The Zoom lock meeting feature lets the host seal a meeting once everyone has arrived, so no new participants can join, even if they have the link and passcode. It is one of the fastest ways to stop uninvited guests, prevent interruptions, and keep a confidential conversation private. Locking is a host-only control, and it takes just two clicks.
In this guide you will learn exactly how to lock and unlock a Zoom meeting on both desktop and mobile, what happens to people who try to join a locked meeting, and how locking compares to the Waiting Room. We finish with security best practices and answers to the questions hosts ask most often.
What does locking a Zoom meeting do?
When you lock a meeting, Zoom immediately blocks anyone who is not already in the room. People who click the link afterward see a message that the meeting is locked and cannot enter, no matter what credentials they have. Everyone currently in the meeting stays connected and unaffected.
Locking is a host or co-host control, so you must be running the meeting to use it. It is most useful once all expected attendees have arrived, particularly for interviews, board meetings, therapy sessions, and any call where you want a guaranteed closed group. Remember that if someone drops out due to a bad connection, they will not be able to rejoin until you unlock.
How to lock a Zoom meeting on desktop
Locking from a computer is quick.
- Start or join the meeting as the host.
- Wait until everyone has arrived so you do not accidentally shut anyone out.
- Click Security (the shield icon) in the meeting toolbar.
- Select Lock Meeting from the menu.
- Confirmation appears and no new participants can join.
- To unlock, click Security again and click Lock Meeting to remove the check mark.
You can lock and unlock as many times as you need during the same meeting.
How to lock a Zoom meeting on mobile
The steps are similar in the mobile app.
- Open the meeting in the Zoom app as the host.
- Tap More (the three dots) in the bottom toolbar.
- Tap Security.
- Toggle Lock Meeting on. New participants are now blocked.
- To unlock, return to Security and toggle Lock Meeting off.
Completely blocks all new arrivals. No one can enter, not even people you would want to admit. Best once your full group is present and you want an absolute closed door.
Lets people arrive but holds them until you approve each one. Best when latecomers are expected and you want to screen who gets in one at a time.
Lock Meeting vs. Waiting Room
Both features control who enters, but they work differently. Locking is all-or-nothing: once locked, absolutely no one can join. The Waiting Room is selective: attendees can still arrive at the virtual door, and you admit them individually. Many hosts use them together, keeping the Waiting Room on throughout and locking the meeting only after the last expected person is in.
| Task | Desktop | Mobile app |
|---|---|---|
| Open security menu | Click Security (shield) | More > Security |
| Lock the meeting | Select Lock Meeting | Toggle Lock Meeting on |
| Unlock the meeting | Untick Lock Meeting | Toggle Lock Meeting off |
| Who can do it | Host or co-host | Host or co-host |
Security best practices for hosts
Locking is one layer of protection among several. For the safest meetings, keep a passcode enabled, use the Waiting Room to screen arrivals, and lock the meeting once everyone is present. The Security menu also lets you remove disruptive participants and suspend all activity in an emergency. For more walkthroughs, explore our how-to guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can participants lock a Zoom meeting?
No. Only the host and co-hosts can lock or unlock a meeting. The Security button that contains the lock option is not available to regular participants.
What happens if someone tries to join a locked meeting?
They see a message saying the meeting is locked and are unable to enter, even with the correct link and passcode. They can only join once the host unlocks the meeting.
Can I unlock a Zoom meeting after locking it?
Yes. Click Security and untick Lock Meeting on desktop, or toggle it off under More, then Security on mobile. You can lock and unlock repeatedly during the same call.
Does locking remove people already in the meeting?
No. Locking only blocks new arrivals. Everyone already in the meeting stays connected. To remove someone, use the Remove option in the Security menu or Participants list.
Should I use Lock Meeting or the Waiting Room?
Use the Waiting Room to screen guests as they arrive and Lock Meeting to seal the room once everyone is in. Many hosts use both together for the strongest control.
