iPhone

In the backdrop of the COVID-19 outbreak, remote working has become order of the day. And in this testing time,Zoom a video conferencing app – has proved to be a very helpful tool for professionals tohold online meetings. through video calling, seamless screen sharing, and instant meeting right from the comfort of the couch. If this Video Conferencing App has caught your attention as well, follow me as I teach you how to use Zoom app on your iPhone and iPad like a pro.

How to Set up Zoom App on iPhone and iPad

While there are a number of notable alternatives, very few of them are as easy-to-use as Zoom. This video conferencing app has a easy to navigate -interface and can be set up in a few easy taps. And even better, it allows you to join a meeting even without having to sign in (simply tap the gear icon to access all the basic settings).

What kind of Permissions Are Requested By Zoom app?

Before you can use Zoom app on iPhone, you may be asked to authorize access to several essential features like camera, microphone, calendar, photos, and more. It’s up to your discretion to allow or disallow the app to use these features.

Zoom Will Request for the Following Permissions:

• Contacts: Grant the app permission to access your Contacts app to allow you to conduct a video/audio call.
• Location: The app will request access to your location so that it can generate an Emergency Response Location. It will help you when dialing emergency services from the Zoom phone.
• Calendars: It helps Zoom to add a meeting as an event in the stock calendar app.
• Microphone: Grant the app permission to use the microphone of your iPhone so that you can join a meeting or webinar.
• Camera: Grant the app permission to use the camera of your iPhone so that you can share your video in a meeting or webinar.
• Photos: Grant the app access to the Photos app so that it can add images to chat messages, or for screen sharing during a meeting or webinar.
• Background App Refresh: Offers the app the ability to send notifications for Meeting invites when the app is closed or not running actively.
• Notifications: It allows the app to display notifications for chat messages, upcoming meetings, and much more.
• Siri & Search: Allows the app to add Siri Shortcuts such as Join the Next Meeting, View Today’s Meetings, Start My Personal Meeting.

How to Start an Instant Meeting Using PMI or Meeting ID in Zoom App

You can start a meeting as the host using your host key. So, whenever you want to get started with a conference call, it will only take a few easy taps.

1. To get started, tap on the Meet & Chat tab located at the bottom of the screen.
2. Next, tap on the New Meeting tab located at the top of the screen.
3. Next on, if you want to use a personal meeting ID (PMI), turn on the switch next to it.
4. Lastly, tap the Start a Meeting button and you are all set!
5. You will see a pop-up asking you to join audio so that you can hear others. Tap on Call Using Internet Audio.

You can switch between selfie and rear camera using the camera switch button located at the top left corner.

During the conference call, you can view the participants, mute/unmute them, send messages to everyone, and even invite others to join you.

If you want to share content, tap on the Share Content tab. You will see a pop-up from the bottom with multiple options such as Photos, iCloud Drive, Box, Google Drive, Screen (more on this later), Microsoft OneDrive, Website URL, and Bookmark. In case you want to share files saved in particular cloud storage, tap on it and then go to the folders. Select the file and share it.

By the same token, you can share a website URL as well as saved bookmarks.

If you’d like to stop video but wish to continue with the audio call, tap on the Stop Video button located at the bottom.

If you wish to leave the meeting, tap on the End button located at the top right hand corner, and choose Leave Meeting. To close the meeting, hit the End meeting button.

Note:

• Zoom includes a phone feature that you can use to call a number or contact using your direct phone number or company number.
• If you want to view your call log, simply head over to the Phone tab > history section. Answered, missed, and recorded calls will be available on this screen.
• Also, there is a Voicemail tab where you can play and delete voicemail messages.

How to Join a Meeting Using the Meeting ID in Zoom App

Joining a meeting on iPhone or iPad is quick and easy. Apart from using an iPhone or iPad to join a meeting, you can also use an Android Smartphone, a web browser, Zoom desktop app for Mac/PC, a landline, an H.323 or SIP device.

Keep in mind, every meeting has a unique nine, ten, or eleven-digit number referred to as meeting ID which you can use to join a Zoom meeting.

