Managing audio during an online meeting is just as important as managing the discussion itself. Background noise, echo, keyboard typing, traffic sounds, and unexpected interruptions can easily distract everyone in the meeting. That’s why knowing how to mute participants in Google Meet is an essential skill—especially if you’re hosting a class, leading a team meeting, or conducting a webinar.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn:
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How to mute participants as a host
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How to mute yourself
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How to mute participants on mobile
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The difference between muting and removing
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Important limitations you should know
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Best practices for managing large meetings
By the end of this article, you’ll confidently control audio in your Google Meet sessions like a professional.
Why Muting Participants Is Important
In small meetings, background noise may not seem like a big problem. But in larger meetings, even a few open microphones can create chaos.
Here’s why muting participants is important:
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Reduces background noise
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Prevents interruptions
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Improves audio clarity
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Makes meetings more professional
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Helps teachers manage online classes
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Keeps webinars organized
If you’re the host, controlling microphones helps you maintain structure and focus.
Can Anyone Mute Participants in Google Meet?
Not everyone can mute others. Here’s how it works:
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The meeting host can mute any participant
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Co-hosts (if assigned) can also mute participants
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Regular participants cannot mute others
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Participants can mute themselves anytime
Also important: when you mute someone, they can unmute themselves unless certain host controls are enabled (more on this later).
How to Mute Participants in Google Meet (Desktop Version)
Let’s start with the most common method—using a laptop or desktop.
Step 1: Start or Join a Google Meet
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Go to meet.google.com
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Start a new meeting or join one
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Make sure you are the host (or have co-host permission)
Step 2: Open the Participants Panel
At the bottom-right corner of the screen, click the People icon (it looks like two small human silhouettes).
This opens the list of participants currently in the meeting.
Step 3: Select the Participant You Want to Mute
Find the participant’s name in the list.
Click on their name.
You will see several options, including:
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Mute (microphone icon)
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Pin
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Remove from meeting
Step 4: Click the Mute Icon
Click the microphone icon next to their name.
Google Meet will show a confirmation message asking:
Click:
Mute
That participant’s microphone will now be turned off.
What Happens After You Mute Someone?
When you mute a participant:
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Their microphone turns off immediately
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They receive a notification that they were muted
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They can usually unmute themselves
Important: For privacy reasons, Google does not allow hosts to unmute participants automatically. Participants must unmute themselves.
How to Mute All Participants in Google Meet
If you’re managing a large class or webinar, muting everyone individually can be time-consuming.
Here’s what you can do:
Use Host Controls
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Click the Host Controls (Shield icon)
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Turn on:
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“Host management”
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“Turn off participants’ ability to unmute themselves.”
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This setting prevents participants from unmuting without permission.
Note: Some advanced host control features may require a Google Workspace account.
How to Mute Participants on Mobile (Android & iPhone)
If you’re hosting from your phone, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Google Meet App
Join or start your meeting.
Step 2: Tap the Screen
Tap anywhere on the screen to reveal meeting controls.
Step 3: Tap the “People” Tab
You’ll see the list of participants.
Step 4: Tap the Participant’s Name
Select the person you want to mute.
Tap:
Mute
Confirm your choice.
Their microphone will now be turned off.
How to Mute Yourself in Google Meet
Sometimes you just need to mute your own mic.
On Desktop:
On Mobile:
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Tap the screen
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Tap the microphone icon
When muted, the microphone icon turns red.
Muting yourself when not speaking is a good meeting habit.
Difference Between Mute and Remove
Understanding the difference is important.
Mute:
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Turns offthe participant’s microphone
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They stay in the meeting
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They can often unmute themselves
Remove:
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Completely removes them from the meeting
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They must request to rejoin
Use remove only if someone is disruptive.
Common Situations Where You Should Mute Participants
Here are real-life examples:
1. Online Classes
Students often forget to mute. As a teacher, muting helps maintain order.
2. Business Meetings
Background noise from home environments can disturb discussions.
3. Webinars
Speakers should be the only ones unmuted.
4. Large Team Calls
Too many open microphones create echo and feedback.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Participant Keeps Unmuting
Solution:
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Enable Host Controls
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Disable “Participants can unmute themselves.”
If not available, remind participants to stay muted.
Problem 2: You Can’t Mute Someone
Possible reason:
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You’re not the host
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You don’t have co-host permission
Solution:
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Ask the meeting organizer to give you host access
Problem 3: Echo or Audio Feedback
Solution:
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Ask participants to use headphones
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Mute extra devices in the same room
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Ensure only one device is unmuted
Best Practices for Managing Audio in Google Meet
If you regularly host meetings, follow these professional tips:
1. Set Rules at the Beginning
Tell participants:
“Please stay muted unless speaking.”
This sets expectations early.
2. Use the Chat Feature
Instead of interrupting verbally, participants can use chat to ask questions.
3. Assign Co-Hosts
For large meetings, assign co-hosts to help manage microphones.
4. Encourage Push-to-Talk Habit
Participants should only unmute when actively speaking.
5. Monitor the Participant List
Keep theparticipants’s panel open during important meetings.
Can Hosts Unmute Participants Automatically?
No.
For privacy reasons, Google Meet does not allow hosts to force someone’s microphone on. Participants must manually unmute themselves.
This protects user privacy and security.
Is Muting Available in Free Google Accounts?
Yes.
Basic muting features are available for:
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Free Gmail users
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Google Workspace users
However, advanced host controls may vary depending on your plan.
Why Audio Management Matters in Online Meetings
Poor audio can ruin an otherwise productive meeting. Managing microphones:
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Improves communication
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Reduces frustration
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Saves time
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Creates a professional environment
Good meeting control builds credibility—especially if you’re teaching, presenting, or leading a team.
Final Thoughts
Muting participants in Google Meet is simple but powerful. As a host, you can:
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Open the participants panel
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Select a participant
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Click the mute icon
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Confirm your action
On mobile, the process is similar—just tap the participant’s name and choose mute.
Whether you’re hosting an online class, running a business meeting, or conducting a webinar, knowing how to manage microphones keeps your session organized and professional.
The key is simple: control the noise, maintain clarity, and guide the conversation smoothly.
Now that you know how to mute participants in Google Meet, you’re ready to host meetings with confidence and complete control.