Zoom Guide For Hosts: Locking/Unlocking the Meeting
Greetings, Zoom Hosts! As you orchestrate your virtual gatherings, one crucial aspect to master is the ability to control access to your meeting room. Here’s your comprehensive guide on how to lock and unlock your Zoom meetings effectively:
1. Locking the Meeting:
Locking the meeting ensures that no additional participants can join, providing a secure and uninterrupted environment for ongoing discussions. Here’s how to do it:
During the Meeting:
- Locate the toolbar at the bottom of the Zoom window.
- Click on the ‘Participants’ icon to open the Participants panel.
- At the bottom of the Participants panel, click on the ‘More’ button (three dots).
- Select ‘Lock Meeting.’
Pre-Meeting Settings (Advanced):
- Access your Zoom account settings via the web portal.
- Navigate to the ‘Meeting Settings’ or ‘Settings’ tab.
- Look for the ‘Lock meeting’ option.
- Toggle the switch to enable this feature.
2. Unlocking the Meeting:
Unlocking the meeting allows additional participants to join, useful when expecting latecomers or when ready to welcome new attendees. Here’s how to do it:
During the Meeting:
- Follow the same steps as locking the meeting, but this time select ‘Unlock Meeting.’
Pre-Meeting Settings (Advanced):
- Access your Zoom account settings via the web portal.
- Navigate to the ‘Meeting Settings’ or ‘Settings’ tab.
- Locate the ‘Lock meeting’ option.
- Toggle the switch to disable this feature.
3. Best Practices:
- Communicate Locking/Unlocking: Inform participants before locking the meeting and provide guidance on what to do if they encounter a locked meeting.
- Use Locking Strategically: Lock the meeting once all expected participants have joined to prevent unwanted disruptions.
- Monitor Attendance: Keep track of late arrivals and unlock the meeting as necessary to allow access.
- Consideration for Latecomers: If locking the meeting, make arrangements to admit latecomers if needed, or schedule breaks for participants to join.
4. Final Thoughts:
Mastering the art of locking and unlocking your Zoom meetings empowers you to create a secure and controlled environment while accommodating the needs of your participants. Whether safeguarding ongoing discussions or facilitating smooth entry for late arrivals, these features are invaluable tools in your hosting arsenal.
Happy Hosting!