Alternative host

Tags Zoom

Alternative host

Overview

When scheduling a meeting, the host can designate another Licensed user on the same account to be the alternative host. The alternative host can start the meeting on the host's behalf. This user will receive an email notifying them that they've been added as an alternative host, with a link to start the meeting. If this email notification is disabled in the Zoom web portal, the alternative host will not receive an email to start the meeting. 

Note: If you're not sure that alternative host is right role for you, learn about roles in a meeting.

This article covers:

Prerequisites

  • Zoom Desktop Client for PC version 4.1.8826.0925 or later; Zoom Desktop Client for Mac version 4.1.8826.0925 or later
  • Zoom mobile app for Android version 4.1.8860.0925 or later; Zoom mobile app for iOS version 4.1.8855.09254.1.8855.0925 or later
  • Both users need licenses on the same account
  • For webinar, the user who schedules the meeting needs both a license and the webinar add-on; the alternative host only needs to be Licensed
  • Alternative hosts must be logged in to Zoom with the correct account in order to be granted the host or co-host permissions

Limitations

  • The alternative host can start the meeting using the join link in the email or calendar invite sent to them by the host. The meeting will not display in the upcoming meetings list in the desktop client or mobile app for alternative hosts.
  • Alternative hosts can't schedule on behalf of the host. If you need to schedule a meeting on behalf of another user, use scheduling privilege. You can also give another Licensed user scheduling privilege, which allows them to schedule meetings for you and makes them an alternative host for those meetings. 
  • If a host is attending a meeting but needs assistance with managing the meeting, they can assign a co-host during the meeting. Learn more about roles in a meeting.

Designating an alternative host

Windows | MAC

  1. Sign in to the Zoom desktop client.
  2. Click on the Schedule icon.

    This will open the scheduler window.
  3. Click Advanced Options.
  4. In the Alternative Host field, enter the alternative name to search through users. You can also enter the alternative host's email address if their name doesn't come up.
  5. Click Schedule to finish, and open up the calendar you have selected.
  6. The alternative host will now receive an email letting them know that they have been added as an alternative host, as long as they have not disabled this email notification in the Zoom web portal. 

Web

  1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal.
  2. Click Meetings, and select Schedule A Meeting.
  3. Click Advanced Options.
  4. In the Alternative Host field, enter the alternative host's email address.
  5. Click Save to finish.
  6. The alternative host will now receive an email letting them know that they have been added as an alternative host, as long as they have not disabled this email notification in the Zoom web portal. 

Android

  1. Sign in to the Zoom Mobile App.
  2. Tap Schedule.
  3. Tap Advanced Options.
  4. Tap Alternative Hosts.
  5. Tap the user(s) you would like to add as alternative hosts from the list or enter their email addresses.
  6. Tap OK.
  7. Tap Schedule to finish scheduling.
  8. The alternative host will now receive an email letting them know that they have been added as an alternative host, as long as they have not disabled this email notification in the Zoom web portal. 

iOS

  1. Sign in to the Zoom Mobile App.
  2. Tap Schedule.
  3. Tap Advanced Options.
  4. Tap Alternative Hosts.
  5. Tap the user(s) you would like to add as alternative hosts from the list or enter their email addresses.
  6. Tap OK.
  7. Tap Done to finish scheduling.
  8. The alternative host will now receive an email letting them know that they have been added as an alternative host, as long as they have not disabled this email notification in the Zoom web portal. 

Outlook Plugin

Learn how to schedule using the Outlook Plugin.
  1. Click the Schedule a Meeting button.
  2. In the Scheduling Options, enter the alternative host's email address in the Alternative hosts field. 
  3. After selecting your other options, click Continue.
  4. Add the meeting invitees and Save or Send your invitation.

Google Chrome Extension

  1. Login to the Chrome Extension.
  2. Click Schedule Meeting.
  3. In the Scheduling Options, enter the alternative host's email address in the Alternative hosts field. 
  4. Click Continue.
  5. After finishing the invitation, click Save.

Firefox Add-on

  1. Log in to the Firefox Add-on. 
  2. Click Schedule Meeting.
  3. The Scheduling Options should appear. If the scheduling options don't appear automatically, click the add-on and the gear icon. 
  4. Enter the alternative host's email address in the Alternative hosts field. 
  5. Optional: Check Allow me to specify each time if you always want to be prompted to enter in Alternative Hosts.
  6. Click Save Changes.
  7. After finishing the invitation, click Save.
Print Article