Note:

• If you want to join a meeting through telephone; you’ll be required to use the teleconferencing number provided in the invite.
• Zoom app also offers you an option to invite others to your PMI using text messages or emails. Alternatively, you can simply copy the meeting details and paste them into a calendar invite.

How to Change Backgrounds in Zoom App on iOS

One cool reason why people prefer to use the Zoom app on iPhone or iPad is the ability to use a virtual background. The app set a beautiful ocean background for me, which I really liked. In addition, you can select your own background, if you are not comfortable with the predefined option.

1. During the meeting, simply tap the More button located at the bottom right hand corner of the screen.
2. Next, tap “Virtual Background” in the menu.
3. Next on, choose the virtual background option given by the app.

If you prefer to choose your own background, tap on the “+” button and then browse you’re your favorite background from the camera roll. Next, tap Done. Next on, tap Close to go back to the main screen.

If you wish to remove the virtual background, hit the More button, hit virtual backgrounds and tap on Remove located at the bottom left hand corner of the display. Then, hit Close.

Note: Inside the More menu, there are a number of useful options such as Chat, Meeting Settings, Minimize Meeting, as well as disconnect audio.

How to Schedule a One-Time or Recurring Meeting with Zoom App

You can use the Zoom app to host either a one-time or recurring meeting. Again, you can host it from an iPhone, iPad, Android phones, Zoom desktop client, or web portal.

It’s worth noting that a non-recurring meeting ID will expire after 30 days. However, you have the option to restart the same meeting ID within the 30-day period.

As far as the recurring meeting ID is concern, it will expire after 365 days. The app allows you to re-use the meeting ID for future events.

In addition, the app gives you an option to start a scheduled meeting at any time before the scheduled time.

The links remain valid for 30/365 days. It’s worth noting that an instant meeting link will automatically expire once the meeting is over.

1. To start off, launch the Zoom app on your iPhone or iPad > Meet & Chat tab located at the bottom of the screen.
2. Next, hit the Schedule button tab located at the top of the screen.
3. Next on, go ahead and schedule the meeting according to your needs.

Note:

• Use personal meeting ID: Switch it on, if you wish to use your Personal Meeting ID. If it’s not selected, a random meeting ID will be created.
• Host Video On when starting: Select this option if you want the host video to turn on by default when joining the meeting.
• Attendee Video On when joining: Choose this option if you want the attendee video to get enabled by default when joining the meeting.
• Audio Option: Choose this option to allow users to call in via Device audio, Telephone, or Both.
• Meeting Password: If you want participants to enter a password before joining a scheduled meeting, set a password.

Tap Advanced Options in case you want to use the advanced meeting options.

Allow join before host: Choose this option if you want to allow the participants to join your meeting before you. It’s worthing noting that the meeting will automatically end after 40-minutes for Basic (free) users if three or more people join the meeting.

Record the meeting automatically: Select this option if you want to automatically record the meeting.

Schedule for: In the event you have the scheduling privilege for another Zoom user, you can choose whom you want to schedule the meeting for.

Alternative Hosts: It lets you choose users in the same group to let them start the meeting in your absence.

After you have scheduled the meeting, hit Done to confirm.

Note:

A popup to add the meeting to your iOS calendar will appear, where you can invite others to join the scheduled meeting.
In the event you are not able to add the meeting to the stock calendar app, go to Settings > Privacy > Calendars. Here, make sure to enable Zoom.
Inside the Meeting tab, all the scheduled meetings will show up. You can start any meeting right from there. And even better, you will be presented with an option to send an invitation as well as edit your personal meeting ID.

How to Share Screen in Zoom App on iOS

Zoom makes use of ultrasonic sound proximity detection to generate an ultrasonic signal for a seamless screen sharing. If the app senses the signal in a Zoom Room, it automatically connects to the Zoom Room when the attendee tap on the Share Screen button.

In the event the proximity detection is not available, participants can enable direct sharing by typing in a Sharing Key that is made up of a string of letters.

1. Launch the Zoom app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Next, tap on the Meet & Chat tab located at the bottom left hand corner of the screen.
3. Next on, Hit Share Screen.
4. Next up, type in the sharing key and tap on OK.
5. After doing so, you can choose to turn ON or OFF the microphone. Then, tap on start recording.

