Google Meet’s hand-raise control lets a moderator know you want to speak without interrupting the current speaker. A raised hand is a request for a turn, not an automatic microphone unmute. Check the control’s state before speaking and clear it when your contribution is complete.
Raise a hand deliberately
On a computer in the meeting, find Hand raise in the bottom controls and select it. Google says participants are notified, the hand icon appears on your display, and your tile moves into the main grid so moderators can find you. Wait for the moderator’s invitation rather than assuming the visual signal assigns an immediate speaking turn.
Lower it when appropriate
Select Lower hand after your question is answered or if you no longer need a turn. A moderator can also lower your hand, in which case you receive a notification. If you speak without lowering it, Meet can lower it automatically; Google describes a Cancel option when you need to keep the hand raised. Watch the actual state instead of repeatedly clicking and changing it unintentionally.
Distinguish gesture detection from the button
Eligible accounts can enable Hand Raise Gesture under Settings and Reactions. It requires the camera to be on and the setting enabled, with one visible hand away from your face and body. Gesture detection is disabled while you are the active speaker. The ordinary onscreen button remains a clearer fallback when camera framing or eligibility is uncertain. Before your turn, inspect microphone mute separately and unmute when allowed. If the moderator lowers your hand before you speak, use the agreed meeting process to request another turn rather than interrupting to repair a display state.
References
Reviewed against the linked official product guidance on November 4, 2026. Features, limits, screen labels, and access can vary by account, platform, region, and organization policy.