Setup Guide
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Download the App
Search 'Tencent Meeting' on App Store or Google Play. On Android in China, it may also appear as '腾讯会议'. A desktop version is available at meeting.tencent.com.
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Log In with WeChat or Phone
Use your WeChat account to sign in instantly — no separate registration needed. Alternatively, register with a phone number. International numbers are accepted.
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Join a Meeting as a Guest
Tap Join Meeting and enter the 9-digit meeting ID. You do not need a Tencent Meeting account — guest joining is fully supported. The host can share a direct link for one-tap entry.
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Start or Schedule a Meeting
Tap New Meeting to start immediately, or tap Schedule to set a future time. Share the 9-digit ID or invite link with participants. The free plan supports up to 300 participants.
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Use Virtual Backgrounds and Screen Share
During a call, tap the More button (···) to access virtual backgrounds, screen sharing (full screen or single window), and recording. Screen share works on both mobile and desktop.
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Record the Meeting
Recording to the cloud requires a paid plan. Local recording (saved to your device) is available on the free tier from the desktop app — tap Record in the toolbar during the meeting.
Field Notes
Real-world tips from users in China
- External users can join via meeting link without downloading the app or creating an account — useful for international participants.
- On a Chinese network, Tencent Meeting is significantly faster and more stable than Zoom, which is throttled without a VPN.
- The free plan supports up to 300 participants and 40-minute group meetings — sufficient for most use cases.
- Cloud recording requires a paid subscription; local recording on the desktop app is free.
- Mobile and desktop experience are functionally equivalent — screen share, virtual background, and reactions all work on both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tencent Meeting a good alternative to Zoom in China?
Yes. Tencent Meeting is the standard local video conferencing tool and works reliably without a VPN, unlike Zoom which is often blocked or very slow in China. It supports meetings, screen sharing, and webinars.
Do I need a Chinese phone number to join a Tencent Meeting?
Joining a meeting only requires the meeting ID and password shared by the host. However, creating your own account or scheduling meetings typically requires a Chinese phone number for verification.
Can foreigners download and use Tencent Meeting in China?
Yes. The app is available on iOS, Android, and desktop. You can install it from local app stores or the official website and join meetings immediately, even without a registered account.
Does Tencent Meeting work without a VPN on Chinese networks?
Yes. Tencent Meeting is a domestic service optimized for mainland networks, so it runs smoothly on local Wi-Fi and mobile data. No VPN is needed, making it far more reliable than foreign alternatives.
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