Google Meet organizes raised hands so a moderator can acknowledge requests in order. Following that queue helps participants contribute without talking over one another. Use the actual raised-hand list rather than relying on the position of video tiles, which can change as people speak or share content.
Open the raised-hand queue
When a hand-raise notification appears, choose Open Queue if available. You can also click People and scroll to Raised hands. Google emphasizes clicking the People control rather than merely hovering over it. Moderators receive hand-raise notifications in the order people raised their hands, giving them a basis for managing turns.
Acknowledge and clear completed turns
Invite the next participant to speak by name and allow time for them to unmute. After their contribution, lower that person’s hand using the control beside their name, or ask them to lower it. Meet can lower a hand automatically after the person speaks, so inspect the queue before acting. Use Lower all only when the group has deliberately finished that round of requests.
Keep the speaking process explicit
Tell participants when you are taking questions and how urgent interruptions should be handled. A raised hand does not establish that a microphone is usable or unlocked. If someone cannot speak, offer an available chat or other agreed route. A moderator presenting in another tab can receive a sound notification when a hand is raised, but should still check the queue before choosing the next person. Do not interpret lowering a hand as resolving an unanswered question. Verify that the participant finished, then continue in the agreed order so the queue reflects outstanding requests instead of old visual signals.
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.