# Zoom - Claiming the Host Role

## Claiming host using the desktop client

Follow these steps if you need to claim the host role when you join a meeting and [join before host](https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/202828525) is enabled.

1. Join the meeting.
2. Click **Participants.  
    ![](https://assets.zoom.us/images/en-us/desktop/generic/in-meeting/meeting-controls-participant.png)**
3. Click **Claim Host** at the bottom of the participants list.  
    ![](https://assets.zoom.us/images/en-us/desktop/generic/in-meeting/participants-list-as-participant.png)
4. Enter your host key.
5. Click **Claim Host.** Once the host key is verified, you will have host controls in the meeting.