How to Install and Configure the Zoom App for Slack

The Zoom app for Slack lets your team start Zoom meetings from any channel or DM with a single /zoom command — no switching apps, no pasting links. It also syncs presence status so coworkers know when you’re on a call.

This guide covers installation, configuration, and admin controls. For the complete picture of all Zoom + Slack integrations, see the Complete Guide to Zoom and Slack.

Prerequisites

• Slack workspace (Free, Pro, Business+, or Enterprise Grid)
• Slack admin access (for workspace-wide installation)
• Paid Zoom account (Pro or higher)

Step 1: Install the Zoom App (Admin)

Deploy the Zoom app for your entire workspace:

1. Go to the Slack App Directory > search for Zoom.
2. Click Add to Slack.
3. Review the permissions the Zoom app requests:
   • Post messages to channels
   • Access user presence information
   • Set user status (for presence sync)
4. Click Allow.

The Zoom app is now available to all users in the workspace.

Alternative — via Slack admin panel:

1. Go to your workspace settings > Manage Apps.
2. Search for Zoom > Install.
3. Under Approved Apps, ensure Zoom is listed.

Enterprise Grid Deployment

For Slack Enterprise Grid (multiple workspaces):

1. Install the Zoom app at the org level in your Enterprise Grid admin console.
2. Choose which workspaces get the app (all or selected).
3. Each workspace’s users still need to link their individual Zoom accounts.

Step 2: User Account Linking

Each user needs to link their Zoom account once:

1. In Slack, type /zoom in any channel.
2. Slack prompts: “You need to connect your Zoom account.”
3. Click the authorization link.
4. Sign in to Zoom (via SSO or email/password).
5. Authorize Slack to access your Zoom account.
6. Done — /zoom now works for this user.

Tip: Include account linking instructions in your onboarding documentation so new employees know to do this on their first day.

Using Zoom in Slack

/zoom Commands

How It Works

1. User types /zoom in a channel or DM.
2. Zoom creates an instant meeting.
3. A message appears in the channel with:
   • Meeting topic
   • “Join” button (clickable)
   • Host name
4. Other participants click “Join” to open Zoom.
5. When the meeting ends, the message updates with duration.

Step 3: Enable Presence Sync

Presence sync automatically updates Slack status when a user joins a Zoom meeting.

User Setup

1. In Slack, find the Zoom app in the sidebar (or search for it in Apps).
2. Click the Zoom app > go to the Home tab.
3. Find Status Sync settings.
4. Toggle Update my Slack status when I join a Zoom meeting to on.
5. When the user joins a Zoom meeting, their Slack status changes to “In a Zoom meeting” with the Zoom emoji.
6. When the meeting ends, status reverts to the previous value.

Admin Notes

• Presence sync is opt-in per user — there’s no admin toggle to force it on for everyone.
• It requires the users.profile:write scope, which is granted during the initial workspace installation.
• If users report status sync not working, have them re-authorize the Zoom app (remove and re-add their account link).

Step 4: Configure Admin Controls

Restrict to Specific Channels

If you don’t want /zoom available everywhere:

1. In Slack, go to Settings & administration > Manage apps.
2. Find the Zoom app > click on it.
3. Under Restrict access, select the channels where the Zoom app is allowed.
4. Users in other channels will see an error when they try /zoom.

Approve/Block the App

In workspaces with app approval enabled:

1. Go to Settings & administration > Manage apps > App Approval Requests.
2. Approve to make it available, or Deny to block.

Review Permissions

1. In Slack, go to Settings & administration > Manage apps > Zoom.
2. Under Permissions, review:
   • Bot scopes — what the Zoom bot can do
   • User scopes — what individual users authorized
3. To revoke permissions, remove the app and reinstall with updated scopes.

Common Issues

• /zoom says “not connected” — The user hasn’t linked their Zoom account. They need to click the authorization link and sign in to Zoom. If SSO is enabled, they’ll be redirected to the identity provider.
• /zoom command not found — The Zoom app isn’t installed in the workspace. A Slack admin needs to install it from the App Directory.
• Status sync stops working — The user’s Zoom authorization may have expired. Have them go to the Zoom app Home tab in Slack and re-authorize.
• Can’t use /zoom in a private channel — The Zoom app must be invited to private channels first. Type /invite @Zoom in the private channel.
• Meeting link formatting looks wrong — Check Slack’s link preview settings: Slack admin > Settings > Link Previews > ensure Zoom links are allowed to unfurl.
• Multiple Slack workspaces — The Zoom app must be installed separately in each workspace. Account linking in one workspace doesn’t carry over to others.