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

As the world continues to embrace remote work and virtual communication, tools like Zoom have become indispensable for effective collaboration. For Zoom administrators, managing meetings efficiently is crucial. One of the essential features that enhance meeting productivity is the ability to add zoom alternative hosts. This feature allows designated users to start or manage a meeting on your behalf, which can be especially useful in larger organizations or educational settings. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to add an alternative host in Zoom, discuss settings, and provide tips for ensuring a seamless experience.

Whether you are an IT support member, a Zoom administrator, or an educator, understanding how to assign alternative hosts can help ensure that your meetings run smoothly, even in your absence. In this post, you will find detailed instructions, troubleshooting tips, and common issues related to alternative hosting to maximize your Zoom experience.

Understanding Alternative Hosts in Zoom

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, it’s essential to understand what an alternative host can do. An alternative host is a user that you can assign to start a meeting in your place. This role is especially important in various scenarios, including:

• Delegating meeting responsibilities to team members.
• Ensuring meetings continue smoothly if you are unavailable.
• Facilitating larger meetings by having multiple hosts.

How to Add an Alternative Host in Zoom

Adding an alternative host can be done easily through the Zoom web portal or the desktop client. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Sign In to the Zoom Web Portal

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the Zoom sign-in page.

2. Enter your credentials to log in to your account.

Step 2: Schedule a Meeting

If you are planning to add an alternative host to a future meeting, you’ll first need to schedule a meeting:

• In the left sidebar, click on “Meetings.”
• Click on “Schedule a New Meeting.”
• Fill in the details for your meeting (topic, date, time, etc.).

Step 3: Adding an Alternative Host

This is where the magic happens. To add an alternative host:

• In the scheduled meeting settings, scroll down to the “Alternative Hosts” field.
• Enter the email address of the user you want to add as an alternative host. This user must have a Zoom account.
• Click on “Save.”

Step 4: Confirm the Alternative Host

Once you have saved the meeting, confirm that the alternative host has been added:

• In the meeting details, check the “Alternative Host” section to ensure the email is listed correctly.
• You may also send a quick email to inform the alternative host of their role.

Important Settings and Considerations

While adding an alternative host is straightforward, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Meeting Settings

Ensure that your meeting settings allow for alternative hosts to utilize their permissions:

• In the “Settings” section of your Zoom web portal, navigate to “Meeting.”
• Enable settings like “Allow host to assign a co-host.” This will give the alternative host more control during the meeting.

Licensing Requirements

Note that only Pro, Business, or Education accounts can have multiple hosts. Thus, ensure that both you and the alternative host are using accounts that support this feature.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with clear steps, you might find yourself facing challenges when adding alternative hosts. Here are some common issues and their fixes:

• Issue: The email entered for the alternative host is incorrect.
• Fix: Double-check the spelling and ensure that the alternative host has an active Zoom account.

• Issue: Alternative host cannot start the meeting.
• Fix: Verify that alternative hosts are assigned correctly and that your meeting is not configured with settings that restrict their permissions.

Understanding the Roles of Hosts and Co-hosts

In Zoom, it’s essential to differentiate between a host and a co-host:

Role	Permissions
Host	Can start the meeting, manage participants, record the session, and assign co-hosts.
Alternative Host	Can start the meeting when the host is unavailable and manage basic settings.
Co-host	Can assist the host in managing participants and meetings but cannot start a meeting.

Tips for Zoom Admins and Educators

As a Zoom admin or educator, consider the following best practices when managing alternative hosts:

• Keep a list of ultimate alternative hosts who can step in whenever necessary.
• Regularly update meeting settings to ensure they fit the needs of your organization.
• Communicate with alternative hosts about their responsibilities prior to meetings.
• Utilize the webinar feature if hosting a larger, more organized session.

Conclusion

Assigning zoom alternative hosts is a crucial skill for any Zoom administrator or IT support professional. By following these detailed steps, you can ensure that your meetings are not only productive but also inclusive, with designated users ready to take charge when necessary. Empower your team by establishing clear roles and familiarizing them with Zoom’s functionalities.

Next steps? Review your current meeting configurations, assign alternative hosts where needed, and communicate effectively with your team about these settings. Your organization will benefit from the seamless collaboration that effective utilization of Zoom brings, making meetings more efficient and less stressful.