Zoom - Disable "UNMUTE" Microphone for Participants / Allows for Listening with Chat Functionality

This KB article includes steps on turning on the Zoom Meeting settings "Mute Participants On Entry" and "Allow Participants To Unmute Themselves"

Issue/Question

• How do I make it so participants cannot unmute their microphone?
• How do I disable people's microphones?
• Can I make it so participants can hear, but only chat and not speak?

Environment

• Oregon State University
• Faculty/Staff
• Students
• Zoom User

Cause/Explanation

Often times people will want to host a Zoom Meeting and have people join in order to listen to the presenter/host. However, they want to disable the ability for participants to be able to un-mute their microphones, forcing them to use the chat in order to ask questions. This article will walk you through configuring your meeting in this way, once you've started the meeting.

Resolution

Method 1

1. Once you've started your Zoom Meeting, select Manage Participants from the bottom screen toolbar 
2. The Participants panel will appear, select More from the lower right corner
3. Select Mute Participants On Entry
     Note: A pop-up window will appear
4. Un-check the box next to Allow Participants To Un-mute Themselves
5. Select Continue

Connected participants, along with future participants for the meeting will be unable to use their microphone to speak. They will be able to hear and leverage chat.  

 

For assistance, contact the IS Service Desk.