Google Meet adds a new audio and video lock feature that allows hosts to mute the microphones and cameras of selected participants during a meeting. It also prevents participants from turning them on again until the host unlocks them. Earlier this year, the search giant gave Google Meet hosts the power to mute all participants at once in Google Meet on a computer. The latest audio and video locking allows hosts to prevent participants from turning on the sound themselves after they are turned off.

Google announced on October 21 the arrival of a new function through a post on to your blog. The Audio and Video Lock feature gives hosts more control over their meetings to ensure productivity. For example, the host can use this option when background noise disturbs other listeners. In addition, the host may also choose to allow different levels of participant participation.

During the call, the latest audio and video locks will be applied to all subsequently launched separate rooms – also to smaller groups within Google Meet. Once a relocation room is formed, any changes to the lock setting in an individual room will not affect the settings of other relocation rooms or the main meeting.

Google Meet Audio Video Lock Device Support

This feature works on devices with Android OS version M or later and iOS version 12 or later. Users must also have the latest updated version of Meet or Gmail. Those using a version of Google Meet on Android or iOS that does not support the newly launched feature will be removed from the meeting if the host or co-host turns on any of the locks. If participants try to join a meeting where one of these locks is enabled, they will be asked to update the application or join on another device. Turning off the audio or video lock will allow these participants to rejoin the meeting.

The Audio and Video Lock feature began on October 21 for users on Rapid Release domains. It will be available to all users in the coming weeks, starting on November 1. Google has confirmed that it will be available to all Google Workspace users, as well as G Suite Basic and Business users.

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