Zoom is one of the most used video-conferencing software today. It’s a great tool for both business and personal use when you want to connect with people all over the world, create remote teams, and keep everyone in sync and up-to-date on how things are going at any given moment.
It’s very easy to set up Zoom; there is no need for any special equipment or expertise. You can use it on your computer, laptop, tablet, or phone. You can even join a Zoom meeting without creating an account; you need the meeting link or ID and any passcode required by the host.
However, there are times when things don’t go as smoothly as we would like them to. One such instance is when you’re trying to join a Zoom meeting, and you see the message “Waiting for host to start meeting.”
This can be frustrating, especially if you’re in a hurry or if it’s an important meeting. But don’t worry, we’ll explain what this message means and how you can fix the problem.
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Waiting for Host to Start Meeting: What It Means
When you see the message “Waiting for host to start meeting” when trying to join a Zoom meeting, you have reached Zoom, but the meeting is not open to you yet. Usually the host has not started it and the meeting does not allow participants to join before the host.
Usually this comes down to the host running behind schedule, or the meeting time having been changed after the original session was set up. Check the invitation time and time zone, then wait a couple of minutes or contact the host. If the host says the meeting has started, confirm that you used the right link or meeting ID; the host can also check whether Waiting Room or join-before-host settings are keeping you out.
The meeting should open when the host starts it, although a Waiting Room may still require the host to admit you. Hosts who want people to enter earlier can enable join before host for the meeting. The steps below show where to check that option.
How to Enable the Participants to Join the Meeting Before Host
If you are the host of a meeting, you can enable the participants to join the meeting before you start it by following these steps:
1. Start by opening the Zoom web portal on your PC. Login to the account by entering the login credentials.
2. In the web portal navigation, open Settings. The screenshot shows an older profile-page layout; current accounts can open Settings directly from the navigation menu.
3. On the Meeting tab, find Allow participants to join before host under Schedule Meeting and enable it if available. If the toggle is locked, ask your Zoom account administrator. Check the scheduled meeting itself too: its join-before-host option must be enabled, and Waiting Room can prevent early entry unless the participant is allowed to bypass it.
4. Choose when early entry is allowed: Anytime or 5, 10, or 15 minutes before the scheduled start, depending on the setting available to your account. The screenshot shows an older wording for this timing control. Save the setting and check it on the scheduled meeting before sending the invitation.
How to Enable Email Notification When Participants Join Before Host
A host can receive an email when an attendee is waiting for the host or has entered early. The notification does not admit participants or start the meeting. It can also arrive if someone tests the link before the scheduled time. Here’s where to enable it:
1. Start by opening the Zoom web portal on your PC. Login to the account and go to Settings under Profile like earlier.
3. On the Meeting tab, scroll to Email Notification and enable When attendees join meeting before host. The screenshot shows the earlier layout. If the control is greyed out, ask the account administrator because the setting may be locked for your group or account.
Conclusion
This is what you need to know about the “Waiting for host to start meeting” message. If you’re the host, make sure to start your meeting on time or set it up so that participants can join before you do by following these tips!
If you are joining as a participant, check the invitation and wait briefly. If the meeting still does not open after the host says it has started, send the host the meeting ID you used so they can check the invitation and access settings.
Do you have any other tips for dealing with the “Waiting for host to start meeting” message? Let us know in the comments!
