Zoom Host Key
The Host Key is a 6-digit code in Zoom that allows a participant to claim host privileges during a meeting — even if the original host is not present or has not yet joined.
Important Note: waiting room must be turned off by the Zoom account owner/admin for the Host Key to work.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Join the Zoom meeting as a participant - join earlier than start time!
In the meeting toolbar at the bottom, click Participants.
At the bottom of the Participants panel, click Claim Host.
A dialog box will appear asking for the Host Key.
Enter the 6-digit Host Key provided by the account owner.
Click Claim Host — you will immediately receive host controls.
Note: Only the Zoom account owner or admin can share the Host Key. Never share it publicly or post it in a chat that is visible to all attendees.
Once you have claimed host privileges, you will have access to the following controls:
- Mute / Unmute Participants
- Remove Participants
- Start / Stop Recording
- Screen Sharing Controls
- Manage Waiting Room
- End Meeting for All
- Assign Co-Host
Best Practices:
- Join early - There is no waiting room, so people will click on the meeting and join right away. Therefore it's important as the host to join at least 10 minutes before the meeting. This allows you to follow the instructions above and become host. You can also greet people as they join.
- Create a welcoming start - Have your starting slide up at the beginning. This way when people join the meeting they know they are in the correct spot. You can welcome people as they join. You could also have an 'ice breaker' question or task people can do as they wait, such as share where you are joining from in the chat.
- Start on time - It's best to start on time, especially for webinars with people outside of Neuromatch. People may trickle in the first couple of minutes but you should be respectful of peoples time and those that are in the webinar already. You can also record the webinar and share afterwards for those that may have missed something.