Zoom Host Key Not Working — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The Zoom host key is a 6-digit code you use to claim host privileges in a meeting when the original host is not present. When the host key does not work, it usually means the wrong code is being entered, the meeting was set up under a different account, or the host key has not been set up correctly in the account settings. Verifying and resetting the host key in your Zoom account settings fixes this.

Affected Models

Zoom on Windows
Zoom on macOS
Zoom on iPhone
Zoom on Android

Common Causes

The host key being entered is incorrect — the host may have changed it since you last used it
The meeting was created under a different Zoom account than the one whose host key you are using
The host key feature is disabled in the Zoom account settings by an administrator
You are trying to use the host key before the scheduled meeting start time
The meeting is a webinar rather than a regular meeting — webinars use a different host role system

How to Fix It

Find your correct host key. Log in to zoom.us, click your profile picture > Profile. Scroll down to find the 'Host Key' section. This is your 6-digit host key.

The host key is set on a per-account basis. You must log in to the correct Zoom account to find the right key.
In the meeting, click Participants > Claim Host. Enter the 6-digit host key exactly as shown in your profile.

Enter only the numbers — no spaces or dashes. If the key is 123456, type 123456.
Make sure the meeting was scheduled from your Zoom account. If a colleague scheduled the meeting using their account, only their host key will work — not yours.

The host key only works for meetings associated with your own Zoom account.
If the host key section is not visible in your profile, it may be hidden by your organization's Zoom administrator. Contact your Zoom admin and ask them to enable host keys or assign you co-host role instead.

Zoom admins can disable certain features for all users in an organization.
Reset your host key. In your Zoom Profile, click the pencil/edit icon next to Host Key. Enter a new 6-digit code and save it. Then use the new code in your next meeting.

Host keys can be any 6-digit number. Avoid obvious codes like 123456 or 000000 — anyone who knows your host key can claim host control in your meetings.

When to Call a Professional

Host key issues are account settings matters, not technical faults. If you are a host on a company Zoom account and cannot find or change your host key, ask your Zoom administrator. Admins can reset host keys and manage host role assignments for the entire organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my host key in any meeting, or only my own meetings?

Your host key only works in meetings that are scheduled under your Zoom account. If the meeting was scheduled by a colleague, only that colleague's host key works. To claim host in someone else's meeting, you would need to ask them to assign you as a co-host or alternative host before the meeting starts.

What can I do with host privileges that I cannot do as a regular participant?

As host, you can mute and unmute other participants, remove participants, lock the meeting to prevent new joiners, enable/disable the waiting room, record the meeting to the cloud, and end the meeting for everyone. Co-host has similar but slightly fewer privileges than the original host.

Is the host key the same as the meeting password?

No, these are completely different. The meeting password (or passcode) is required to join a meeting — everyone needs it. The host key is a separate 6-digit code stored in your Zoom profile, used only to claim host status after joining as a participant. They serve different purposes.