Many meetings and interactions with teammates have shifted to video, and Zoom is right at the center of this new global order. With this shift came a huge demand for smartphones, tablets, and computers that can work with Zoom. While you can install and run Zoom on most devices, there are some slight differences in using the app on a Chromebook compared to a Windows PC or Mac. If you want to host or join a meeting, follow the steps in this guide to learn how to use Zoom on a Chromebook.
How to Use Zoom on a Chromebook
There are several ways to work with Zoom on a Chromebook. You can use the web interface, but it may not be the best option for you. Alternatively, you can look for and install the official Zoom app in the Chrome store and install it on your Chromebook. You can start or join a meeting, invite contacts, manage participants and so on through the Zoom ChromeOS app. However, you won’t get all the features available for the Zoom desktop, web client, or mobile app. Fortunately, Zoom, in partnership with Google, is developing a whole new Chrome client, which is expected to launch before June 2021. The new client will ensure that the web client or progressive web apps are optimized for features, speed, and compatibility. The existing Chrome app continues to receive updates for efficiency and speed, but you need to run the latest ChromeOS and latest Zoom on Chrome client for the best experience. Make sure that any other browser tabs or unnecessary apps are also closed so that you can enjoy the Zoom Chrome app.
How to Download and Install Zoom on Chromebook
You can also download the Zoom app from the Google Play Store and install it on your Chromebook the same way you install apps on Android devices. Note: Follow our comprehensive guide on how to set up and use Zoom and start participating in your meetings or online classes. When using Zoom on Chromebook, there are certain features you won’t be able to access but that are available on PC and Mac. However, most of the functionality is similar, so you won’t find it hard or too different to use.
How to Record a Zoom Meeting on Chromebook
For Windows or Mac users, it’s possible to record a Zoom meeting locally or in the Zoom cloud regardless of the plan you’re using. On Chromebook, you can’t access the Recording feature with a free account, which means you’ll have to upgrade to a paid account to get the option. That said, even with a paid account, you’re only limited to a cloud recording. Note: The meeting will record to the cloud.
Can You Change Zoom Virtual Backgrounds on Chromebook?
Zoom for Chromebook allows you to access pretty much the same great functionality as you can on PC or Mac computers. You can join audio/video, use in-meeting chat, invite and manage participants, control screen share, use Breakout Rooms, start/stop and pin videos and so on. However, the Zoom version that works on Chromebooks doesn’t include changing the backgrounds. You won’t find the virtual background picker on your Chromebook as you would on Zoom for PC or Mac. Besides the virtual background feature, there are several other Zoom features that are missing on Chromebook that you’d ordinarily find on PC and Mac. These include:
Scheduling meetingsZoom Rooms support (ending from December 31, 2020)Pre-assign breakout rooms as a hostShare whiteboardStart local recordingPlay chime when participants join and leaveChange profile photoSend emoticons, animated GIFs, capture of your screen, or code snippetsCreate, edit or invite members to a channelAutomatically call phone number to join meeting
What to Do When Zoom Isn’t Working on Chromebook
If you can’t get Zoom to work on your Chromebook, there are several things you can try:
Update the Zoom appIf you’re trying to access Zoom for your child, try switching to a parent account for Zoom videoCheck Family Link settings as these can sometimes interfere with Zoom meetings and cause problems when trying to use the app for work or classesFor repeat Zoom sessions, download the app and enter the Zoom Room number to join a meeting or class manually, instead of joining through an invite link
Enjoy Zoom Meetings on Chromebook
Although some inherent compatibility issues with Chrome operating system may keep you from enjoying some Zoom features, Chromebooks are still great alternatives to Windows PCs or Macs. If you’re looking to buy a Chromebook, check out our favorite budget Chromebooks or learn how to turn your old laptop into a Chromebook and use it for your Zoom meetings.
