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ujeong
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March 19, 2026
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about the alternative hosts

  • March 19, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 7 views

I am writing to request clarification on some features related to host privileges and chat records. Could you guys please provide detailed information on the following points?

1. Difference between Host and Alternative Host Could you guys clearly explain the functional differences between the original Host and an Alternative Host?

2. Permissions for Alternative Hosts If I assign an alternative host to a meeting:

  • 2-1. Equivalent Controls: If I (the original host) do not attend the meeting, will the alternative host have exactly the same control privileges as I would, including starting cloud/local recordings and screen sharing?

  • 2-2. Accessing Chat Records: Even if I do not join the meeting myself, can I still download the chat history file after the session conducted by the alternative host has ended? Or is downloading the chat file only possible if I am personally present in the meeting as the host?

3. Methods for Downloading Chat History I would like to know all the available paths or methods to download meeting chat history files (e.g., via the web portal, local saving, or cloud storage).

    1 reply

    hoodee23
    Employee
    hoodee23
    Employee
    March 20, 2026

    Hi ​@ujeong - Thank you for joining the Zoom Community and for raising these questions! 

    I’m sharing here a KB article that answers your questions on Alternative Host’s role, permissions and capabilities. For accessing chat records and downloading chat history, question 2‑2 & 3, see below.

    Accessing Chat Records
    * If the meeting is cloud recorded, the original host retains ownership of the recording and associated chat file. The alternative host’s actions (e.g., starting the recording) will still save the chat file under the original host’s account.
    * If the meeting is not recorded, only the person who manually saves the chat during the meeting will have a local copy.
    * The original host can still download the chat file from the cloud recording afterward, even if they did not attend the meeting.
    * If no recording or manual save occurred, the chat cannot be retrieved later.

    Here’s another good KB to guide you on Saving in-meeting chat. Chat history can be saved manually, automatically, or via cloud recording depending on settings.

    Hope this helps!

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