Can't see recording consent

[DanielChen778]

My team and I joined a meeting hosted by our manager, but the host didn't show up. When we requested to record, nothing happened, and no one saw the request. Does anyone know how to record when the host isn't present? Are there any settings we can adjust?

[jrmagno]

By default, only the host or co-hosts can start a recording in Zoom. When a participant requests permission to record, it sends a pop-up request to the host — but if the host isn’t present or hasn’t joined yet, that request goes nowhere. Hence: nothing happens.

1. Ask Your Manager to Make Someone an Alternative Host

This is the cleanest solution.

Before the meeting, the host (your manager) can:

• Go to the meeting settings (in the Zoom web portal)

• Under "Options", add one or more Alternative Hosts (must be licensed users on the same account)

• Alternative Hosts can start the meeting, record, admit others, etc.

2. Use Local Recording (If Allowed by Admin)

If your Zoom admin allows local recording for participants, the host can pre-grant recording permission before the meeting.

To do this:

1. Host schedules a meeting

2. Before it starts, they:

   • Open the meeting settings

   • Assign recording permission to specific users (participants)

3. Those users can then record locally, even without the host present

3. Zoom Admin Settings You Might Want to Adjust

If you're a Zoom admin or can request changes, consider:

• Enable "Auto-recording" under account settings → this records as soon as the meeting starts (must have a host or alt host join first though)

• Allow local recording for participants (Admin → Account Settings → Recording)

• Create meeting templates with Alt Hosts pre-assigned for recurring setups