zoom, Meet and More)

If you want to make a video call on Linux, you may be wondering whether services such as Zoom and Google Meet will work. The good news is that you do not need a Windows or Mac computer to speak with friends, family, or colleagues online.

You can use Zoom on Linux by installing its desktop app, or join Google Meet through a web browser. Other services also offer browser-based meetings, so you can often join a call without installing anything. This guide explains how to get ready, start a call, and solve common camera or microphone problems.

What you’ll need

• A Linux computer with an internet connection.
• A webcam, either built into your laptop or connected by USB.
• A microphone and speakers or headphones.
• A recent version of a supported web browser, such as Firefox or Google Chrome.
• An account for the service if you want to host or schedule a meeting. You can often join someone else’s meeting using an invitation link.

Step 1: Check your camera, microphone, and sound

Before opening a video-call service, make sure Linux can use your equipment.

1. Connect your webcam, if it is a separate USB device.
2. Open the Linux Mint Menu and search for Sound.
3. Open the sound settings and check that the correct input device is selected for your microphone.
4. Speak a few words and look for an input-level indicator, if one is shown.
5. Check the output device and adjust the volume so you can hear sound.
6. If your webcam has a light or privacy cover, make sure it is switched on and uncovered.

A webcam may include a microphone, but your computer could select a different microphone by default. Headphones with a built-in microphone are another option and can help prevent the sound from your speakers feeding back into the microphone.

Tip: If you use a laptop, check for a physical camera shutter or microphone mute key. Some laptops have privacy controls that can disable these devices.

Step 2: Make a video call with Zoom on Linux

Zoom provides a Linux desktop app. Its current system requirements list Linux Mint 20 or later among the supported distributions, although the version of Mint and your computer’s hardware can affect compatibility. You can check the latest requirements on Zoom’s official support page.

To install the app:

1. Open your web browser and visit the official Zoom Download Center.
2. Find Zoom Workplace for Linux.
3. Choose Mint from the Linux type options, then download the package offered for your system.
4. Open the downloaded file from your Downloads folder.
5. Follow the installation prompts. Linux Mint may open its package installer to help you install it.
6. When installation finishes, open the Menu and search for Zoom.

To join a meeting, open Zoom and choose Join. Enter the meeting ID from your invitation, or open the meeting link you were sent and follow the prompts. To host a meeting, sign in and choose New Meeting or schedule one using the available options.

Good to know: Download Zoom only from its official website. The download choices and installer screens can change as new versions are released.

Step 3: Join a Google Meet call in your browser

You do not need to install a separate Google Meet desktop app to join a meeting on Linux. Google supports Meet on Ubuntu and other Debian-based Linux distributions using a supported browser. Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, so you can generally use Meet in an up-to-date version of Chrome or Firefox. See Google’s Meet requirements for current details.

1. Open Chrome or Firefox.
2. Go to meet.google.com.
3. If you have a meeting invitation, open its link. You can also enter the meeting code on the Meet page.
4. Sign in to your Google Account if requested.
5. When the browser asks for permission to use your camera and microphone, choose Allow.
6. Check the preview screen. Select the correct camera and microphone if the options are available.
7. Click Join now or the equivalent button shown for that meeting.

You can also create a meeting from the Meet website if your Google Account allows it. Choose the option to start or create a meeting, then share the invitation link with the people you want to speak with.

Step 4: Try other browser-based video-call services

Zoom and Meet are not your only choices. Some organizations use Microsoft Teams or Webex, while other people use browser-based meeting services such as Jitsi Meet.

The basic process is similar:

1. Open the meeting link in a current browser.
2. Sign in if the service or meeting organizer requires it.
3. Allow the site to use your camera and microphone.
4. Check your preview and audio settings.
5. Choose the button to join the meeting.

For work or school meetings, use the service chosen by the organizer. Some services require an account to host a meeting, and some features may only be available in their desktop app. If a website says your browser is unsupported, try a current version of Chrome or Firefox, or check the service’s Linux support information.

Careful: Only open meeting links from people or organizations you recognize. Before joining, check that the website address matches the service you expect to use.

Step 5: Make your first call more comfortable

A few small adjustments can make a video call easier to follow.

1. Put your computer on a steady surface and position the camera around eye level.
2. Choose a quiet, well-lit place so people can see and hear you.
3. Use headphones if you hear an echo.
4. Mute your microphone when you are not speaking in a large meeting.
5. Find the Mute and Stop Video controls before the call begins so you can use them quickly.

If you need to show a document or presentation, look for Share Screen or Present. The browser or app may ask for permission to share a screen or window. Choose only the window or screen you intend to show.

Troubleshooting: Why is my camera or microphone not working?

If people cannot hear or see you, check the following.

Allow camera and microphone access. When you first visit a video-call website, your browser asks for permission. If you previously blocked access, open the browser’s site information or permissions controls beside the address bar, find the camera and microphone settings, and allow access for that meeting website. Reload the page afterward.

Choose the right devices. In the meeting’s audio and video settings, check that the selected camera and microphone are the ones you want. A USB webcam or headset may not be selected automatically.

Close other apps using the camera. Another video-call app may already be using the webcam. Close other meeting apps or browser tabs, then try again.

Check Linux sound settings. Open Sound from the Menu and confirm that the correct input and output devices are selected and not muted.

Reconnect the equipment. For USB devices, unplug and reconnect them. If possible, try another USB port.

Restart the browser or computer. Save your work, close the browser, reopen it, and try again. If that does not help, restart Linux and test once more.

If the problem continues, check the help page for your video-call service and include your Linux distribution, browser name, and device model when asking for support.

Enjoy video calls on Linux

You can make video calls on Linux using Zoom’s desktop app, Google Meet in a browser, and several other online meeting services. Check your camera and microphone first, allow the permissions when asked, and use the meeting link or app to join. After your first call, the next one should be much easier.