Cluster: Zoom Admin How-To

Primary Keyword: how to make someone alternative host in zoom

How to make someone alternative host in zoom

In the world of remote work and online meetings, Zoom has become essential for organizations, educators, and freelancers alike. Its features cater well to various user needs, including the ability to host virtual meetings, webinars, and classes. One critical responsibility for Zoom admins is managing meeting settings. One such setting that can enhance meeting management is designating alternative hosts. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps on how to make someone an alternative host in Zoom, ensuring that your meetings run smoothly in your absence.

Designating an alternative host not only allows for seamless transitions between hosts but also enables other participants to manage the meeting if the primary host is unavailable. Whether you are an administrator overseeing multiple users or an educator handling various classes, setting up alternative hosts can save time and reduce potential disruptions. In this blog post, we will explore how to effectively assign alternative hosts, review relevant settings, and provide troubleshooting tips.

Understanding Alternative Hosts

Before diving into the procedural aspects, it’s essential to understand what an alternative host is and its importance in the Zoom environment. An alternative host is someone who can start a meeting on behalf of the primary host. This feature is particularly helpful in various scenarios:

• Scheduling Conflicts: If the primary host has a scheduling conflict, an alternative host can take over, ensuring the meeting takes place without delay.
• Continuous Sessions: For long sessions, such as seminars or training, having an alternative host can facilitate smooth transitions, keeping the momentum intact.
• Collaboration: In collaborative settings, different team members may take turns leading discussions. Designating alternative hosts ensures that everyone is prepared to step in when needed.

Pre-requisites for Assigning an Alternative Host

Before you can make someone an alternative host in Zoom, a few prerequisites must be fulfilled:

• Account Type: You must have a Pro, Business, Education, or Enterprise account to assign alternative hosts.
• User Role: The person you designate as an alternative host must also have a Zoom account and must be a licensed user within your organization.
• Meeting Type: The alternative host feature is available for scheduled meetings, not for instant meetings or meetings without a scheduled time.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Someone an Alternative Host

Now that we have covered the basics, let’s delve into the steps required to assign an alternative host:

Step 1: Sign in to Your Zoom Account

To begin, navigate to the Zoom website at zoom.us and sign in with your admin account credentials. Ensure you have the necessary permissions to adjust meeting settings.

Step 2: Go to the Meeting Settings

Once logged in, click on the “Meetings” tab located in the left-hand sidebar. This section allows you to view all scheduled meetings associated with your account.

Step 3: Select the Meeting to Edit

Locate the meeting for which you want to assign an alternative host. Click on the meeting title to open its details.

Step 4: Find the Alternative Host Field

Within the meeting settings, scroll down to the section labeled “Alternative Hosts”. This is where you will enter the email of the designated alternative host.

Step 5: Enter an Alternative Host’s Email

In the Alternative Hosts field, type the email address of the user you wish to designate as an alternative host. Ensure that the email corresponds to a user who has a Zoom account within your organization.

Step 6: Save Your Changes

After entering the email address, click the “Save” button at the bottom of the page to apply the changes. You will receive a confirmation that the alternative host has been added successfully.

Step 7: Notify the Alternative Host

It is a good practice to inform the designated alternative host about their new role. This can be done via email or messaging to ensure they are prepared to take over the meeting when needed.

How to Verify Alternative Host Status

Once an alternative host is assigned, you may want to double-check that the changes have been successfully saved. Here’s how:

• Go back to the “Meetings” tab.
• Select the relevant meeting.
• Check the Alternative Hosts section to confirm that the correct email address is listed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even after following the above steps, you may encounter some common issues. Here are some frequent problems and their solutions:

Issue 1: Alternative Host Email Not Recognized

If you encounter an issue where the email address of the alternative host does not seem valid, ensure that:

• The designated person has a licensed Zoom account within your organization.
• The email address is entered correctly without typos.

Issue 2: Alternative Host Cannot Start the Meeting

If the alternative host is unable to start the meeting, confirm the following:

• The alternative host has accepted the invitation and logged in to their Zoom account.
• Check if they are signed in to the correct account that was designated as the alternative host.

Issue 3: Alternative Host Notification Issues

If notifications are not being sent to the alternative host:

• Verify that the alternative host is set in the meeting settings.
• Ensure that the email notification settings are configured correctly in both your account and the alternative host’s account.

Comparison of Alternative Hosts and Co-Hosts

Feature	Alternative Host	Co-Host
Can start the meeting	Yes	No
Can manage participants	Yes	Yes
Can end the meeting	Yes	Yes
Can record the meeting	Yes	Yes
Requires scheduling in advance	Yes	No

Conclusion

Assigning an alternative host in Zoom is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your meeting experience. Whether you are a Zoom admin managing meetings for a large organization or an individual educator handling different classes, making someone an alternative host ensures that your virtual gatherings run smoothly. If you encounter any challenges or have further questions regarding Zoom settings, don’t hesitate to reach out to your IT support team or consult Zoom’s online resources. Build a better Zoom experience by utilizing alternative hosts effectively!