Raising your hand in Zoom is a polite way to signal you want to speak or ask a question without interrupting — useful in classes, webinars, and large meetings. This guide shows how to raise and lower your hand on laptop and phone, plus the keyboard shortcut. National IT Service helps Indian schools and teams get set up on Zoom with the right plan.
Step 1 — Raise your hand on a laptop: In the meeting toolbar, click "Reactions" (the smiley/hand icon), then click "Raise Hand". A small hand icon appears next to your name in the Participants list, and the host is notified.
If you don't see Reactions, click "More" (…) to find it
The host sees raised hands in order, so wait your turn
Step 2 — Use the keyboard shortcut: On a laptop you can raise/lower your hand instantly with a shortcut: Alt + Y on Windows, Option + Y on Mac. Press it again to lower your hand.
Handy during fast-moving Q&A sessions
Works only when the Zoom window is active
Step 3 — Raise your hand on a phone: Tap the screen to show controls, tap "More" (…) at the bottom, then tap "Raise Hand". The same menu has "Lower Hand" when you're done.
On mobile, reactions live under the "More" menu
Your raised hand shows on the host's participant list
Step 4 — Lower your hand: After you've spoken, lower your hand: click "Reactions" > "Lower Hand" on desktop, or "More" > "Lower Hand" on mobile. The host can also lower hands for everyone.
Always lower your hand after your question is answered
Hosts can enable "lower all hands" to reset after each round
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Raise Hand button in Zoom?
On desktop it's under "Reactions" in the meeting toolbar (click Reactions > Raise Hand). On mobile it's under the "More" (…) menu. If you can't find Reactions, click "More" (…) — on smaller windows Zoom tucks it there.
What is the keyboard shortcut to raise hand in Zoom?
Alt + Y on Windows and Option + Y on Mac toggles your hand up and down. It only works when the Zoom meeting window is the active window.
Can the host see who raised their hand first?
Yes. In the Participants panel, the host sees raised hands listed in the order they were raised, so they can call on people fairly. This is why Raise Hand is preferred over unmuting in large meetings and webinars.
Do I need a paid plan to raise my hand in Zoom?
No — Raise Hand is free for all participants. You only need a paid Zoom license to host longer or larger meetings, which National IT Service supplies in India with GST invoice.
Running online classes or webinars? National IT Service supplies Zoom Education and Webinar licenses in India with GST invoice — authorised Zoom partner.