Is Zoom’s mirroring function useful? Explanation of how to set up a computer

Zoom has various functions, but did you know that you can share your screen by mirroring? If you use mirroring, you can share the screen on your smartphone or tablet via Zoom, which is very convenient.

In this article, we will explain the mirroring function of Zoom. In addition to specific setting methods, we will also explain appropriate measures to be taken when mirroring is not successful.

This article is for people who:

• People who don’t know how to use Zoom’s mirroring function
• People who are having trouble mirroring well with Zoom
• People who are concerned about screen sharing by mirroring

First of all, what is mirroring?

Mirroring is a function that allows you to display the screen of your smartphone on the screen of another device. For example, you can display the screen displayed on your smartphone on a TV or check it on a monitor.

The mirroring function is often used when the screen of a smartphone is small and it is difficult to check the content with a large number of people, or when the person you want to share is far away.

There are two main types of mirroring

There are two methods for mirroring: wireless connection and wired connection. We have summarized the advantages and disadvantages of wireless and wired, so let’s check first.

Advantages and disadvantages of connecting wirelessly

If you use wireless mirroring with Zoom, etc., you can feel the following benefits.

• No need to prepare your own code
• Can be operated even at a distance from the screen to be mirrored
• You can charge while mirroring without a hub

On the other hand, wireless mirroring may have the following disadvantages.

• Requires a set-top box (Chromecast, Apple TV, Fire TV, etc.)
• More prone to audio and video lag than wired

Advantages and disadvantages of wired connection

When using wired mirroring with Zoom, etc., the following advantages can be considered.

• Less audio and video lag than wireless
• Anyone can easily mirror by simply connecting a cable
• Reduces smartphone battery consumption

On the other hand, wired mirroring has the following disadvantages.

• If you don’t prepare a hub, you can’t mirror while charging your smartphone
• You have to operate your smartphone within the reach of the cable

In conclusion, Zoom supports both wireless and wired mirroring.

It makes it easier to share data stored on your smartphone with people who are far away, so it is important to make good use of the mirroring function to achieve smooth communication.

What is possible with smartphone screen sharing?

So, what kind of things are possible by using the mirroring function in Zoom? This chapter introduces the effect of using the mirroring function in Zoom.

Screen sharing enables 1: sharing meeting materials

By using the mirroring function, you can easily share materials related to the meeting with other participants, such as data managed on your smartphone and photos taken.

You can also save the trouble of transferring data to a personal computer (PC) before holding a web meeting.

In addition, not only materials but also screens are shared with other participants, so you can use it, for example, to teach other people how smartphone apps work.

Screen sharing enables 2: Writing on the screen

When using the mirroring function in Zoom, you will be able to write on the shared screen. The writing function can be used not only by the person sharing the screen, but also by other participants in the Zoom conference.

For example, you can use the mirroring function to share promotional materials so that participants in remote locations can check them, or you can mark the parts you want to emphasize while explaining them.

How to share your screen with mirroring | Explain how to use it

Now let’s talk about how to use the mirroring function in Zoom.

First of all, as a premise, smartphones that can mirror the screen to a personal computer (PC) are limited to iOS products (iPhone 4 or later, iPad 4th generation or later, iPad mini).

Also, as mentioned above, there are two types of connection methods for mirroring, wireless and wired, so we will divide them into two and explain the procedures for each.

Method 1: Share wirelessly

Here‘s how to set up smartphone mirroring wirelessly from a Windows or Mac computer (PC).

1. Launch the Zoom client app
2. Host (or attend) a meeting
3. Click “Share Screen” at the bottom of the screen
4. Click “iPhone/iPad”
5. Click “Share Screen”
6. Install plugins (only if needed)
7. Open your smartphone and connect to the same network as your computer (PC)
8. Tap “AirPlay (or Screen Mirroring)” to enable screen mirroring
9. Tap “Screen Mirroring” in the control center of your smartphone.
10. Choose a device to mirror

If you follow the steps above to operate your computer (PC) and smartphone, you can use the mirroring function in a Zoom meeting.

If you want to share the computer audio as well while mirroring, you need to check the “Share computer audio” box displayed at the bottom of the screen in step 4.

Method 2: Wired Share

As of May 2021, only Mac products are compatible with Zoom’s wired mirroring. Please note that personal computers (PCs) using other operating systems such as Windows currently perform mirroring wirelessly.

The procedure for using the mirroring function in a wired connection is as follows.

1. Launch the Zoom client app
2. Host (or attend) a meeting
3. Click “Share Screen” at the bottom of the screen
4. Click “iPhone/iPad via Cable”
5. Select “Share screen”
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your smartphone to your computer.

When performing mirroring using the above procedure, you may be asked to enter a passcode.

Solution for Zoom settings not working

Even if you follow the steps above, you may not be able to mirror successfully with Zoom.

In this chapter, we will explain the possible causes and the countermeasures when the mirroring function cannot be used due to some problem.

Solution 1: Check the Internet

This is a case where mirroring with Zoom is not possible due to an unstable Internet environment.

In this case, let’s check the Internet connection environment once. Check if your Wi-Fi is working properly, if other devices can use the internet without any problems, etc.

Also, when performing mirroring, both the computer (PC) and the smartphone must be able to communicate using the same network. Please note that if you are using separate networks or if communication between devices within the same network is restricted, you will not be able to mirror successfully with Zoom.

Solution 2: Check the app version

The Zoom app is updated regularly to improve user convenience and safety. There may be cases where mirroring is not possible because you are using an older version of the app without updating it.

In this case, updating to the latest version of the Zoom app from the app download tool or Zoom’s official website should solve the problem.

Solution 3: Check Permissions from Host

If you want to enter the Zoom meeting as a participant, you need to get screen sharing permission from the host. Even if you can use the mirroring function, you cannot share the screen from your smartphone during the Zoom meeting without the host’s permission.

If you don’t have permission, contact the host and ask them to remove your sharing settings.

If you know in advance that you will be mirroring in the Zoom meeting, check with the host to ensure the meeting goes smoothly.

Solution 4: Join Zoom with a smartphone app

If mirroring cannot be used, you can also download the Zoom app on your smartphone, join the Zoom meeting, and share the screen from your smartphone.

If you tried it in advance and couldn’t mirror, take this opportunity to download the Zoom app on your smartphone and you may not be in a hurry on the day of the meeting.

What are the points to note when mirroring with Zoom?

It is a mirroring function that can display the screen of the smartphone on the large screen of the personal computer (PC), but attention must be paid to the resolution. Since the screen of the smartphone is greatly enlarged by mirroring, it is possible that the resolution will be lower.

Please be aware that mirroring may make it more difficult to check the contents.

If accurate communication becomes difficult as the resolution decreases, we recommend sharing it with the participants via email or chat tools before the Zoom meeting.

Also, it is important to note that each screen is shared. For example, if you open a map app with GPS enabled, participants may see your home or your current location.

When sharing the screen with the mirroring function, think carefully about how to use it and the procedure in advance so that you can do it effectively and safely.

summary

Setting mirroring with Zoom is very convenient because you can easily share the data saved on your smartphone. I introduced how to set up wireless and wired, but for those who are weak with machines, it is better to use a wired connection that can be easily connected with a cord.

Please make the most of Zoom’s mirroring function by referring to the setting method explained here.