Using Zoom Phone

Summary

Zoom Phone is WSU's new cloud-based phone system. Launched in August 2022, it's being rolled out in phases to all university employees. Zoom Phone uses the familiar Zoom application, installed on your laptop, desktop, and mobile device, to deliver full-featured telephony services without the use of a traditional, hardwired physical phone. Integrated with other Zoom features and functions, Zoom Phone is an important part of our unified communications strategy and is more flexible, more manageable, and less expensive than our old phone system.

Information Applies to

Faculty, Staff, Current Students, New Students

Overview

Other than picking up a handset, you can do everything via Zoom Phone that you could do with your old desk phone:

  • Your campus telephone number, shared lines, and call queues will not change
  • Zoom Phone works through the Zoom client application on your laptop, desktop, and mobile device, the same application you have probably used for years to join Zoom meetings.
  • Once activated, a new Phone tab appears in your Zoom application. Select it to make calls.
  • While the Zoom application is running on your device, you will receive calls through Zoom Phone. Select the answer button on the incoming call window to answer a call.
  • Zoom Phone uses the microphone and speaker on your device. Use earbuds or a headset if you wish.
  • Incoming calls can be sent to voicemail. Check your voicemail through Zoom or Outlook.
  • While on a call, you can transfer it to another number, conference others in, or put the caller on hold.
  • Configure your Zoom Phone settings (e.g., voicemail greeting, availability) in the Zoom application and in your Minnesota State Zoom web portal, the same places you configure all of your Zoom settings.

Zoom phone Zoom client Zoom client window Zoom voicemand Zoom phone controls

Features

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Zoom Phone also offers new options for greater flexibility, access, and collaboration:

  • Seamlessly elevate calls to Zoom meetings as needed
  • Manage work-related calls on your mobile phone without divulging your personal phone number
  • Check the online presence status (e.g., available, busy, do not disturb) of a contact before placing a call
  • Use the Zoom app for text messaging versus your personal phone number

Learn More

Zoom Support

Need additional information or assistance? Contact WSU Tech Support by email or call 507.457.5240, option 1.

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