Solved macOS Sonoma Zoom Crashing or Zoom Not Working 

After the introduction of macOS Sonoma, many users were excited and installed the update on their devices. However, many complaints have emerged, echoing a widespread fear among macOS Sonoma users.

The Zoom app, a critical tool for modern communication and collaboration, appears to be crashing or not working. These concerns emerge as crashes and unexpected failures, affecting virtual meetings and workflow. If you’re having problems with Zoom on your macOS Sonoma device, you’re not alone.

In this article, we’ll get to the bottom of the problem, investigating the reasons for Zoom crashing and offer a thorough set of 16 solutions to help restore flawless Zoom operation. Let’s face these worries square and get Zoom up and running on your macOS Sonoma.

Why Is macOS Sonoma Zoom Crashing or Zoom Not Working

Zoom in macOS Sonoma crashes or fails to perform properly for various reasons. Let’s look at these reasons in detail and figure out what’s actually causing the issue.

1. Overloaded System Resources: Running many apps simultaneously can tax your system’s resources, leading Zoom to crash.
2. Unstable Internet Connection: A poor or unreliable internet connection can cause Zoom to work poorly. To use Zoom smoothly, you must have a reliable internet connection.
3. Router Issues: Problems with your router, such as bugs or obsolete configurations, may impair Zoom’s performance.
4. Network Configuration: DHCP lease difficulties can disrupt network configuration, affecting Zoom’s functioning. Renewing the DHCP lease can address certain network-related issues.
5. App Permissions: Zoom requires appropriate camera, microphone, and screen recording permissions. Not giving these permissions in your Mac’s settings means Zoom will keep crashing.
6. Inconsistencies in Zoom App: Outdated or corrupted Zoom application files may cause crashes or malfunctions.
7. Operating System Updates: Incompatibility between Zoom and older versions of macOS Sonoma might cause crashes.
8. Conflicts in Hardware Acceleration: Hardware acceleration conflicts might cause Zoom to crash. Disabling hardware acceleration can help to alleviate these issues.
9. Firewall: Active firewall settings may prevent Zoom from communicating, leading it to malfunction.
10. App Conflicts: Conflicts with other applications may cause Zoom’s performance to suffer.
11. Compatibility Issues: Conflicts between Zoom and macOS Sonoma versions can cause crashes. It is critical to check for updates and patches to fix these compatibility issues.

Understanding and fixing these underlying causes will allow you to take targeted actions to resolve the Zoom crashing or malfunctioning issues on your macOS Sonoma device. We have done the hard work and compiled the working solutions for you.

16 Ways to Fix macOS Sonoma Zoom Crashing or Zoom Not Working

Now that you have understood the reasons why Zoom is crashing or not working on macOS Sonoma, we can proceed with the solutions. We have tried to tackle each and every issue and to fix this issue in these 16 solutions. Make sure to try all of these solutions.

Fix 1: Force Quit Other Applications

Force quitting other applications is required to free up system resources, particularly memory and processing power. When you run numerous applications at the same time, they compete for these limited resources, which might cause Zoom to crash or lag. This allows Zoom to run more smoothly and efficiently. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Finder on your Mac.
2. Click on Applications from the sidebar.
3. Then, go to the Utilities folder.
4. Here, click on Activity Monitor.
5. Click on any heavy and demanding apps.
6. Click on Quit.

Alternatively, you can force quit apps from the dock. Right-click on the app icon and select Force Quit or Quit. You can also press Command + Q within the app to do the same.

Fix 2: Check your Internet Connection

Zoom relies largely on a reliable internet connection to perform properly. When Zoom crashes or delays, it is critical to examine your internet connection. A poor or irregular connection can cause visual and audio interruptions.

Use a speed testing tool to see how fast your internet connection really is. To avoid any hiccups, make sure your connection speed is up to Zoom’s standards.

Instead of using Wi-Fi, try connecting your Mac to the router with an Ethernet connection. In most cases, a wired connection will be more reliable and speedy than a wireless one.

Deactivating other devices that could be using too much bandwidth during crucial Zoom meetings is one way to reduce the overall network load and ensure that your meeting runs well.

Access the router’s administration interface and check its settings to guarantee a proper setup. If Zoom is having trouble connecting, it could be due to any wacky settings or configurations you have in place.

Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) if you continue to have connectivity troubles so that they can investigate and fix any outages or issues in your area.

Fix 3: Restart your Router

Routers can get faulty or experience problems, limiting Zoom’s ability to maintain a reliable connection. Restarting the router fixes this issue by resetting the router and establishing a new connection with your internet service provider.

This procedure resets the network settings and can address any temporary issues or conflicts, allowing Zoom to keep a stable connection. Follow the steps below to restart your router:

1. Unplug your router from the power source.
2. Wait for a few minutes and let your router drain out any power.
3. Now, plug in your router and turn it on.
4. Check to see if the internet issue has been resolved.

Fix 4: Reset your Router

When restarting the router isn’t enough, a more thorough method is required. Resetting the router deletes all customized settings and configurations, restoring it to its factory settings.

