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Zoom Crashers: How to Respond During a SMART Recovery Zoom Meeting

We do everything we can to keep SMART Recovery Zoom meetings secure, respectful, and welcoming. However, no platform is completely foolproof, and on rare occasions, Zoom crashers (aka Zoom bombers) may find ways around our safeguards.

Zoom crashing occurs when an unauthorized person or bot joins a meeting to disrupt it. This may include offensive language, harmful images, or inappropriate screen sharing. While these incidents can be upsetting, staying calm helps minimize disruption and protects participants.

It's not uncommon and completely natural to panic if this happens- so you may want print out this article and keep it by your computer, just in case you need it someday.

What to Do If Zoom Bombing Occurs

Suspend Participant Activities

  • In the Zoom toolbar, select Host Tools → Suspend Participant Activities

  • This immediately mutes all participants and disables video and chat

Inform Participants

  • Unmute yourself and briefly explain that activities were paused to address a disruption

Decide How to Proceed

  • Continue the meeting (for example, by sharing a SMART Recovery tool or video), or

  • End the meeting if that feels like the best option

Important: Use Caution With “Report to Zoom”

Disruptors may impersonate legitimate participants by copying names or profile images. Reporting the wrong person could block an innocent participant from Zoom. If you are unsure who caused the disruption, we recommend suspending participant activities and managing the situation internally.

Need Support?

If a Zoom bombing occurs or you have questions about handling disruptions, contact support@smartrecovery.org.

Thank you for helping create safe, supportive online spaces for SMART Recovery participants.