Recently, we covered a guide on how to display a profile photo instead of a video in a Zoom meeting. Several users commented that despite the steps taken, sometimes the profile picture was not displayed. So we put on our detective hats and investigated what was preventing the Zoom profile picture from showing in a meeting issue. We have found several fixes and have compiled them in this article.
After delving into a few posts on Reddit, we realized that some basic things that would go unnoticed made the profile picture disappear in Zoom meetings. Also, a recent Zoom update to version 5 added a setting that was also responsible for the profile picture issue. So if you are wondering, “Why is my photo not showing up in a Zoom meeting?”, We’ve found the answers.
Let’s check various fixes for how to make an image appear in Zoom meetings.
1. Use the Zoom app
Typically, when you click a Zoom invite link, you receive two options: Open in Zoom app (or Open Zoom Meetings) and Open in Browser (or Cancel). Sometimes, even if you clicked on the Zoom app, it doesn’t open the Zoom app. You are therefore attending the Zoom meeting via a browser to which you are not logged in. This is why the profile picture is not displayed.
The fix is that you have to be careful and see if you are using the Zoom app (on mobile or desktop) or a browser. What you can do is manually open the Zoom app first on your desktop or mobile computer, then join a meeting via the meeting code, instead of directly clicking on the invite link.
Pro tip: Learn how to find a Zoom meeting and password on mobile and desktop.
Zoom received a lot of warmth for this privacy measure. They have also had to deal with many class action lawsuits due to such concerns in recent times. Fortunately, Zoom was quick to introduce some incredible security settings.
2. Log in and stay logged in
The above problem mainly occurs because you are not signed in to Zoom when you join a meeting. Sometimes you are logged into your account from the browser and not from the app or vice versa. This is why your profile picture is not displayed. The Zoom system considers you a guest user if you are not logged in. Because a guest account doesn’t have a profile picture, and your actual profile is connected to your Zoom account, you don’t see a picture for yourself in the meetings.
To resolve this issue, you must sign in to your Zoom account before joining a meeting. The trick is to keep your account signed in and enable Stay signed in for the Zoom website and apps before joining a meeting. This way Zoom knows who you are and will display the correct image.
Pro tip: If you use multiple Zoom accounts (work and personal) on the same device, be sure to switch accounts before joining a meeting. Using the wrong Zoom account will also result in a profile photo not appearing.
Here’s how to log in and tell Zoom to remember you.
How to sign in to expand the website and stay signed in
Open the Zoom login page through a browser on your mobile or desktop. Enter your username and password. Check the box next to Stay signed in. Click Login. Join a Zoom meeting now.
How to sign in to the Zoom desktop app and stay signed in
Open the Zoom Desktop app and click Connect instead of Join Meeting.
After clicking Login, enter your login information. Then check the box next to Keep me signed in.
Once you’ve signed in, you should see your profile picture in the top right corner. If it appears blank, make sure you have configured your profile picture as shown below.
Pro tip: To check whether or not you are logged in to the Zoom desktop, click the profile picture icon. If you see your email address under your name, it means you’re signed in. Check if this is the correct account. Use the Change Account and Logout options at the bottom to log out of the account.
If you’ve already joined a Zoom meeting without signing in, hover over the Zoom icon and you’ll see two Zoom windows. Click on the first window where you will see the connection option. Log in with your Zoom details.
Pro tip: Find out how to download and use Zoom backgrounds.
How to sign in to the Zoom mobile apps and stay signed in
Likewise, you must also be logged in to the Zoom mobile apps. To check if you’re signed in or not, open the Zoom app and tap the Settings tab. Here you should see your name, profile picture and email address at the top. Tap the section containing these three. If you’re signed in from another account, tap Sign Out. Then log in with the correct account.
Now, if you’re not signed in, leave the meeting. Then first sign in to your Zoom account through the app. To do this, relaunch the Zoom application. You will be prompted to log in or join a meeting. Tap on Login. Enter your credentials. After signing in, go to Settings and see if the profile picture is displayed. Join a meeting now.
Pro tip: Refer to our guide on how to mute and unmute people audio on the Zoom app.
3. Set a profile picture from the Zoom website
The best way to set a profile picture for Zoom is to use its website. The same image will be synchronized with all connected devices on which you are connected to Zoom.
So open the Zoom website from https://zoom.us/ on your mobile or computer and sign in with your account. In your account settings, click on the Profile tab on the left side. Then change the profile picture. The image set through the Zoom website takes priority over its applications.
Pro tip: If you’re having trouble navigating the mobile version of the Zoom website on your phone, look for a setting called Desktop Site. Activate it. Check which browsers support mobile desktop sites.
4. Deactivate Hide participant profile pictures
With version 5.0 and higher, Zoom introduced the “Hide participants’ profile picture” setting for the meeting host. The reason for this setting is that users forget to switch Zoom accounts. So when you click on an invite link, you are registering through the previously logged in account, which could be your children. Thus, a random cartoon image would appear at company meetings. He h!
Technically, it should only hide all attendees’ profile picture when you’re a host, but for some users, it also hides their profile picture when they’re in a meeting hosted by someone else.
Turning it off seems to restore your profile picture during a meeting. To disable it, open the Zoom website via https://zoom.us/. Log in with your account. Click Settings in the left sidebar. On the Meeting tab, click In Meeting (Basic).
Scroll down and you will find the option “Hide profile photos of participants in a meeting”. Turn off the toggle next to it. Relaunch Zoom, and you should be able to see your profile picture.
Be careful with the zoom
Zoom received a lot of warmth for this privacy measure. Fortunately, Zoom was quick to introduce some incredible security settings. If you have any apprehensions about Zoom meetings, check out our article on how to use Zoom in the safest way possible.
Then:
Want to share a video with sound in Zoom? Find out how from the following link.