This is a last-ditch effort to alleviate chronic network issues affecting Zoom. By resetting the router, you eliminate potentially serious issues and provide a fresh start for establishing a reliable network connection, which increases Zoom’s performance. Follow the steps below:

1. Find the reset button on your router. It is usually located on the back or the bottom.
2. Use a pin or a paperclip to insert into the reset hole and press the button for a few seconds.
3. Turn off the router and let it sit like that for five to ten minutes. The router’s inner workings will have a chance to reset during this period.
4. Reconnect the router to its power supply and press the power button.
5. The router has finished restarting when all of its lights return to their normal state.
6. After the router has finished restarting, set it up again.
7. Try using Zoom on your macOS Sonoma device again to ensure a stable connection. If you are having problems, see if they still exist.

Fix 5: Restart your Mac

Restarting your Mac is a basic troubleshooting procedure that can resolve a variety of system-related issues. Your Mac collects temporary files and processes over time, which might occasionally conflict with applications such as Zoom.

A restart clears these temporary files, refreshes system resources, and helps fix any underlying issues that may have been causing Zoom to malfunction. Follow the steps below to restart your Mac:

1. Click on the Apple Menu in the top left corner of the screen.
2. Click on Restart.

Fix 6: Renew DHCP Lease

The DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) lease assigns your device an IP address within a network. When Zoom is experiencing connectivity issues, renewing this lease is critical.

It allows your device to get a new IP address and change network parameters, potentially eliminating network-related issues that were hurting Zoom’s performance. Follow the steps below to renew the DHCP lease:

1. Click on the Apple Menu in the top left corner of the screen.
2. Click on System Settings.
3. Then, click on Network from the sidebar.
4. Click on Wi-Fi.
5. Click on the Details button next to your Wi-Fi network.
6. In the window that pops up, click on TCP/IP from the sidebar.
7. Click on Renew DHCP Lease.
8. Click OK.
9. Now, go to the Apple Menu and click on Restart.

Fix 7: Check Zoom Server Status

Zoom’s servers may experience outages or technical difficulties, causing service disruptions. The Zoom server status ensures that the issue is not on their end. If the servers are down, it is beyond your control, and you may need to wait until Zoom repairs the issues on their end.

You should check the server status to make sure it’s not on their end. DownDetector, a platform that monitors and reports service disruptions for many internet services like Zoom, is a helpful tool for this purpose.

Zoom’s Downdetector page is a quick and easy way to find out if other people are having connection issues. If the server is having problems, you should wait for Zoom to fix them before continuing troubleshooting.

This will help you figure out if it’s a problem with your computer or if there’s a server-wide outage impacting everyone. Monitoring the server’s status can help you get your Zoom issues resolved faster and with less hassle.

Fix 8: Give Camera, Microphone and Screen Recording Permissions

Zoom needs access to your camera, microphone, and screen recording capabilities. Zoom may not function properly if certain permissions are not allowed or have been revoked.

Make sure you have granted the appropriate permissions so that Zoom is able to use these critical functionalities, allowing for smooth video calls and effective collaboration. Follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Apple Menu in the top left corner of the screen.
2. Click on Privacy & Security from the sidebar.
3. Click on Camera.
4. Turn on the toggle for zoom.us.
5. Click on Microphone.
6. Turn on the toggle for zoom.us.
7. Click on Screen Recording.
8. Turn on the toggle for zoom.us.
9. Restart your Mac and see if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 9: Force Quit Zoom App

As a troubleshooting measure, you can try closing the Zoom app by force quitting it. When Zoom freezes or becomes unresponsive, you can force quit it to stop it from interfering with other tasks. This eliminates any bugs that may have been lurking within the software and sets you up for a clean slate when you reload Zoom. Follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Apple Menu in the top left corner of the screen.
2. Click on Force Quit.
3. Then, a small window will pop up. Find and select zoom.us from here.
4. Click on Quit.

Alternatively, you can force quit Zoom from the app instance itself. Right-click on the app icon on the dock and select Force Quit or Quit. You can also press Command + Q within the app to do the same.

Fix 10: Update Zoom App

Maintaining the latest version of the Zoom app is critical for stability and safety. Developers roll out updates to fix issues, boost functionality, and add new features. By keeping Zoom up-to-date, you can rest assured that you’re using the most recent and most stable version possible, optimized for optimal performance on macOS Sonoma. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the App Store on your Mac.
2. Click on your profile picture to see the latest available updates.
3. Find or search Zoom in the list and click on the Update button next to it.

