How to add an alternative host in zoom

Zoom is exponentially becoming essential for businesses, educators, and various organizations around the world. As an admin or IT support personnel, knowing how to effectively utilize Zoom’s features is crucial. One feature that stands out is the ability to add an alternative host to your Zoom meetings. This capability allows you to delegate meeting management responsibilities, ensuring that your meetings flow seamlessly even in your absence. In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive look at how to add an alternative host in Zoom.

Whether you’re conducting webinars, team meetings, or virtual lessons, having an alternative host can be invaluable. Life is unpredictable, and having someone capable of taking over can save you from potential disasters. The steps to add an alternative host are straightforward but can be slightly different based on your interface and settings. So, let’s dive in!

Understanding the Role of an Alternative Host

Before discussing how to add an alternative host in Zoom, it’s essential to understand what this role entails. An alternative host is a participant who can start your scheduled meeting on your behalf. This person can also manage various functionalities during the presentation, such as:

• Sharing screen
• Managing participants
• Starting and stopping recordings
• Using breakout rooms

By assigning an alternative host, you ensure that the meeting can commence even if you are unable to attend. This is particularly useful for educational settings and corporate environments where timeliness and organization are crucial.

Prerequisites for Adding an Alternative Host

Before you proceed with adding an alternative host in Zoom, you need to ensure the following conditions are met:

• Both you and the alternative host have Zoom accounts.
• Your account must be a Pro, Business, Education, or Enterprise account to use the alternative host feature.
• The alternative host must be in the same Zoom account as you.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add an Alternative Host in Zoom

Using the Zoom Web Portal

One of the most straightforward methods to add an alternative host is by using the Zoom web portal. Follow the steps below:

1. Log in to your Zoom account.
2. Click on “Meetings” on the left-hand side of your dashboard.
3. Find the meeting you wish to edit. If you haven’t scheduled your meeting yet, click on “Schedule a New Meeting.”
4. Scroll down to the “Alternative Host” section.
5. Type the email address of the person you wish to designate as an alternative host.
6. Click “Save” at the bottom of the page.

Using the Zoom Desktop Client

If you prefer utilizing the Zoom desktop application, follow these steps:

1. Open your Zoom desktop client and log in to your account.
2. Click on the “Schedule” button.
3. Fill in the meeting details, including date, time, and duration.
4. Look for the “Advanced Options” section, and click on it.
5. Locate the box labeled “Alternative Host” and enter the email address of the desired individual.
6. Click “Schedule” to finalize your meeting settings.

Comparison of Adding Alternative Hosts via Different Interfaces

Interface	Ease of Use	Time Taken	Best For
Web Portal	Very Easy	2-3 Minutes	Admins managing multiple meetings
Desktop Client	Easy	2-4 Minutes	Individual users scheduling single meetings

Common Issues When Adding an Alternative Host

Even though adding an alternative host in Zoom is relatively seamless, you may encounter some common issues. Here’s how to address them:

• Alternative Host Not Found: Ensure that the email entered is associated with an active Zoom account within your organization.
• Permissions Error: Make sure your account type supports the alternative host feature. Free accounts do not provide this option.
• Meeting Not Saving Changes: Sometimes, there can be a glitch. Try refreshing your page or logging out and back into your account.

Best Practices for Using Alternative Hosts

Now that you know how to add an alternative host in Zoom, it’s also important to consider best practices:

• Choose Responsible Hosts: Select someone who is familiar with Zoom’s features and has experience managing meetings.
• Communicate Early: Let your alternative host know well in advance about their responsibilities, so they are prepared.
• Test the Setup: If possible, conduct a practice session where the alternative host can start the meeting to ensure everything works smoothly.
• Review Settings Together: Go over settings like breakout rooms, recording options, and participant management with your alternative host.

Conclusion and Actionable Next Steps

In conclusion, learning how to add an alternative host in Zoom is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your meetings and webinars. By assigning a reliable individual to manage your meeting in your absence, you create a more efficient and organized environment. This capability is essential for admins and educators, ensuring that meetings proceed as planned without unnecessary interruptions.

Take the knowledge you’ve gained from this guide and put it into practice. Schedule a meeting today, assign an alternative host, and empower your team or classroom to engage effectively. Remember, successful meetings are not just about you; it’s about collaboration and ensuring everyone is engaged. Happy Zooming!