I was muted. I will start again.
'Muto' = MU-to. Two syllables; stress the first. 'Ricomincio' = ri-ko-MIN-cho.
Use this after someone tells you that you were muted. It is one of the most common remote work situations and requires a quick, unfazed response. Do not over-apologise — just acknowledge and continue.
The phrase is simple and practical. 'Ero in muto' (I was muted) acknowledges the issue using the imperfect tense. 'Ricomincio' (I start again) shows you are moving forward immediately.
Scusate, ero in muto.
Sorry, I was muted.
Adds a brief apology ('scusate' = excuse me, plural) — appropriate and natural
Mi sono dimenticato/a di togliere il muto.
I forgot to unmute myself.
More explanatory; slightly more self-deprecating
Il microfono era spento. Lo accendo.
The microphone was off. I am turning it on.
More technical; specifies the tool rather than the software state
The Italian phrase 'sei in muto' (you are muted) has become one of the most iconic phrases of the post-2020 Italian workplace. It is so common that it has spawned jokes and memes in Italian office culture — a shared experience that unites remote workers across the country.