Fix 11: Uninstall and Re-install Zoom

Uninstalling and re-installing Zoom could be required if problems persist. This patch restores normal Zoom operation by replacing any missing or corrupted files and resetting any affected preferences. If you’re having trouble with Zoom, try re-installing it to clear the slate and see if it runs more smoothly and reliably. Follow the steps below:

1. You should first delete the existing Zoom application. 
2. Open the Finder. 
3. Go to the Applications folder from the left sidebar.
4. Locate the Zoom application (zoom.us) in your Mac’s Applications folder, then drag it to the Trash.
5. Click on Move To Trash. 
6. Now, go to the Apple Menu and click on Restart.
7. On the next startup, you will need to download the latest version from the Zoom website or from reputable software repositories.
8. Simply double-click the downloaded file to run the installer. You can also install Zoom from the App Store.
9. Once the app has been installed, check to see if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 12: Check macOS Updates

Updates to macOS frequently include fixes for incompatibilities with other apps, such as Zoom. If you’re experiencing issues with Zoom’s performance, it’s a good idea to make sure your macOS is up-to-date by checking for and installing any available updates. Follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Apple Menu in the top left corner of the screen.
2. Click on System Settings.
3. Click on General from the sidebar.
4. Then, click on Software Updates.
5. Click on Check for Updates. Make sure your device is connected to the internet.
6. If any updates are available, click on Download & Install.
7. After the update has finished installing, simply restart your Mac.

Fix 13: Disable Hardware Acceleration

In spite of its intended benefit, hardware acceleration occasionally causes incompatibilities with apps like Zoom. Zoom should run more smoothly on your macOS Sonoma machine if you disable hardware acceleration, as this returns control of the processing to the operating system. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Zoom App.
2. Click on the Apple Menu in the top left corner of the screen.
3. Click on Preferences.
4. Now, click on Video from the sidebar.
5. Click on the Advanced option at the bottom.
6. Uncheck the “Use hardware acceleration for receiving the video” option.
7. Then, force quit Zoom and restart your Mac.
8. Check to see if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 14: Turn Off Firewall

Although firewalls are a necessary precaution, they may prevent Zoom from making the connections it needs to operate. Turning off the firewall temporarily removes any obstacles to communication that could be causing Zoom to crash or perform incorrectly, such as blocking access to the internet or other devices. Follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Apple Menu in the top left corner of the screen.
2. Click on System Settings.
3. Then, click on Network from the sidebar.
4. Click on Firewall.
5. Turn off the Firewall toggle.

Check to see if the issue has been resolved. If the issue is resolved, the firewall is the culprit and at fault. However, if the issue persists, you can re-enable the firewall for your device’s security.

Fix 15: Try Using an Older Version of Zoom

It’s possible that macOS Sonoma will have compatibility difficulties with the most recent version of Zoom. You can get around these issues by using an older, more stable version of Zoom until a newer, more compatible update is released. Follow these steps:

1. You should first delete the existing Zoom application.
2. Open the Finder. 
3. Go to the Applications folder from the left sidebar.
4. Locate the Zoom application (zoom.us) in your Mac’s Applications folder, then drag it to the Trash.
5. Click on Move To Trash. 
6. Now, go to the Apple Menu and click on Restart.
7. On the next startup, you will need to download a prior version from the Zoom website or from reputable software repositories.
8. To get the older version up and running, simply open the archived Zoom file and run the setup program as directed.
9. Once the app has been installed, check to see if the issue has been resolved.

If you’re experiencing compatibility or performance issues with the most recent release of Zoom, downgrading could be the answer. If the previous release has proven to be reliable, you can stick with it until the newer versions have had their known issues fixed.

The latest features, security patches, and bug fixes may not be available in older software versions, so keep that in mind. Take this as a stopgap while you wait for an official fix from Zoom.

Fix 16: Contact Zoom Support

If you’ve exhausted all other options, contacting Zoom’s support service is worth considering. If you’re having technical issues with Zoom, they can diagnose the cause, provide personalized assistance, and help you get back on track. Their help might be crucial in fixing tricky issues and making sure everything runs well with Zoom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Zoom keep crashing on my macOS Sonoma device?

There are a couple of reasons why Zoom might be crashing on your macOS Sonoma device. Some of the most common reasons are software glitches, incompatibility issues, outdated software, and poor internet connection.

How can I troubleshoot Zoom issues on macOS Sonoma if the app is not working as expected?

First of all, you should check your internet connection. Next up, force quit any other applications running in the background. Also, re-install the Zoom app and see if that helps fix the issue.

What should I do if Zoom fails to launch or load on my macOS Sonoma?

You can try installing an older version of the Zoom app to see if that fixes the issue with compatibility. If that doesn’t help, you can try installing the latest version of both the Zoom app and macOS.

How do I ensure that Zoom operates smoothly on my macOS Sonoma device?

Make sure that Zoom has a stable and reliable internet connection to work with. Also, make sure you are running on the latest version of macOS and the Zoom app. Don’t use too many apps in the background when you are using Zoom.

Are there any known bugs or software conflicts causing Zoom to crash on macOS Sonoma?

Yes, there are a few reports from users saying that Zoom has started crashing after updating to macOS Sonoma. If you are experiencing the crashes, it could definitely be a compatibility issue.

Final Words

That’s how you fix the Zoom crashing and not working issue on macOS Sonoma. With every new release of macOS, there are some issues that come along with it. If Zoom has been crashing on your Mac, it could be a compatibility issue.

We hope that this article has helped you fix the issue, get rid of the crashing issues on Zoom and get back to attending your meetings. If you are still experiencing issues, you should contact Zoom support. Finally, if you have any further questions, let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for reading till the end!