Zoom Change Host: Step-by-Step Guide
Yes, you can change the host in a Zoom meeting. The current host can transfer host privileges to another participant, or you can set an alternative host when scheduling. This guide covers both methods, plus what to do if the original host leaves.
What Does Changing Host Mean in Zoom?
In Zoom, the host controls key meeting features: muting participants, removing people, recording, breakout rooms, and ending the meeting for everyone. Sometimes the original host needs to leave early, or another participant needs to take over these controls. Changing host transfers those privileges to someone else. The new host gains the same abilities, while the original host becomes a regular participant (unless they are re-assigned host later).
How to Transfer Host During a Live Meeting
If you are the current host and want to give host controls to another participant:
- Click Participants in the meeting controls at the bottom of the Zoom window.
- Hover over the name of the person you want to make host.
- Click More (three dots) next to their name.
- Select Make Host.
- Confirm the prompt – Zoom will ask you to verify that you want to transfer host privileges.
The new host receives a notification and immediately gains host controls. If the original host leaves after transferring, the meeting continues normally under the new host.
Using an Alternative Host When Scheduling
You can also assign an alternative host when you schedule a meeting. This is useful if you know you might be late or need someone else to start the meeting. The alternative host gets an email invitation that includes a link to start the meeting as host. To set this up:
- Log in to the Zoom web portal (zoom.us).
- Click Schedule a Meeting.
- Scroll to Alternative Hosts and type the email address of the person you want to assign.
- Save the meeting.
Note: The alternative host must be a licensed user on the same Zoom account (or a paid account within the same organization). They do not need to be a paid user themselves, but the account that schedules the meeting must have licensing that supports alternative hosts. If you are on a free Basic account, you cannot assign alternative hosts.
What Happens If the Host Leaves Without Transferring?
If the host leaves the meeting without transferring host, the meeting does not automatically end. Zoom has a setting that determines what happens:
- If a co-host is present: The co-host is automatically promoted to host.
- If no co-host is present: The meeting continues, but the first participant who joined becomes the host automatically. This is the default behavior for most accounts.
- If the host is the only participant: The meeting ends when they leave.
You can check this setting in the Zoom web portal under Settings > Meeting > In Meeting (Basic) – look for “When a host leaves a meeting, the meeting will end.� If that option is enabled, the meeting will end for everyone when the host leaves. If it is disabled (the default), the meeting continues.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Several issues can arise when changing hosts:
- “Make Host� option is grayed out: This happens if the participant is on a different account type (e.g., you are on a paid account, they are on a free account) or if the participant is not signed in. Ask them to sign in to Zoom before joining.
- Alternative host not receiving email: Check that the email address is correct and that the person is a licensed user on your account. Also check spam folders.
- New host cannot access recordings: Cloud recordings are stored on the original host’s account, not the new host’s. If the original host leaves, the new host cannot access those recordings unless they were given permission.
- Host transfer fails on mobile: The transfer feature is available in the Zoom mobile app, but the steps may differ slightly. Tap Participants, then tap the person’s name, and select Make Host.
Co-Host vs. Host: What’s the Difference?
Zoom also allows you to assign a co-host during a meeting. A co-host has many of the same controls as the host (muting, removing, breakout rooms), but there are key differences:
- Co-host cannot start or end the meeting – only the host can do that.
- Co-host cannot transfer host privileges – only the host can do that.
- Co-host does not get the host’s recording permissions – they can record only if the host allows it.
- Co-host assignment is temporary – it lasts only for that meeting, while alternative host is a permanent assignment for that scheduled meeting.
If you need someone to help manage a large meeting but want to retain ultimate control, assign a co-host. If you need someone to take over completely, transfer host.
Security and Permissions Considerations
Transferring host gives the new host full control, including the ability to remove participants and change security settings. Only transfer host to someone you trust. Also, if you are the new host, you can further secure the meeting by:
- Enabling the waiting room for new participants.
- Locking the meeting so no new participants can join.
- Disabling screen sharing for participants.
- Removing disruptive participants.
Remember that the original host can reclaim host privileges if they are still in the meeting – they can click Participants, hover over the new host, and select Claim Host (if the setting allows it). This is useful if the transfer was accidental.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change host from my phone?
Yes. In the Zoom mobile app, tap Participants (bottom right), then tap the name of the person you want to make host, and select Make Host. Confirm the prompt. The process works the same as on desktop.
Can a participant become host if the host’s internet drops?
If the host’s connection drops but they do not leave the meeting, Zoom will wait for them to reconnect. If they do not reconnect within a few minutes, the meeting may automatically end or the first participant may become host, depending on your account settings. To avoid disruption, assign an alternative host when scheduling.
Does the new host need to be on a paid Zoom account?
No. Any participant can be made host during a meeting, even if they are on a free Basic account. However, to assign an alternative host when scheduling, the alternative host must be a licensed user on the same account (paid or free, but the account must support alternative hosts – free Basic accounts do not).
What happens to cloud recordings if the host changes?
Cloud recordings are stored on the account of the original host who scheduled the meeting. If the host transfers to someone else, the new host does not automatically get access to those recordings. The original host can share the recording link or download the file and send it to the new host.
Can I transfer host to someone who is not in the meeting yet?
No. You can only transfer host to a participant who is currently in the meeting. If you want a specific person to have host when they join, assign them as an alternative host when scheduling the meeting.
Why can’t I see the “Make Host� option?
The option only appears if you are the current host. If you are a co-host, you cannot transfer host. Also, if the participant is not signed in to Zoom (e.g., they joined via a browser without an account), the option may be grayed out. Ask them to sign in and rejoin.
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