Boom! Zoom Rooms will start displaying the shared screen on the Zoom Rooms display. Everything that appears on the screen including notifications will be recorded. You can turn on Do Not Disturb (Settings app > Do Not Disturb) to stop receiving notifications during screen sharing.

It’s also easy to share the screen during the meeting. Just tap on the Share Content tab at the bottom > Screen and then proceed with the screen sharing.

When you want to stop sharing the screen, hit the red button and then tap on Stop in the pop-up that appears. Now, the recorded video will be saved to your photo library.

How to Use Your Personal Chat Space in Zoom App

Another Zoom feature worth noting is the “Personal Chat Space” where you can store private notes and files.

1. Open the Zoom app on your iPhone or iPad > Meet & Chat tab at the bottom.
2. Next, hit the star icon located at the top left hand corner of the screen.
3. Next on , choose your name in the Shared list.
4. Next up, input your notes and tap on Enter to save them by sending the notes to yourself.

Hit the “+” button located at the bottom left hand corner and then select the option to send photos, files or even snap a photo. Since the video-conferencing app is incorporated with many cloud services, you can easily access files saved in those cloud services and send them.

Note:

• To access all the images, content, and starred messages, hit the “i” (info button) located at the top right hand corner. Then, go to a particular section.
• If you want to clear all the Zoom chat history, hit the info button located at the top right hand corner of the screen and then tap on Clear Chat History and confirm the action.
• To edit or delete any sent/received message, touch and hold it down. a menu will pop-up with a number of options such as: reply, share, star message, edit and delete. Select your preferred option.
• Alternatively, you can hit the star button located at the top right hand corner of the display and then tap on All Files to dive into all the personal or entire files. Check out the filter option located at the top right hand corner of the screen and then select the None or Images option to filter files.

How to Create Channels in Zoom App on iOS

Channels can play an important role by allowing you to stay connected with your colleagues. Thankfully, it’s really easy to create a channel or join an already existing one on this Video-Conferencing app.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, Open the Zoom app > Contacts tab at the bottom.
2. Next, hit the “+” button located at the top right hand corner of the screen.
3. Select “Create a New Channel” or “Join a Public Channel” and then set it up normally.

You can access all of your channels through the Channels tab at the top center.

How to Add an App to Zoom Using App Marketplace

One good thing about Zoom is the incorporation of a super handy app marketplace from where you can install your favorite apps to improve your productivity. From Trello to GitHub to Twitter, the app marketplace has got a range of apps to suit your various needs.

1. Launch the Zoom app on your iPhone or iPad > Contacts tab.
2. Next, hit the “+” button located at the top right hand corner of the screen.
3. Next on, hit Add an app in the menu.
4. The app will take you to the App Marketplace. Here, go through all the available options and install the ones that suits your needs.

How to Customize Zoom Settings on iOS

When you use Zoom app on your iPhone or iPad, you can customize its settings according to your needs. The app includes multiple features that you can personalize to improve your experience.

1. On your iOS device, Open the Zoom app.
2. Next, hit the Settings tap located at the bottom right hand corner of the display.
3. Next on, you will be presented with a range of options to personalize.

Edit Zoom Profile

If you wish to edit your zoom profile, tap on the profile photo. Here, you can change your profile photo, display name, job title, location, default call-in country or region. In addition, the app offers you an option to add a personal note and get a custom meeting ID (for pro version).

Customize Zoom Meeting Settings

One thing that separates the Zoom app from the pack is the ability to offer a more personalized meeting experience. With a dozens of useful features to choose from, you can easily adjust everything to take full control of the meeting.

To do this, hit Meetings and then set up all the features as per your liking. For example, you can auto-copy the meeting link, always show meetings controls, sync Zoom meetings from Calendars app, and touch your appearance.

In addition, you can keep the virtual background for all meetings or current meetings only and even choose a fantastic reaction skin tone.

Personalize Zoom Chat Settings

It’s easy to fine-tune the Zoom chat settings. And depending on your liking, you can set it up to stay tuned in with your friends and colleagues at your own pace.

