> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.eskool.fr/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.eskool.fr/en/online-portal/online-classes/zoom.connect.md).

# Connect Zoom (add-on)

Zoom is an **optional add-on**. Online classes already work without it—see [How Online Classes Work](/en/online-portal/online-classes/how-it-works.md). Add Zoom only if your school would rather run its classes on its own Zoom account.

* A one-time setup—it takes about a minute
* Once connected, **Zoom takes precedence** and every class runs there
* Your school stays in control: online classes run on your own Zoom account
* Disconnect at any time and classes go back to working as they did before

## What You'll Need

* **Your school's own Zoom account.** You'll sign in to it during setup. Don't have one yet? [Get a Zoom plan for your school](https://zoom.us/pricing/education). A paid plan is recommended—Zoom's free plan ends meetings after 40 minutes.
* **Access to your school's settings** in the eSkool portal (usually an administrator).
* **Your school selected** in the portal, if you manage more than one.

***

### 1. Open the Conferencing Page

In the eSkool portal, open the left menu and go to **Communication** > **Conferencing**—or go straight to [eskool.fr/portal/organization/conferencing](https://eskool.fr/portal/organization/conferencing).

You'll see **Zoom** listed with a status of **Not connected**.

> If you don't see **Communication** in the menu, online messaging features aren't turned on for your school yet. Contact eSkool support.

### 2. Click Connect Zoom

Click **Connect Zoom**.

You'll be taken to Zoom's sign-in page.

### 3. Sign In and Allow

* Sign in with your **school's Zoom account**.
* When Zoom asks, click **Allow** so eSkool can create and start meetings for your classes.

Zoom sends you back to eSkool, and you'll see a **Connected** message.

### 4. Check the Connection

Back on the **Conferencing** page, confirm:

* The status now reads **Connected**.
* Your Zoom account name and email appear next to Zoom.

![The Conferencing page after connecting, showing Zoom Connected with the linked account.](/files/OX6GsXJHfhmuxYVm7LNo)

That's it—your school is ready for online classes.

## What Happens Next

Once Zoom is connected, teachers and students find their online classes on the **Timetable** ([eskool.fr/portal/academic/calendar](https://eskool.fr/portal/academic/calendar)):

* Shortly before a class starts (about an hour ahead), a **Join** button appears on the class.
* Teachers see **Start class**; students see **Join online**.
* Clicking it opens the class inside eSkool—no links to share.

![A class on the Timetable with the Join button, ready to start the online class.](/files/ReoJp684XsREmOxdVfX6)

You schedule classes the same way you always have. See [Schedule a Class](/en/daily-tasks/timetable/course.schedule.md).

## What to Do If...

**I don't see "Connect Zoom" or the Conferencing page**

Make sure your school is selected at the top of the portal. If **Communication** still isn't in the left menu, online messaging isn't enabled for your school yet—contact eSkool support.

**My online class ends after 40 minutes**

Your Zoom account is on the free plan, which limits meetings to 40 minutes. [Upgrade your Zoom plan](https://zoom.us/pricing/education) to run longer classes. This limit comes from Zoom, not eSkool.

**Teachers or students can't find the Join button**

The **Join** button only shows from about an hour before the class until an hour after it ends. Check the class time, and make sure you're on the right day in the **Timetable**.

**It asks me to reconnect, or Join stops working**

Zoom sign-ins expire from time to time. Open **Communication** > **Conferencing** and click **Connect Zoom** again to refresh it.

## Tips

💡 Connect using your school's main Zoom account, not a personal teacher account. One connection covers the whole school.

💡 A paid Zoom plan removes the 40-minute meeting limit—worth it if your classes run a full period.

💡 You can unlink Zoom at any time: open **Communication** > **Conferencing** and click **Disconnect**. Classes go straight back to running on eSkool's own service—your timetable keeps working.

## Related Topics

* [How Online Classes Work](/en/online-portal/online-classes/how-it-works.md)
* [Schedule a Class](/en/daily-tasks/timetable/course.schedule.md)
* [SMS Messaging](/en/online-portal/sms.md)