Overview

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Learn about the six digit host key and how it helps you claim host controls and manage a Zoom meeting.

The host key is a 6-digit PIN used to claim host controls in a meeting. You can edit or view your host key in your profile. This host key is applied to meetings you schedule.

You need use the host key to claim host in these scenarios:

• After starting a PSTN-only personal audio conference (PAC) meeting.
• After joining a meeting by phone or an H.323 device.
• After joining a meeting using the Zoom client and join before host is enabled.
• After joining a scheduled meeting in a Zoom Room. In other words, joining by entering the meeting ID or personal meeting link in the Zoom Room controller.
  
• After joining a meeting using the meeting list in a Zoom Room. If multiple Zoom Rooms join a meeting, the first one to join becomes the meeting host. You can claim host by using the host key.

Note: If you're an admin, you can change advanced security settings so that users can't change their host key.

Critical Concepts

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This article covers:

• Editing your host Key
  
• Claiming host using the desktop client
  
• Claiming host when using an H.323/SIP device
• Claiming host when using personal audio conference (PAC)
• Claiming host when starting a cloud recording

Prerequisites:

• Pro, Business, Enterprise, or Education account 

Steps to Take

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Customizing your host Key

You can edit and enter your preferred 6-digit host key. This host key is applied to meetings you schedule.

1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal.
2. In the navigation panel, click dial string.
3. Scroll down to the Host Key section.
4. Select Show next to your Host Key to view your current 6-digit pin.
5. Select Edit.
6. Input the new host key desired and click Save.

Claiming host using the desktop client

1. Join the meeting.
2. Click on Participants.

          3. Click Claim Host at the bottom of the participants list.

        

          4. Enter your host key. 

          5. Click Claim Host.

Once the host key is verified, you will have host controls in the meeting.

Claiming host when using an H.323/SIP device

You can join via an H.323 or SIP device as the host by adding the host key to your dial strings.

Use one of the following dial strings to join as the host:

H.323

Meetings without a password:

[IP Address]##[Meeting ID]###[Host Key]
Example: 192.168.1.25##123456789###123456

Meetings with a password: 

      [IP Address]##[Meeting ID]#[Password]#[Layout]#[Host Key]
Example: 192.168.1.25##123456789#12345#11#123456

SIP

Meetings without a password:

[Meeting ID]...[HostKey]@[IP Address]
Example: 123456789...123456@zoomcrc.com

Meetings with a password:

[Meeting ID].[Password]..[HostKey]@[IP Address]
Example:123456789.12345..123456@zoomcrc.com

Claiming host when using personal audio conference (PAC)

PAC meetings allow the meeting host (or other participant who knows the host key) to start a PAC meeting by entering the 6-digit host key when prompted. After entering the host key on a PAC meeting, the meeting will start and others will be able to join as participants. The host of the meeting will have host controls available using the dial pad.

Claiming host when starting a cloud recording

If you do not enter the host key when initially joining, you will be prompted to enter the host key when starting a cloud recording.