Zoom is different on your phone, so here’s when to use it

With the novel coronavirus keeping most of us stuck inside, Zoom video calls have become the new way to conduct business and socialize with family and friends.

Last week, for example, I played a virtual game of trivia with over 130 participants from around the world; listened in on a work meeting with 12 others; had a family check-in with my cousins and sister; and enjoyed a DJ livestream — all through Zoom.

For different activities different devices work best. But not everything works on the Zoom mobile or iPad app as it does on your laptop. As Zoom explains on its website as well as on its Google Play and Apple App stores, different mobile devices have different capabilities. Though the company doesn’t state it explicitly, the Zoom experience on your phone or tablet is not as robust as the desktop version for Windows or Mac. Just look at the chat or screensharing features on mobile – they aren’t the same. 

But that doesn’t mean the mobile app doesn’t work for certain situations. Take Siri, the voice assistant on iPhones, for instance. You can program the digital assistant through the mobile app to open by voice. Even if your Mac has Siri, she can’t help you as much as she can on mobile. There are other reasons you might want to open up your laptop for a trivia game too, even if it feels like work. 

View modes

Laptop for big groups, mobile for intimate chats

Anecdotally, it seems Zoom’s mobile app isn’t as popular for work meetings since most people need the full screen to view charts, documents, and all your colleagues also in the meeting. So if your needs are more productivity-focused, stick to that laptop for Zoom.

It seems the limited display options really deter people. On Zoom mobile, you can only have four faces on the same screen at a time. But on your laptop, it’s like The Brady Bunch opening credits on overdrive. As the Zoom site explains, gallery view allows up to 25 participants on a single screen. Party. Thumbnail view still shows eight users at a time, but that’s not enough. 

Chatting

Zoom desktop for a smoother experience

The built-in Zoom chat is its own thing. You can message everyone on a call or just privately message a fellow participant. It’s refreshingly retro in its simplicity. The conversation slots in on the right-hand side of the screen or if you’re in fullscreen mode becomes a smaller floating window. But when you start using the chat on mobile, it’s not as easy to use, or even find. Clicking the “More” button at the bottom of the app pulls up a chat option that then brings up a window that takes over the entire call and… it’s just messy. For side chatter, stick to the Zoom desktop experience.

Screensharing

Mobile app in a pinch, laptop for anything important

Yes, you can technically present your screen from your phone, but it’s not as smooth of a process as on a laptop. If you’re presenting a slideshow or busy screen, your laptop will be easier to share. Also, it can get weird sharing your personal phone screen. If you have a work-only phone, then go for it. 

Multitasking

Harder to pull off on mobile

Let’s be real here: You’re not devoted to only your Zoom call. If you’re not presenting or leading a meeting, it’s easy enough to look like you’re paying attention while doing other things on your laptop. On your phone, however, it’s a bit more of a nuisance to navigate to texts or your email inbox.

Video

Mobile for on-the-go video 

One of my colleagues uses the Zoom mobile app on his phone specifically for its video function — but he uses a stand so the phone is effectively an external camera next to his computer. 

Then there’s the moments you may need to move around during a Zoom call. You’re less likely these days to be commuting or in the car (though you may be on the way to the grocery store), but just because you’re trapped in your house doesn’t mean you need to be tethered to your laptop or part of the house designated as “the office.” The mobile app gives you some freedom to move about, do some household chores, or take care of a young “coworker.”

Backgrounds

Seamless on both iPhones and laptops

You can modify your Zoom background on both the iOS and desktop versions, thank goodness. For Android users, it’s not as fun, sorry. But as long as you have an iPhone 8 or newer, you’re set for mobile. If you have a newer laptop, your virtual background game can go big. For older computers, the operating system likely can’t handle it. That might help you keep it professional.