Using Your Yealink Desk Phone for Zoom Meeting Audio (Companion Mode)

Overview

This article provides instructions for employees to use their Yealink desk phone as the audio device for a Zoom web meeting through a feature called Companion Mode. This can be useful if you prefer a more private conversation, need clearer audio than your computer speakers or microphone provide, or want to answer a Zoom meeting directly from your desk phone. When Companion Mode is configured, your Yealink phone and computer work together — allowing you to join meetings using your phone for audio while keeping video and screen sharing on your computer.

State-Owned Devices: Equipment provided to university employees and managed by Minnesota State University, Mankato. ," The steps, tools, or solutions in this article may not work on personal devices due to administrative restrictions or licensing requirements. 

Adding the Line Key for Companion Mode

Before using Companion Mode, add the Zoom Meeting key to your Yealink desk phone.

1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal using your StarID credentials.

2. In the navigation menu, select Phone.

3. Click the Settings tab.

4. In the Keys & Positions section, select View or Edit.

5. Click Manage Keys.

6. In one of the available keys, select Set Key, then choose Zoom Meeting as the Key Type.

7. (Optional) In the Alias (Optional) column, enter a label (for example, Zoom Meeting).

Joining a Scheduled Zoom Meeting Using Your Desk Phone

1. Join a meeting from the Zoom desktop app.

2. The Zoom Meeting line key on your Yealink phone will turn solid red, indicating Companion Mode is available.

3. Press the Zoom Meeting line key on your desk phone.

4. Audio will now route through your desk phone, and your computer audio will disconnect automatically.

5. Continue to use your computer for video and screen sharing.

Note: The meeting line key may appear under a different name if you customized it during setup. 

Receiving a Meeting Invite and Joining via Desk Phone

1. When you receive a meeting invite in the Zoom desktop client, click Join.

2. An incoming call will also appear on your Yealink desk phone, and the meeting line key will flash green.

3. On your desk phone, press one of the following:

   • Zoom: Join the meeting using the desk phone for audio and the desktop client for video/screen sharing.

   • Audio: Join only the meeting audio through the desk phone.

   • Ignore: Decline the invite.

4. The line key will turn solid red once you’ve joined.

Recommended Meeting Settings

Adjust these Zoom settings for the best Companion Mode experience.

Waiting Room

Disable Waiting Room if you often join using your desk phone:

1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal.

2. Click Settings.

3. Under the Meeting tab, turn off Waiting Room.

Video Preview

Disable video preview to join meetings faster:

1. In the Zoom desktop app, click your profile picture > Settings > Video.

2. Uncheck Always show video preview when joining meeting.

Computer Audio

Enable automatic computer audio connection:

1. In the Zoom desktop app, click your profile picture > Settings > Audio.

2. Check Automatically join audio by computer when joining a meeting.

Outcome

• Zoom Support: Using desk phone companion mode

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