Join a live session

In this article: Where to find upcoming live sessions, how to join them, what you need for audio and video, and what to do if something is not working.

All Plans

Many courses include live sessions where you meet with your instructor and fellow students in real time. Your instructor chooses the format: built-in Ruzuku video, Zoom, or an external link. The steps to join depend on which format your instructor uses.

Where to find upcoming sessions

You can find live sessions in two places:

The Meetings page in your course. This lists all upcoming and past sessions with dates and times.
Email reminders. Ruzuku sends you reminders before a session starts and an email notification when your instructor begins the meeting.

Click the meeting in the list or the link in the email to join.

Joining a built-in Ruzuku meeting

If your instructor uses Ruzuku's built-in video, here is what happens:

Open the Meetings page in your course (or click the link in your email reminder).
Click Join Meeting.
Your browser will ask for permission to use your microphone. Click Allow. This is required even if you plan to just listen. Your microphone starts muted, so no one will hear you until you choose to unmute.
You are in the session. You will see and hear your instructor (and other participants if it is a video conference).

Tip: If you accidentally clicked "Block" on the microphone permission, you can fix it. Click the lock or camera icon in your browser's address bar and change the microphone setting to "Allow." Then refresh the page.

Two types of built-in meetings:

Video Conference — up to 60 participants. Everyone can turn on their camera and microphone. Good for small group discussions.
Presentation — up to 250 participants. Your instructor presents and you watch. You can participate through chat.

Your instructor chooses which type to use. You do not need to do anything different; just click Join Meeting either way.

Joining a Zoom session

If your instructor uses Zoom, here is what happens:

Click Join Meeting on the Meetings page (or in the email reminder).
You will be redirected to Zoom. If you have the Zoom app installed, it will open automatically. If not, you can join through your browser.
Follow the Zoom prompts to connect your audio and (optionally) video.

If your instructor set up a waiting room, you may need to wait briefly until your instructor admits you.

Joining an external meeting

Some instructors use other video tools (Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc.) and provide a link. Click the link on the Meetings page to open the session in a new tab or in the appropriate app.

What you need

Browser: A recent version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. Chrome tends to work most reliably for built-in Ruzuku meetings.
Internet: A stable connection. Wi-Fi is fine, but avoid spotty public networks if you can.
Microphone access: Required for built-in Ruzuku meetings (your browser will prompt you).
Camera: Optional unless your instructor asks you to turn it on.
Headphones: Recommended to reduce echo, especially if other people are nearby.

Troubleshooting

I can't hear anything.

Make sure your computer or phone volume is turned up.
Check that Ruzuku has permission to use your microphone (even for listening, the permission is needed). Look for the lock or camera icon in your browser's address bar.
Try refreshing the page. This reconnects you to the audio stream.
Close other apps that might be using your microphone or speakers (like another video call).

I can't see the video.

Refresh the page.
Try a different browser. Chrome is the most reliable choice for built-in meetings.
Check that your internet connection is stable. If you are on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to your router.

I can't join the meeting at all.

Make sure the meeting has started. You can only join after your instructor starts the session.
Check that you are logged in with the correct Ruzuku account.
Clear your browser cache and try again.
If nothing works, email support@ruzuku.com with details about what you see on screen.

Audio and video are out of sync.

Reload the page in your browser. This usually fixes it.
Close other browser tabs and apps to free up system resources.

Watching a recording

If your instructor records the session, the recording will appear on the Meetings page in your course after the session ends. You can watch it anytime.

Do I need to install anything for built-in Ruzuku meetings?

No. Built-in Ruzuku meetings run entirely in your web browser. Just use a recent version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. For Zoom meetings, having the Zoom app installed gives the best experience, but you can also join through your browser.

I missed the live session. Can I watch it later?

If your instructor recorded the session, yes. The recording appears on the Meetings page in your course. Not all instructors record their sessions, so check with your instructor if you do not see a replay available.

Will other people be able to see and hear me?

It depends on the meeting type. In a Video Conference, participants can turn on their cameras and microphones (but both start off by default). In a Presentation, only the instructor is on camera. Your microphone is always muted when you join — you choose when and whether to unmute.

Can I join from my phone?

Yes. Built-in Ruzuku meetings work in your phone's browser — use Safari on iPhone or Chrome on Android. For Zoom meetings, having the Zoom app installed on your phone gives the best experience. No other apps are needed.