Convo for Zoom FAQs

Find answers to common questions about using Convo for Zoom, including requirements, features, interpreter support, and how it works with Zoom.

General Questions

What is Convo for Zoom?

Convo for Zoom lets you connect with a Convo interpreter directly inside a Zoom meeting, so you, the interpreter, and other meeting participants can interact together in Zoom.

You'll need a Convo VRS number to sign in and use Convo for Zoom.

New to Convo for Zoom? See our Quick Start Guide for Convo for Zoom to get started.

What's the difference between Convo for Zoom and Convo + Zoom?

Convo for Zoom brings the interpreter directly into your Zoom meeting, allowing you, the interpreter, and other participants to interact visually in the same meeting.

Convo + Zoom uses a traditional VRS call to connect to the Zoom meeting by phone.

For most Zoom meetings, we recommend using Convo for Zoom for a more integrated experience.

Learn more about Convo + Zoom.

Can I use Convo for Zoom outside the United States and its territories?

Yes, as long as you have a Convo Passport in place and your Zoom meeting meets VRS requirements, including having at least one participant located in the United States.

Does Convo for Zoom work with Zoom webinars?

No. Convo for Zoom currently supports Zoom meetings only.

For Zoom webinars, you may be able to use Convo + Zoom instead. Learn more about using Convo + Zoom.

Can I use Convo for Zoom for regular VRS calls?

No. Convo for Zoom is specifically for Zoom meetings.

For regular VRS calls, use Convo Call.

Do hearing participants need Convo for Zoom?

No. Hearing participants join the Zoom meeting as they normally would. Only the Convo VRS user requesting an interpreter needs to use Convo for Zoom.

Can I use Convo for Zoom when I'm in the same location as a hearing participant?

If only one hearing participant is in the Zoom meeting, that participant must be in a different location from you.

If there are multiple hearing participants, at least one must be in a different location.

Does Convo for Zoom cost anything to use?

There is no cost to you to use Convo for Zoom. Convo for Zoom is provided through the federally funded Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) program, overseen by the FCC.

You'll need a Convo VRS number to use the service.

Technical Questions

Can I use Convo for Zoom on multiple computers at the same time?

Yes, multiple devices can be logged into Convo for Zoom at the same time using the same Convo VRS number.

Do I need to log out of Convo Call before using Convo for Zoom?

No. You can remain signed in to Convo Call while using Convo for Zoom.

Does Convo for Zoom support video privacy?

Yes. You can use video privacy as long as you remain connected to the Zoom meeting.

Can I use captions or Zoom's transcription features with Convo for Zoom?

Yes. You can use Zoom's available captioning and transcription features while using Convo for Zoom.

Can I use VCO with Convo for Zoom?

Yes. Make sure your microphone is unmuted so the interpreter and hearing participants can hear you.

If other Deaf participants are in the meeting, the interpreter will sign what you say for them.

Interpreter Questions

Why do interpreters sometimes switch during my meeting?

Interpreting requires sustained focus. Interpreters may switch during longer meetings to help maintain clear, accurate interpreting.

Can I have more than two interpreters in my meeting?

Convo for Zoom supports up to two interpreters at a time.

If your meeting requires additional interpreting support or has more complex needs, contact us to learn about available options.

How long can an interpreter stay if my Zoom meeting becomes inactive?

An interpreter can remain connected for up to five minutes while the meeting is inactive. After five minutes of no activity, the interpreter is required to disconnect.

When your meeting resumes, you can request an interpreter again through Convo for Zoom.

Can an interpreter stay between two meetings in the same Zoom room?

No. If one meeting has ended, the interpreter cannot remain in the Zoom room waiting for another meeting to begin.

When your next meeting starts, request an interpreter again through Convo for Zoom.

What happens if the person who requested the interpreter leaves the meeting?

Another Deaf participant can continue using Convo for Zoom by requesting an interpreter through their own Convo for Zoom app.

If multiple Deaf participants may need interpreting access independently, we recommend that each person who has a Convo VRS number set up Convo for Zoom before the meeting.

Can interpreters type information from hearing participants into Zoom chat?

Interpreters generally need to remain focused on interpreting the conversation and cannot pause to type information into Zoom chat.

If you need information such as a name, number, address, or link in writing, ask the meeting participant to enter it directly into the chat.

Can I request an interpreter of a different gender?

Yes. Let your interpreter know that you'd prefer an interpreter of a different gender. We'll do our best to accommodate your request based on interpreter availability.

Can I ask an interpreter to stay for the full meeting?

You can let the interpreter know that you'd prefer continuity for a longer meeting.

Depending on interpreter schedules, breaks, and availability, the interpreter may need to switch with another interpreter during the meeting.

What happens if my interpreter needs a team interpreter?

Your interpreter may bring in a team interpreter when additional interpreting support is needed.

They'll let you know when this happens. You don't need to do anything.