How To Fix an Unstable Internet Connection on Zoom

Zoom makes connecting with people worldwide easy. This is why encountering the occasional unstable connection during an important meeting or presentation is frustrating.

Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to fix the Zoom connection unstable, but the internet is fine, and other similar issues. To begin with, restart the router, disconnect other connections using the internet, and connect to a different Wi-Fi network.

If you’ve tried all but had no luck. Here we share fixes that will help you. We will walk you through all the steps to return to stable Zoom calls in no time.

Fix- Zoom Unstable Internet Connection

Tip : Quick Fix: The unstable internet connectivity issue generally occurs while on a video call. You can’t tweak the setting or find the culprit at that time. Therefore, as a quick workaround, we suggest turning off the camera and seeing if it helps.

Doing so helps free up bandwidth, allowing us to attend the meeting without facing unstable internet connection issues.

Reasons for Unstable Internet Connection When Using Zoom

There are several reasons behind lagging audio or video quality and unstable internet connection messages. Below we list the common ones:

The distance between the Wi-Fi and the device is more, causing a weak WI-FI connection.
Multiple programs that take up too much bandwidth are running simultaneously.
An issue with either internet connectivity or device.
VPN is interfering with Zoom functionality.
Faulty DNS servers.
Misconfigured network.
Unwanted Zoom features are enabled.
Application files are faulty.
Windows Firewall is blocking the connection.

If you think the distance between devices causes an unstable Zoom connection, move the device closer and disable bandwidth-hogging programs. However, if the latter is the case, take advantage of the solutions explained below.

Best Workaround to Troubleshoot Unstable Zoom Connection

Check internet connectivity
Use the network troubleshooter.
Update network drivers using Advanced Driver Updater
Restart modem
Reboot router
Refresh IP address

Fix 1 – Test your Internet Connectivity

The chances of an unstable Zoom connection are strong when the internet connection is unstable. To confirm whether this is the case, open the same website on an alternate device. If you face a similar issue, it is probably the internet connectivity. Connect with your Internet service provider for assistance.

Alternatively, you can check the internet speed on Ookla and similar websites.

If everything appears fine, let’s move to the following method.

Fix 2 – Use the Network Troubleshooter

To auto-detect and fix problems encountered on Windows, there’s a built-in Troubleshoot provided. You can use it to resolve wireless and other network adapters issues.

Press Windows + S and type troubleshoot > click Troubleshoot settings.
Click Additional Troubleshooters.
Look for Network Adapter. Click on it and click Run the troubleshooter.

Wait for the troubleshooter to run and fix the problem. If this didn’t work either, try the following way.

Fix 3 – Update Network Driver Using Advanced Driver Updater

If the network troubleshooter cannot help Zoom’s unstable connection, there’s an issue with the network adapter drivers. We suggest updating the driver. You can visit the manufacturing website and update the driver if you have technical knowledge. However, if you run out of time or have issues updating drivers manually, use Advanced Driver Updater.

Advanced Driver Updater Easy automatically identifies outdated drivers and displays compatible updates when you run the scan. You can download and install these updates in a few clicks. The trial users can use the Update driver link against each driver, and paid users can use the Update All button to update all simultaneously.

Download and install Advanced Driver Updater (Read Review)

Launch the tool and click Start Scan Now to scan the PC for problematic drivers.

Upgrade to the paid version and use the Update All button to update all drivers without hassle. However, if you want to try the product, use the Update driver link next to the network driver you wish to update.

Restart your PC to save changes.

Now try to run Zoom; this solution should work. If it doesn’t, it’s time to restart the modem.

Fix 4- Close Unnecessary Applications

To work properly and without any interference, Zoom requires enough bandwidth. The application cannot work correctly if multiple processes are hogging the system’s memory. Close unnecessary applications and avoid uploading and downloading large files during a Zoom session to troubleshoot them. Also, pause Windows updates.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Click the Memory or Network tab to sort applications based on consumption.
Right-click on the application that takes up the most resources and click End task.

Fix 5 – Restart Modem

Restarting the modem is probably one of the simplest ways to fix an unstable internet issue.

Disconnect the modem from your device and wait until the lights go off
Plug back the modem and wait for the connectivity lights to glow.
Re-launch Zoom to check if the connection error message still appears.

If not, there’s still hope we have other fixes.

Fix 6 – Reboot the Router

The router is another important device in the network connection. It transmits data packets between computer networks. Restart the router to troubleshoot Zoom’s unstable connection.

Detach the router and wait a few minutes for the router to go offline.
Plug back the router and wait for at least 2 minutes, allowing it to boot.
Run Zoom and initiate a video conference to see if it helps.

If the Zoom connection is still unstable, try refreshing the IP address.

Fix 7 – Refresh the IP Address

Open the elevated Command Prompt.
Type ipconfig /release and press the Enter key. Let the command process.
Next, type ipconfig /flushdns press the Enter key, then type ipconfig /renew and press the Enter key.
Now type netsh winsock reset and press the Enter key.
Restart the PC and launch Zoom.

Fix 8 – Disable Additional Zoom Features

To enjoy additional functionality, Zoom offers various features. However, when facing connectivity issues with Zoom, we suggest disabling features like Screen Sharing and webcam and turning off High Definition videos in settings. This will reduce bandwidth consumption, helping fix connectivity instability. To disable HD video, follow these steps:

Run Zoom and log in to your account.
Click the gear icon to access Zoom settings.
Click the Video option. You can find it in the left pane and uncheck the HD option.

Fix 9 – Disable VPN Services

Although VPN services help to stay anonymous, they also impact internet connectivity. Therefore, if you use a VPN, we suggest temporarily disabling it to fix Zoom’s unstable internet connectivity. Alternatively, you can try connecting to a different server and see if it helps.

Fix 10 – Change DNS Server

When there is a technical glitch in your DNS server, you might face connectivity issues when using Zoom. To fix it, try switching to an alternate DNS server. You can use Google, Cloudflare, and other DNS server. Follow the steps to configure it manually:

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type ncpa.cpl and press the Enter key.
Right-clcik the internet connection you are using and select Properties from the context menu.
Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
Select the radio button next to Use the following DNS server address.
Enter 8.8.8.8 on the preferred DNS server field and 8.8.4.4 on the alternate DNS server field and click Ok.

Fix 11 – Add Zoom to the Exclusion list – Windows Firewall.

When Windows Firewall considers an application or requests dangerous, it often blocks it for safety reasons. If the same thing happens with Zoom, you might face connectivity issues. Here’s how to check if Zoom is blocked and enable it.

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type wf.msc and press the Enter key.
Click Inbound Rules tab and check if Zoom Video Meeting is enabled or disabled. Enable it and add the .exe to the exclusion list if it is the latter.

This should surely help to fix the unstable connection issue.

These are all the solutions you can try to fix internet connection issues when using Zoom. However, if you still face any problems, we suggest reinstalling Zoom. Doing so will fix faulty files that might be one of the reasons unstable Zoom connection.

We hope the above fixes helped you overcome the unstable connection error in Zoom. Please leave a comment to share your feedback with us.

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Preeti Seth

A UX writer who loves explaining technical details in a clear, crisp, and concise manner. She loves writing about technical troubleshooting, How-To's, product reviews, etc. In her free time, she loves reading, meditating, and traveling.