Hit Chats and then you can include or exclude link preview, configure the app to receive only given notifications, select where unread messages should appear, and when to alert you. Moreover, the app allows you to choose whether to receive push notifications when Do Not Disturb is enabled.

Blur Snapshot on Task Switcher

Zoom also allows you to hide sensitive information from the snapshot of the Zoom’s main window. The snapshot shows up as the preview screen in the iOS task switcher when many apps are running. To do so, hit General. Then, enable the switch next to Blur snapshot on the task switcher.

In addition, there is an option to enable incorporated calling to receive incoming calls on your lock screen. The app will allow you to show your zoom calls in the system’s call history. Other recording apps will not function when a Zoom’s call is enabled.

Use Zoom Siri Shortcuts

Another great feature on Zoom is the ability to work with Siri. So, in case you like using nifty Siri Shortcuts, there is a high possibility that you will find Zoom Siri Shortcuts quite useful. In addition, you can use Siri Shortcuts to join a meeting, view today’s meeting, and even kickstart your personal meeting effortlessly.

Signing off…

And that covers everything about how to use Zoom app on iPhone to remain in touch with your friends and colleagues. As the video-conferencing app is quite easy to use, I trust you have got a good hang of it.

What are some of the things you’ve found striking about the Zoom app? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

Wondering how you can reduce data usage on a wi-fi network while using your iPhone or iPad? You have come to the right place.

Depending on where you live, Internet may or may not be costly. If you live in US, there’s a possibility you’re paying a higher bill for your broadband connection and cellular data compared to one of your friends living in Europe or Asia. If internet bills are hurting your pocket, you might want to reduce your data usage. With the launch of iOS 13, Apple included a nifty feature called “Low Data Mode” that claims to reduce Wi-Fi data use when enabled, and a similar feature exist for cellular data users. Most people have limited data when they’re using their home internet use (or a cellular network) to browse the internet, so this feature is very useful when you’re about to hit your data limit, or you just want to reduce the bandwidth used by iPhone or iPad on a wi-fi network.

If you want to enable low data mode for Wi-Fi networks on iPhone or iPad to conserve your monthly data usage while on a wireless network, there are a few simple steps which you need to follow.
Here is the step-by-step guide which will show you how you can turn the low data mode feature on for Wi-Fi networks.

Part of how this feature works is that it aims to limit your data use by preventing automatic updates as well as other background tasks, hence reducing the amount of data used on the iPhone or iPad. Simply follow these steps.

How to Enable Low Data Mode for Wi-Fi Networks on iPhone & iPad

If your problem isn’t cellular data usage but rather skyrocketing broadband bills, you may need to use as less data as possible over Wi-Fi. Don’t worry, simply follow these simple steps to turn on low-data mode for a wireless network:

1. Start the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad and tap on “Wi-Fi”.
2. Next, tap on the “i” icon next to the Wi-Fi network name that you’re incurring high charges on, as you can see in the screenshot below.
   
3. you’ll see the option to enable Low Data Mode. Just tap once on the switch to turn it on.

There you have it. You have configured your iPhone or iPad to use less data.

As you can see, it takes just a few taps to enable or disable the feature.

This mode is very useful if you have a low data cap on your broadband connection, in addition to lowering your bills. By restricting background activities on your iPhone or iPad from consuming your internet data while you’re not using your device, you could use the spare data to do more important stuff at the full bandwidth.

Keep in mind, this method applies to using Low Data Mode on wi-fi, whereas you have a separate setting for using low data mode on iPhone with cellular data, which is what you’d want to use when you’re out roaming around.

While the benefits are numerous, Low Data mode has a couple of drawbacks. Since it prevents automatic updates and background activities as mentioned earlier, your iPhone and iPad data wouldn’t be automatically backed up to the cloud. If you aren’t aware, when your iPhone or iPad is powered on and plugged to a power source, iOS automatically backs up documents, photos, contacts and other files to iCloud. So, you may need to perform a manual backup to iCloud or you may risk losing data permanently.

Well, what’s your take on the new Low Data Mode features on iOS 13? Did it help you save a lot of valuable data and consequently save some cash? We’d love to know your thoughts and experiences in The comment section below.