How to Stop Otter.ai from Joining Your Meetings (and What to Use Instead)

Quick Answer

To stop Otter.ai from joining your meetings: open Otter.ai Settings → Sync → Meeting Notetaker and toggle off “Automatically join meetings.” For Zoom specifically, also revoke Otter’s Zoom app permission in your Zoom App Marketplace.

If you’d prefer a recorder that never joins uninvited, try Owll free — it records only when you tell it to.

Why Does Otter.ai Join Meetings Automatically?

When you connect Otter.ai to your Google Calendar or Outlook, it enables an “Auto-join” feature that sends an AI bot into every calendar event with a meeting link. The bot appears as a participant named “Otter.ai Notetaker” — visible to all attendees.

Common complaints:

• The bot joins client or confidential calls without warning
• Attendees are surprised or uncomfortable with an AI bot present
• It joins personal or one-on-ones where recording isn’t appropriate
• You didn’t realize you’d enabled auto-join

How to Stop Otter.ai from Joining Meetings: Step-by-Step

Method 1: Disable Auto-Join in Otter Settings

1. Log in to otter.ai
2. Click your profile icon → Settings
3. Go to Meeting Notetaker tab
4. Toggle off “Automatically join meetings”
5. Save changes

Method 2: Remove Otter from Zoom (if using Zoom integration)

1. Go to marketplace.zoom.us
2. Sign in → click Manage → Installed Apps
3. Find Otter.ai → click Remove

Method 3: Revoke Calendar Access

1. In Otter Settings → Calendar Sync
2. Click Disconnect next to Google Calendar or Outlook
3. The bot will no longer see your upcoming meetings

Comparison: Otter.ai vs Owll — Meeting Join Behavior

Best Otter.ai Alternatives That Don’t Auto-Join

1. Owll — Best Overall Alternative

Owll transcribes and summarizes meetings without sending a bot into your call. Works via browser extension or file upload — no uninvited participants.

• ✅ No auto-join bot
• ✅ Works with Zoom, Teams, Google Meet
• ✅ Real-time transcription + AI summaries
• ✅ Free to start

2. Fathom — Great for Zoom Users

Fathom records directly from the Zoom client — no separate bot. More privacy-forward than Otter.

3. tl;dv — Best for Video Teams

tl;dv integrates natively with Zoom and Google Meet and gives you explicit control over when it records.

FAQ

Can I stop Otter from joining specific meetings?

Yes. In the Otter calendar view, find the specific meeting and toggle “Do not record” before the meeting starts.

Does Otter.ai store my recordings?

Yes. Recordings and transcripts are stored on Otter’s servers. Review their privacy policy at otter.ai/privacy before use in sensitive contexts.

What’s the best free Otter.ai alternative?

Owll offers a free plan with full transcription and AI summaries — without the auto-join bot behavior that makes Otter disruptive.