Unfortunately, current Roku gadgets can't run the Zoom app. But that doesn't totally wipe out the chance to have video chats on your Roku TV.
All you need to learn is how to work Roku's screen mirroring option on your device. In this feature, we will share all the necessary steps you'll need to know to conduct Zoom meetings on your Roku player.
Is Zoom Compatible with Roku?
Zoom currently has no app on the Roku platform. So, conducting a video conference call through Zoom on your Roku device isn't an option.
On top of that, a standard Roku device would not have a camera or microphone, meaning you'd need to invest in those accessories first.
Fortunately, Roku users can circumvent all these concerns and rely on the Screen Mirroring option. You will still need a device that is compatible with Zoom and mirror that device's screen on your Roku device. This way, you won't need to spend money on additional accessories and can utilize the camera and microphone of your smartphone or laptop.
Requirements
Before we move on to the tutorials, let's take a second to go over the requirements for screen mirroring on a Roku device. Users must first set up or enable the Screen Mirror feature on their choice of Windows or Android device.
This feature isn't available on iPads, iPhones, or Macs, but you can make use of Apple's AirPlay to share content from an iOS device to your (compatible) Roku device.
While most current Roku TVs and streaming players support screen mirroring, some exceptions are: model 3700 of Roku Express and model 3910 of the Roku Express+. The latter only supports screen mirroring via the HDMI output.
Compatible Roku models have the ScreenMirror feature and will require no additional setup action. Users should also note that Android devices with a 4.2 version (or later) support screen mirroring but might be described as another term, such as QuickConnect or WirelessDisplay, depending on the brand.
Screen Mirroring
Trying to enable screen mirroring on your Roku device may seem complicated, but it only involves a handful of steps. The entire process takes only a few minutes to conclude. Here's what you'll need to do.
- First, connect your Roku player to your TV via the HDMI port. Next, turn on the Wi-Fi connection.
- Connecting your Roku player to the same Wi-Fi connection as the device you'll stream the Zoom meeting from is essential for screen mirroring.
- Log in to your Roku account and select the Settings option on your home screen.
- Choose the System setting and click on the Screen Mirroring option once it appears.
- Next, you'll see three prompts appear: Prompt, Always allow, and Never allow. Select the Prompt or Always allow setting to enable screen mirroring on your Roku device.
Pairing Zoom with Android Device
Once you've ensured the screen mirroring option on your Roku player is enabled, it's time to connect Zoom to your Android device and replicate your meeting on your TV screen. The following steps will show you how.
- If you don't have the Zoom app on your smartphone, you can access the Zoom meetings application through the Google Play Store and install it.
- Once the app is downloaded, open your phone's Settings app and search for the Connection & Sharing option.
- Next, choose the Cast setting, and this should prompt your smartphone to search and show nearby devices.
- Wait for the list to update, and select the Roku device from the search results. This will initiate screen mirroring, and your smartphone's screen will show up on your TV display.
- Log in to your Zoom app through your Android device and start viewing your virtual meeting.
Pairing Zoom with Windows PC
Readers wanting to learn how to utilize screen mirroring from their Windows device on Roku TVs will want to pay attention here. The following steps are designed to help you reflect your Window's screen once you've enabled screen mirroring on your Roku device.
- First, ensure your Windows PC and Roku are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Next, open the Google Chrome browser and visit the Zoom website to log in.
- Once you're logged in, right-click on the vertical ellipsis (three-dot) icon and press the Cast option. This will help Windows search for nearby devices.
- When your Roku device is discovered, click on the Cast tab option from the drop-down box. Now, click on your Roku device.
- That's it! You'll see your Window's screen appear on your Roku TV and can now continue with your video conferencing.
Common Questions Relating to Zoom on Roku
Many Roku users want to know why there are no Zoom app developments for the platform. The truth is, Zoom and Roku have yet to collaborate on this front.
Besides that, several support issues need to be tackled before reaching a viable result.
For example, Roku devices generally don't feature cameras or microphones, both of which are necessary tools for video conferencing apps like Zoom.
Can I use my TV speakers for Zoom?
Screen mirroring via your Roku device doesn't feature any audio, and understandably, this can be a problem for many users.
While you can't use your TV's speakers during Zoom on a Roku device, users can rely on other software – like SmartThings – to separately relay audio to the Roku device.
Users with smartphones can utilize SmartView technology to start screen mirroring and then access SmartThings to select the settings for transmitting audio.
If you're still not getting any sound, check to make sure your devices aren't on mute. This includes checking your Roku, TV, and smartphone.
Once both SmartView and SmartThings are connected to your Roku device, check the audio and video with any relevant app on your smartphone.
Do I need a Roku device to have a video conference call on my TV?
If you're wondering whether a Roku device is necessary to video conference via your TV, the answer is it depends. You have several options for video conference via a TV, depending on the kind of television you have.
For example, there's always the time-honoured method of connecting your laptop to your TV with an HDMI cable. This will generally help you start screen mirroring immediately with audio and video capacity through your computer.
If you're an Apple TV Box user, you can rely on wireless AirPlay to mirror your Apple gear's screen on your television. However, before doing this, make sure your Apple TV Box and Apple device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
It's best to give the manual a quick once-over to understand your options regarding having video conference calls on your TV.
The Verdict
Users with Roku devices can enjoy the benefits of a big screen for video conferencing through Zoom with the help of screen mirroring. This simple fix can help you enjoy the best of both worlds until Roku and Zoom finally collaborate to create an app for the platform.