Designating an alternative host

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.

It is even possible to use alternative host between linked master/sub accounts.

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

This article covers:

Alternative host limitations
How to designate an alternative host

Prerequisites for designating an alternative host

Zoom desktop app for Windows, macOS, or Linux: Global minimum version or higher
Zoom mobile app for Android or iOS: Global minimum version or higher
Both users need to be Licensed and 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 signed in to Zoom with the correct account in order to be granted the host or co-host permissions

Alternative host 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 app, mobile app, or web page 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 the original host joins after the alternative host, the original host is given the option to reclaim host-control of the meeting, or have the host-controls remain with the alternative host. If the original host retakes host control, the alternative-host is demoted to a participant.
Alternative hosts who were automatically added with scheduling privileges or added manually by the host can be demoted by the host to an attendee role when not needed for hosting duties. The demoted user can leave and rejoin the session to regain alternative host privileges.
Alternative hosts can only be assigned during scheduling or before the scheduled start time. If a host is attending a meeting but needs assistance with managing the meeting, they can assign a co-host during the meeting instead of an alternative host. Learn more about roles in a meeting.
If an alternative host is designated for a meeting, the meeting will still follow the original host's limitations or add-ons. For example, if the host has a Large Meeting 500 add-on but the alternative host does not, the meeting will still start with the expanded 500 participant capacity, since the system checks the host's meeting profile, rather than the first participant or alt-host that starts the meeting.
Recurring meetings with scheduled occurrences cannot have their alternative hosts edited for a single occurrence. To modify the alternative host, they will need to edit all occurrences in the web portal.

How to designate an alternative host

Windows | macOS

Sign in to the Zoom desktop app.
On the Home tab, click Schedule .
The scheduler window will open.
Click Advanced Options.
In the Alternative hosts 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.
(Optional) Select the check box to enable Allow alternative hosts to add or edit polls.
Click Schedule to finish, and open up the calendar you have selected.
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

Sign in to the Zoom web portal.
In the navigation menu, click Meetings, then click Schedule A Meeting.
Scroll down to Options and click Show to view additional meeting options.
In the Alternative Hosts field, enter the alternative host's email address.
(Optional) Select the check box to enable Allow alternative hosts to add or edit polls.
Click Save to finish.
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

Sign in to the Zoom mobile app.
On the Meetings tab, tap Schedule .
The scheduler window will open.
Tap Advanced Options.
Tap Alternative Hosts.
Enter the user(s) you would like to add as alternative hosts from the list or enter their email addresses, then tap OK.
(Optional) Tap the toggle to enable Allow alternative hosts to add or edit polls.
Tap Schedule to finish scheduling.
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

Sign in to the Zoom mobile app.
On the Meetings tab, tap Schedule .
The scheduler window will open.
Tap Advanced Options.
Tap Alternative Hosts.
Enter the user(s) you would like to add as alternative hosts from the list or enter their email addresses, then tap OK.
(Optional) Tap the toggle to enable Allow alternative hosts to add or edit polls.
Tap Done to finish scheduling.
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.

Click the Schedule a Meeting button.
In the Scheduling Options, enter the alternative host's email address in the Alternative hosts field.
(Optional) Select the check box to enable Allow alternative hosts to add or edit polls.
After selecting your other options, click Continue.
Add the meeting invitees and Save or Send your invitation.

Google Chrome Extension

Sign in to the Chrome Extension.
Click Schedule Meeting.
In the Scheduling Options, enter the alternative host's email address in the Alternative hosts field.
(Optional) Select the check box to enable Allow alternative hosts to add or edit polls.
Click Continue.
After finishing the invitation, click Save.

Firefox Add-on

Sign in to the Firefox Add-on.
Click Schedule Meeting.
The Scheduling Options should appear. If the scheduling options don't appear automatically, click the add-on and the gear icon.
Enter the alternative host's email address in the Alternative hosts field.
(Optional) Select the check box to enable Allow alternative hosts to add or edit polls.
(Optional) Check Allow me to specify each time if you always want to be prompted to enter in Alternative Hosts.
Click Save Changes.
After finishing the invitation, click Save.