How to Add an Alternative Host in Zoom (Step-by-Step)

As a Zoom admin or IT support specialist, you may often find yourself needing to organize meetings efficiently. One of the best ways to ensure the smooth functioning of your virtual events is to utilize the feature of alternative hosts. If you’re wondering how to add zoom alternative hosts for your meetings, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps, settings, and common fixes to make the process simple and seamless.

Understanding the importance of alternative hosts is essential for effective meeting management. An alternative host has the ability to start the meeting on your behalf and manage participants, ensuring everything goes according to plan even if you can’t attend. This guide will provide you with detailed steps about how to add alternative hosts and troubleshoot any issues you may encounter in the process.

What is an Alternative Host?

An alternative host in Zoom is a designated user who can start, manage, and moderate meetings in the absence of the primary host. This feature is especially beneficial for organizations where meetings need to proceed without delay or when the primary host is unavailable.

Key Benefits of Using Alternative Hosts

• Flexibility: Meetings can start on time even if the main host is late.
• Management: Alternative hosts can manage participants, share screens, and control meeting settings.
• Collaboration: Facilitates teamwork by allowing multiple hosts on important calls.

How to Add Alternative Hosts in Zoom

Now let’s dive into the step-by-step process of adding zoom alternative hosts to your scheduled meetings. This can be done via both the Zoom web portal and the Zoom desktop application.

Adding Alternative Hosts via Zoom Web Portal

1. Log into Your Zoom Account: Navigate to the Zoom web portal and enter your credentials.
2. Access the Meeting Settings: Click on “My Meetings” in the side menu, then select the meeting you would like to edit.
3. Find the Alternative Host Option: Scroll down to find the “Alternative Host” field within the meeting settings.
4. Add Email Addresses: Enter the email addresses of the users you want to designate as alternative hosts. Ensure these users are Zoom accounts within your organization.
5. Save Changes: Click the “Save” button to finalize your settings.

Adding Alternative Hosts via Zoom Desktop App

1. Open the Zoom Application: Launch the Zoom desktop application and sign in.
2. Schedule a Meeting: Click on the “Schedule” button.
3. Enter Meeting Details: Fill in the required meeting details, such as topic, date, and time.
4. Access the Advanced Options: In the meeting scheduling form, click on “Advanced Options” to expand the settings.
5. Add Alternative Hosts: In the “Alternative Host” field, enter the email addresses of the users you wish to designate.
6. Click Schedule: Finally, click the “Schedule” button to confirm your meeting and include alternative hosts.

Important Settings for Alternative Hosts

To ensure a smooth experience with alternative hosts, you might need to consider several important settings. Here are the crucial ones:

• Licensing: Ensure that alternative hosts are licensed users on your Zoom account.
• Permissions: Check that alternative hosts have appropriate permissions to access meetings and manage participants.
• Notification Settings: Set up email notifications for alternative hosts to remind them about upcoming meetings.

Common Issues When Adding Alternative Hosts

While adding alternative hosts is generally straightforward, you might encounter some common issues along the way. Here are troubleshooting tips to help you resolve them:

Problem: User Not Listed as an Alternative Host

If a user is not showing as an alternative host, check the following:

• Verify that the user has a Zoom account under your organization.
• Ensure the email address entered matches the user’s Zoom account email.

Problem: Alternative Host Cannot Start the Meeting

This is often due to lack of permissions or a licensing issue:

• Confirm that the alternative host has a Zoom Pro, Business, or Enterprise account.
• Make sure the meeting has been saved and that the alternative host is listed correctly.

Problem: Unable to Add Alternative Hosts

If you are experiencing trouble adding alternative hosts, follow these steps:

• Check your account type to ensure it supports multiple hosts.
• Review your administrative permissions if necessary.

Comparison of Zoom Account Types and Alternative Host Features

Account Type	Alternative Host Feature	Meeting Management
Basic	No	Host only
Pro	Yes	Host and manage meetings
Business	Yes	Host and manage meetings, add alternative hosts
Enterprise	Yes	Full access to all features

Best Practices for Using Alternative Hosts

To maximize the effectiveness of alternative hosts in your Zoom meetings, consider the following best practices:

• Plan Ahead: Designate alternative hosts in advance to ensure they are prepared for the meeting.
• Provide Training: Offer training to alternative hosts on managing meetings and Zoom features to enhance their confidence.
• Communicate Clearly: Ensure alternative hosts are aware of their responsibilities and any specific agendas for the meeting.

Conclusion

Understanding how to add zoom alternative hosts is vital for any Zoom admin or IT support professional. By following the steps provided in this guide, you’ll be able to designate alternative hosts with ease, troubleshoot common issues, and implement best practices for effective meeting management. Remember to check licensing and permissions to ensure a seamless experience for everyone involved.

As you prepare for your next meeting, consider designating an alternative host to make sure everything runs smoothly. With the right knowledge and tools, you’ll not only enhance your meeting productivity but also foster a collaborative virtual environment for your team.

For further assistance or questions, consider reaching out to Zoom support or accessing the user guide on Zoom’s official website.