Yes, you can attend two Webex meetings at the same time, but only by using different methods or devices. Webex software, by default, will not let you join or host more than one meeting from the same application and user account on a single device.
To simultaneously participate in multiple meetings, you must use a combination of different clients or hardware.
How to attend multiple meetings simultaneously
There are several ways to bypass Webex's single-meeting limitation. By strategically combining different access methods, you can attend two or more concurrent meetings.
Method 1: Use the desktop app and a web browser
One of the most straightforward methods is to use the Webex desktop application for one meeting and a web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge) for the other.
- Meeting 1: Join using the native Webex desktop app.
- Meeting 2: Join by opening a separate browser window and navigating to the meeting link. The browser will prompt you to join from the web rather than using the desktop app.
Method 2: Use different devices
For a cleaner, more reliable experience, the best solution is to use two separate devices. This method completely sidesteps any software conflicts or audio routing issues that might arise from using a single computer.
- Device 1 (e.g., your laptop): Join Meeting 1.
- Device 2 (e.g., a tablet or phone): Join Meeting 2.
Using two separate devices also simplifies the audio challenge. You can use headphones for one meeting and the device's speakers for the other (if they are in separate rooms), or a different headset for each device.
Method 3: Use two different web browsers
If you don't have a second device available, you can open a second meeting in a different web browser. For example, join the first meeting on Google Chrome and the second on Mozilla Firefox. This keeps the application environments separate and is a reliable way to attend both meetings.
- Meeting 1: Join via the Webex web client in Chrome.
- Meeting 2: Join via the Webex web client in Firefox.
Method 4: Change "move meeting" settings (Webex App only)
Users of the modern Webex App (formerly Webex Teams) can control how the app behaves when joining a meeting from a second device.
- By default, joining a meeting on a second device disconnects from the first.
- To change this, go to Settings > Meetings > Join options and set the preference to "Always join again" or "Let me choose every time". This allows users to stay connected to the meeting on both devices.
Note: This only works for joining the same meeting on multiple devices, not for joining two different meetings.
Method 5: Use virtual machines
For users with technical expertise, using a virtual machine (VM) on your computer is an option. A VM is a complete, separate operating system running within the main operating system. This provides two completely separate environments.
- Meeting 1: Join using the Webex app on the main operating system.
- Meeting 2: Join using the Webex app within the virtual machine.
Important considerations and challenges
Attending two meetings at once is technically possible, but it comes with practical challenges that must be managed for a smooth experience.
Audio management
This is the most difficult aspect of managing two concurrent meetings.
- Sound leakage: Without headphones, sound from one meeting will bleed into the microphone of the other, disrupting both conversations.
- Solution: Using separate headphones for each meeting is the cleanest solution. If only one pair of headphones is available, use them for one meeting and follow the second meeting through its chat or by keeping the volume extremely low.
Video feed and camera usage
Most systems only allow the use of one camera and microphone at a time.
- Solution: Keep the video off in at least one meeting, and likely both. If required to speak in one meeting, use the camera there and use a still image or no video in the other.
Cognitive load and participation
Dividing attention between two meetings is extremely difficult and often ineffective.
- Limited participation: It is impossible to actively participate, respond, or engage meaningfully in both conversations.
- Risk of missing information: Critical details, action items, or decisions from one or both meetings may be missed.
- Etiquette: It is often considered rude to visibly attend another meeting, so it's wise to keep the camera off and explain the conflict to both parties.
When to attend two meetings at once
Using these methods is best for specific circumstances where dual participation is necessary but not critical.
- Passive attendance: When one meeting requires attendance for an important agenda item but is otherwise a passive, listening-only session.
- Monitoring progress: For managers or team leads who need to monitor the progress of different teams concurrently but don't need to contribute to both conversations.
- Quick check-ins: If you only need to join one meeting for a brief period to provide a quick update, after which you can focus on the other meeting.
Conclusion
Although Webex prevents joining two meetings simultaneously on the same client, using multiple devices or different browser clients provides a workaround. However, the technical ease of doing so should not overshadow the practical challenges of effective participation in two conversations at once. Prioritizing one meeting, explaining the conflict, and catching up on the other via the recording or notes is best in most situations. These methods offer a technical solution for those rare occasions when it is necessary to be in two places at once.