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Last updated:
Apr 11, 2025

How to raise hand in Zoom: a step-by-step guide

Virtual meetings are now a huge part of daily life, whether you're attending a company-wide Zoom meeting, a client webinar, or even an educational workshop. One of Zoom's essential features for better communication is the Raise Hand feature. It’s not just polite; it's a must-have for maintaining order and ensuring everyone has a chance to participate. This guide will walk you through how to raise your hand in Zoom, explain why it matters, and provide solutions for common troubleshooting issues. By the end, you'll feel confident using this feature to better participate in your meetings—and we’ll also introduce you to MinutesLink, a productivity tool that can supercharge your Zoom experience.

Table of Contents

Key takeaways

  • Understand the importance of the "Raise Hand" feature in Zoom for maintaining meeting order and enabling equal participation among attendees.
  • Learn step-by-step instructions on how to use the "Raise Hand" feature effectively, along with tips for troubleshooting common issues.
  • Discover how MinutesLink, a productivity tool, can further enhance your Zoom meetings and streamline your workflow for greater efficiency.

Why use the raise hand feature in Zoom?

The Raise Hand feature solves a common problem, especially in large meetings or webinars where multiple people want to speak at once. Rather than interrupting the speaker or struggling to be noticed, the feature creates a structured way to indicate you’d like to speak.

raise hand in zoom step by step

Why Raise Hand is an essential tool in your Zoom toolkit

• Foster structured conversations:
It ensures people don’t talk over each other, keeping conversations professional.

• Empower hosts:
It helps hosts and co-hosts manage participants effectively, especially in webinars or Q&A sessions.

• Stay engaged:
For remote workers, this prevents Zoom fatigue by promoting active participation.

Where it shines

  • Q&A sessions during virtual events.
  • Team meetings where asking questions or providing updates is necessary.
  • Educational webinars for instructors to prioritize questions without chaos.
✨ By mastering the raise hand in Zoom feature, you’ll ensure your voice is heard at the right moment!

Step-by-step guide on how to raise a hand in Zoom

Raising your hand in a Zoom call or webinar may seem simple, but it depends on what device you’re using. Below is a quick, detailed guide for both desktop and mobile devices.

On desktop (Windows/Mac)

How to raise hand on zoom desktop zoom meeting raise hand step by step

1. Join the meeting
Open the Zoom desktop client and join the meeting using either your Zoom link or Meeting ID.

2. Locate the reactions menu
Within the Zoom window, look at the meeting controls toolbar at the bottom of the screen, then click on “Reactions” (a smiley-face icon).

3. Click Raise Hand
Select Raise Hand from the reactions menu. A hand icon will appear next to your name in the participants list.

4. Wait to be acknowledged
The meeting host will address your hand raised in order. If you no longer wish to speak, go back to the Reactions menu and click Lower Hand.

On mobile (iOS/Android)

How to raise hand on zoom mobile zoom meeting raise hand step by step

1. Join a meeting on the Zoom mobile app
Open the Zoom mobile app on your device and either join a meeting from the home screen or use a Zoom link.

2. Tap the “More” menu
On the bottom toolbar, look for the three dots labeled “More” and tap it.

3. Tap Raise Hand
From the menu options, choose Raise Hand. Just like on desktop, a hand icon will appear next to your name.

4. Lower your hand
To lower it, repeat the same action and hit Lower Hand.

During webinars as an attendee

1. Access the webinar controls
At the bottom of the web client, locate the Raise Hand button (this might vary depending on your device).

2. Wait for the host
Your participant's hand will show up in the participants panel, alerting the host to acknowledge your request.

Using these guides, you can seamlessly participate, no matter the platform!

Tips to master the raise hand feature

Effective use of the raise hand feature in Zoom isn’t just about knowing where the button is; it’s about timing and etiquette.

For participants

• Know when to raise
Avoid raising your hand for off-topic questions—wait for appropriate moments or dedicated Q&A segments.

• Track acknowledgment
Don’t interrupt the Zoom meeting host. Wait until they’ve invited you to speak.

Stay professional
Even virtually, be concise and clear when addressing the group.

For hosts

• Monitor raised hands
Use the participants list to track participants with raised hands. Follow protocols to ensure fairness, like answering in the order of hands raised.

• Communicate clearly
After addressing someone, remind them to click lower hand to avoid confusion.

Troubleshooting common issues

Seeing your Raise Hand button missing? Don’t worry, it’s usually fixable! Here are some tips to resolve common problems.

• Outdated version of Zoom
Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Zoom desktop app or mobile app. An old version might not display the feature.

• Host settings
Sometimes the meeting organizer or co-organizer disables the ability to raise hands. Ask them to enable it for participants.

• Unresponsive button
If you tap or click Raise Hand, but nothing happens, check your internet connection and try relaunching the Zoom call.

• Contact Zoom support
For continued issues, reach out to Zoom’s helpdesk to troubleshoot specific bugs.

Use AI-powered tools to enhance your Zoom meeting

Looking for more ways to enhance your Zoom experience? The Raise Hand feature is just one part of the equation. To boost engagement and productivity, consider integrating MinutesLink into your workflow!

What is MinutesLink?

MinutesLink is an MinutesLink AI-powered meeting assistant that pairs perfectly with tools like Zoom. Here’s how it works:

• Automated note-taking:
MinutesLink provides transcription, capturing every word with pinpoint accuracy.

• Summarized discussions:
It highlights the meeting’s main action items, saving you hours of post-meeting organization.

• Easy sharing:
Share notes and next steps with your team in just a few clicks.

By seamlessly pairing MinutesLink with Zoom, you ensure that nothing gets lost in translation—even in large meetings.

Want to see for yourself? Try MinutesLink for free and experience smarter meetings today.

Elevate your virtual meetings today

The Raise Hand in Zoom is an essential feature for keeping conversations organized and respectful. Learning how to use it—whether on a web client, desktop client, or mobile device—ensures you can participate, collaborate, and stay engaged in any meeting.

MinutesLink AI note taker for Zoom
Sign up for MinutesLink today!

For those looking to take their Zoom meeting experience further, integrating AI tools like MinutesLink can help automate the boring admin work, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—engagement and results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to raise hand on Zoom?

To raise your hand on Zoom, click the “Reactions” or “Participants” button at the bottom of your Zoom window, then select “Raise Hand.” Your hand icon will appear on the screen, letting the organizer know you’d like to speak.

How to create a Zoom meeting link?

To create a Zoom meeting link, start by logging into your Zoom account. Once you're logged in, click on the "Schedule a Meeting" option. Fill out the meeting details, such as the time, date, and name of the meeting, then save your settings. After saving, you'll see an option to copy the meeting invitation or link. Simply copy the link provided and share it with the participants.

How to send a Zoom invite?

To send a Zoom invite, first open the Zoom app or website and schedule a meeting. Once the meeting is scheduled, you'll see an option to copy the invitation link or meeting details. Copy this information and share it with the people you want to invite, either through email, messaging apps, or any other preferred communication method.

How to host a Zoom meeting?

To host on Zoom, sign in to your account. Click "Schedule" or "Host" to set up details like date, time, and participants. Once configured, share the link or ID with attendees. When it’s time, start the session from your account, where you can manage controls like muting, screen sharing, and breakout rooms.

How to raise hand in Zoom?

To raise your hand on Zoom, click the "Reactions" button in the toolbar at the bottom of your screen and select "Raise Hand." On a mobile device, tap "More" (the three dots) and choose "Raise Hand." A hand icon will appear, signaling to the organizer that you'd like to speak.

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