What are the Steps to Access Whiteboard in Zoom while attending a class?

Zoom's Whiteboard feature allows tutors and students to write, draw, add text, and use other annotation tools during an online class. Access to the Whiteboard depends on whether you are the host (tutor) or a participant (student).

1. Check if You Are the Host or Participant

Tutor/Host: The tutor can start and share the Whiteboard during the class.

Student/Participant: Students can access and use the Whiteboard when the tutor shares it and allows participant annotation.

2. For Tutors (Host) – Start the Whiteboard

Join or start the Zoom class.

Click Share Screen at the bottom of the Zoom window.

Select Whiteboard.

Click Share to start the Whiteboard.

Use the available tools to write, draw, add text, insert shapes, erase content, and more.

If you want students to write or draw on the Whiteboard, make sure participant annotation is enabled.

3. For Students (Participants) – Access the Whiteboard

Wait for the tutor to share the Whiteboard.

Once the Whiteboard is shared, look at the top of the Zoom window.

Click View Options.

Select Annotate.

Use the available annotation tools if the tutor has enabled participant annotation.

If the Annotate option is not available, ask the tutor to enable participant annotation.

4. If the Whiteboard Option Is Missing

Try the following:

Make sure you are using the latest version of Zoom.

Ask the tutor to check whether Whiteboard or participant annotation has been disabled.

If you are using Zoom on a mobile device, some Whiteboard features may differ from those available on the desktop application.

If the option is still unavailable, leave and rejoin the class after updating Zoom.

In Short

Tutor: Use Share Screen → Whiteboard → Share to start the Whiteboard.

Student: You can use the Whiteboard when the tutor shares it and enables participant annotation.

If you cannot find the Whiteboard or Annotate option, check your Zoom version and ask the tutor to verify the relevant permissions.