Unlocking Google Meet microphones restores permission to speak, but it does not turn everyone’s microphone on. This distinction matters when a presentation ends and the room becomes silent. Tell participants explicitly that they can now unmute themselves.
Remove the host’s audio restriction
As a host or co-host on a computer, open Host controls. Locate Turn on their microphone and switch it on to release Audio Lock. Review the switch after the change. Host Management must be enabled for these lock controls. If another moderator is managing the session, coordinate the change so they do not immediately restore the restriction.
Ask the intended speaker to unmute
Google requires participants to turn their microphones on manually after Audio Lock is removed. A host cannot remotely unmute another person for privacy reasons. Call on the next speaker and wait for their microphone indicator and audible response. A telephone participant uses *6 to unmute the phone connection. Avoid treating a muted icon as evidence that the host’s lock remains active without checking the panel.
Separate permission from a device problem
If someone can activate the microphone control but cannot be heard, review their selected microphone and normal device permissions rather than repeatedly toggling the meeting-wide lock. If the control remains blocked, confirm the host setting and whether the person is on the intended meeting connection. Google also warns that an audio lock can disconnect participants with incompatible mobile software; those users can rejoin once it is removed. Check whether an expected attendee disappeared during the restricted segment. The successful outcome is restored permission plus a voluntary, working microphone from the intended speaker, not an attempt to activate every microphone at once.
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.