Being a new employee, I am sure you might be struggling while raising your hand in Zoom meetings. If that is the case, this guide will help you navigate your journey through Zoom meetings. Besides helping you use this feature, we shall also take a look at- what this feature is, where to use it, how to use it on mobile and desktop, and fix any issues with this feature.
What is the “Raise hand” feature in Zoom meetings?
If you’re reading this article, even before you try to use this feature, let me tell you that it is a feature that you can use to signal the host/co-host that you wish to speak. When you raise your hand in Zoom meetings, it means that you do not wish to interrupt the current speaker. Upon using this feature, a hand icon will appear next to your name in the panel that shows the participants.
When to use the raise hand feature?
If you do not understand when and at what point you should use this feature, then this section will help you with that. You can use this feature in the following scenarios:
- You can use this feature in large meetings where there are multiple participants, in case you feel like speaking.
- Besides that, you can also use it if there is a question-and-answer session when you wish to speak without interpreting the ongoing session.
- During the webinars, queue the host for an organized discussion.
- Moreover, you can also use it during training sessions if you are a teacher and wish to manage student participation.
Now coming back to the main question, it is time to understand how to raise your hand in Zoom meetings.
Steps to raise your hand in Zoom meetings (Desktop or Web)
Since you are able to use Zoom across multiple platforms, including desktop, web, and smartphones, this feature is available for use on all these platforms. To enjoy this feature on Zoom during a webinar or a meeting, you can follow the steps below;
- After joining the meeting on Zoom, you need to locate the meeting “controls.”
- The reaction panel is present at the bottom of the screen.
- Upon finding it, click the “React” button.
- This will display the reactions menu on your screen.
- From this menu, choose the “Raise hand” icon.
- This will notify the host that you’d like to speak.
Additionally, you can also use the raise hand feature in Zoom meetings directly through the participants’ panel.
Raise your hand in a Zoom meeting on an Android device
If you join Zoom meetings through your Android mobile device, then you can use these steps to raise your hand:
- Open the Zoom app on your Android device and join your meeting.
- Now, you must single-tap your screen so that meeting controls can appear.
- From these controls, you can tap the “more” icon.
- Now, tap on the “Raise Hand” icon on the menu.
Raising a hand on an iOS device (iPhone and iPad)
On your iPhone or iPad, you can raise your hand in Zoom meetings by learning the easy steps below:
- Start the Zoom app on your iOS device and join the desired meeting.
- Now, you must tap the screen to allow meeting controls to appear.
- Further, tap the “More” icon and then choose the “Raise Hand” option.
- When the icons show up, tap the “raise hand” icon.
Keyboard shortcuts and other ways to lower your hand
The “raise hand” icon will keep displaying beside your name, until you and unless you lower your hands manually. To do so, you can select the “Reactions” button and choose the “Lower hand” icon.
Note: Lowering your hand doesn’t mean that you will be muted automatically.
Talking about the keyboard to raise or lower your hand in particular, you can press the “Alt + Y” key on your Windows. Besides that, you may press the “Option + Y” keys on your Mac device. This keyboard feature is really helpful and comes into action when you do not wish to navigate through the menus.
Easy ways to fix the “raise hand” issue in Zoom meetings
Worry not if you are facing any kind of trouble while using this feature. This section will assist you in fixing this issue so that you can raise your hand in Zoom meetings without any hurdles:
- What if the “raise hand” feature isn’t visible? – In that case, it is a possibility that this feature has been disabled by the host. To get help with this, you can contact the host and ask them to enable it.
- The feature isn’t responding- Well, this certainly might happen because you’re using an outdated version of the Zoom app. In that case, we recommend that you update the Zoom app to its latest version. Alternatively, you can uninstall the existing one and download it afresh.
- Your role doesn’t allow you to use this feature- Since hosts have full control over how a participant can behave in a meeting. At times, hosts and co-hosts can raise their hands on your behalf.
- Feature not responding in a webinar- Similar to the above situation, you must check your role in a webinar. If this setting is restricted for attendees, you can ask the host to enable it for you.
Final Notes:
Simple yet effective, the “raise hand” feature in a Zoom meeting or webinar has been making sure that meetings can run in an organized or structured manner. If you are completely new to this and did not know how to raise your hand in Zoom meetings, I am sure this article has helped you find answers to all the related questions.