Adding a substitute host for a scheduled meeting | Community
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Newcomer
August 5, 2023
Question

Adding a substitute host for a scheduled meeting

  • August 5, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 6 views

I host a weekly Zoom meeting with about 20 attendees on Zoom and 60 present in a classroom. I have these meetings scheduled but I need coverage for being out by one of the attendees to host the class occasionally.

 

I am the owner and the only one with the account and when I try to set up a co-host it does not seem to work. I have read other posts where I have to add people to the account to be able to do this, and others that I have to have a PRO account, but I have just the basic license since this is a volunteer non-profit endeavor. Any help you be appreciated.

 

Thank you in Advance

1 reply

Ray_Harwood
Community Super Champion | Customer
Community Super Champion | Customer
August 6, 2023

Welcome to the Zoom Community, @JimLay.

 

The most appropriate tool for you to use is the Host Key.  See this Zoom Support article for details:

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/205172555-Using-your-host-key 

 

Essentially, locate (and if desired, edit) your Host Key from your profile on the Zoom Web Portal.  Set your meeting up with a Passcode, disabled Waiting Rooms, and enable Join Before Host (I recommend 15 minutes).  Give your Host Key to your "surrogate host", who will enter the room and use the Claim Host menu to become the host.

 

You are correct that other approaches like Alt Host (not actually "Co-Host") and Scheduling Privilege require the surrogate host to be on the same account as the grantee.  Only Host Key can work with external accounts.

Newcomer
August 6, 2023

Hi Ray-

I am a pro licensed user and I too am trying to understand how to have an alternative host for my non profit meeting if I cannot attend that night. I am confused with the alternative host needing to be a licensed. Does that mean they need to have a paid license too or can they do the basic license (not paid)? I have read some comments where it was stated they need to be in the authenticated user in zoom group. Our meetings are typically 2-2.5 hours. I appreciate your help. Thank you.

Ray_Harwood
Community Super Champion | Customer
Community Super Champion | Customer
August 6, 2023

@Kerry100 – not only Licensed… but on the same organizational account (same account Owner).  

If your potential substitutes are not on the same organizational account, your only alternative is using the Host Key method outlined above.