How to Change the Host on Zoom (2026)
Only one person is the host of a Zoom meeting, but you can hand that role to someone else, share controls with a co-host, or set a backup host before the meeting even starts. Here’s every option.
Make Someone Else the Host
You must be the current host to do this.
- Click Participants on the toolbar.
- Hover over the person’s name > More.
- Click Make Host.
- Confirm. They’re now the host; you drop to participant.
This is what you want when you need to leave but keep the meeting running.
Assign a Co-Host (Share Controls)
A co-host can manage participants, mute people, and admit from the waiting room — but can’t end the meeting or reassign the host.
- Participants > hover the person > More > Make Co-Host.
- To remove it later: More > Withdraw Co-Host Permission.
Note: co-host has to be enabled first in the web portal under Settings > Meeting > Co-host.
Leave Without Ending the Meeting
If you’re the host and want to drop off but let everyone continue:
- Click End (or Leave) at the bottom-right.
- Choose Leave Meeting (not End Meeting for All).
- Zoom prompts you to assign a new host — pick someone and confirm.
If you choose End Meeting for All, the call closes for everyone.
Reclaim Host
If you gave away host and want it back:
- Click Participants.
- At the bottom, click Reclaim Host (or Claim Host via the meeting Security/host key).
- You’re the host again.
The current host can also just Make Host back to you.
Set an Alternative Host in Advance
Schedule a meeting that someone else can start without you (same Zoom account/Business plan or licensed users on your account):
- When scheduling in the web portal, find Alternative Host.
- Enter the person’s email (must be on your Zoom account).
- They can start the meeting and act as host. See how to schedule a Zoom meeting.
On Mobile
- Tap Participants.
- Tap the person’s name > Make Host or Make Co-Host.
- Confirm.
Troubleshooting
”Make Host” / “Make Co-Host” is missing
Only the host sees these. If you’re a co-host, you can’t reassign the host — ask the host. Also confirm Co-host is enabled in the web portal settings.
Everyone got kicked when I left
You chose End Meeting for All. Next time pick Leave Meeting and assign a new host first.
The alternative host can’t start the meeting
They must be a licensed user on the same Zoom account. External emails can’t be alternative hosts — make them a co-host once inside instead.
I lost host after my internet dropped
Zoom may auto-assign host when you disconnect. Rejoin and click Reclaim Host in the Participants panel.
Quick Reference
| Goal | What to do |
|---|---|
| Hand over the meeting | Participants > More > Make Host |
| Share controls | Make Co-Host |
| Leave, keep it running | Leave Meeting > assign host |
| Take host back | Reclaim Host |
| Backup host in advance | Alternative Host when scheduling |
| End for everyone | End Meeting for All |
Related Zoom guides: How to schedule a Zoom meeting · How to use breakout rooms in Zoom · How to pin someone in Zoom · How to turn off your camera on Zoom · How to record a Zoom meeting
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