Having microphone issues in Google Meet is frustrating, especially when you need to actively participate in an important video call. But don't worry - with some simple troubleshooting, you can resolve the problem and get your microphone up and running again quickly.
In this post, we'll walk through the potential causes of and fixes for a non-working mic in Google Meet on both desktop and mobile. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to identify and resolve your particular microphone problem.
Check your microphone settings
The first thing to check is your microphone settings within Google Meet. Make sure your mic isn't muted and the correct input device is selected.
To check this on desktop:
Click on the microphone icon in the bottom left corner of the meeting window.
Make sure there's no red slash through the mic icon, indicating you're not muted.
Click the ^ arrow next to the mic icon to select your input device. Make sure the correct mic is highlighted.
On mobile:
Tap the three dot "more" menu in the top right of the meeting screen.
Tap "Settings" then "Audio and Video".
Make sure microphone isn't turned off.
Select the microphone you want to use.
If the incorrect input device is selected, switch to the proper mic and test it out. This simple fix solves many mic issues.
Check physical microphone connections
If the microphone settings look correct but your mic still doesn't work, the problem may be your physical hardware setup. For a USB microphone or headset, check that the USB cable is fully plugged into your computer. Try unplugging it and reconnect it securely.
If you're using your computer's built-in microphone, make sure there's nothing physically blocking it. The mic is usually a tiny hole located near the webcam.
Finally, inspect your cables for any damage or kinks. A faulty cable can cause microphone connectivity issues. Consider replacing the cable if it looks worn.
Authorize Google Meet to access your microphone
Google Meet requires your permission to access your microphone, especially when using the app for the first time. Make sure you've allowed Google Meet to use your microphone.
On desktop, look for a browser permission prompt in the URL bar or on the left side of the Omnibox that asks for permission to use your mic and camera. Click "Allow".
On mobile, go to your phone's app permissions settings and make sure Google Meet is allowed access to the microphone. You may need to toggle the permission off and on again to refresh it.
If access was previously blocked, granting permission should resolve Google Meet microphone problems.
How do I allow Google Meet to use my microphone on a Mac
Even when Meet and your browser look set up correctly, macOS can quietly block microphone access at the system level. Turn it back on there first.
Open the Apple menu and go to System Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Microphone. On older versions it's System Preferences, then Security and Privacy, then the Privacy tab, then Microphone.
Turn on the toggle next to the browser you use for Meet, such as Chrome or Safari.
Quit the browser fully and reopen it, then rejoin your meeting.
If the browser wasn't listed, open Meet once and allow the microphone when prompted, and it'll appear in the list.
Why is my microphone blocked in Chrome, and how do I unblock it
If you blocked the microphone earlier, Chrome remembers that choice and Meet can't ask again. Clear it in site settings.
On the Meet tab, click the tune or lock icon at the left of the address bar.
Find Microphone and set it to Allow.
Reload the page.
If it's still blocked, type chrome://settings/content/microphone in the address bar, remove meet.google.com from the Not allowed list, and reload Meet. For a deeper audio walkthrough, see our guide to fixing Zoom audio, which covers the same browser and device checks.
How do I fix the Windows setting that blocks my microphone in Google Meet
Windows has a buried privacy setting that blocks browsers from the microphone even when every other permission looks correct. It's the most common Windows cause.
Open Settings, then Privacy and security, then Microphone.
Turn on Microphone access.
Turn on Let apps access your microphone.
Turn on Let desktop apps access your microphone. Your browser counts as a desktop app, so Meet stays blocked until this is on.
Reload Meet and check your mic.
Restart your device
One simple fix for any technology glitch - restart it! Restarting your computer or mobile device essentially refreshes the software, clearing out any errors.
Follow these steps:
For a PC, go to the Start menu and select "Restart".
For a Mac, go to the Apple menu and click "Restart".
For mobile, power the device off completely and turn it back on.
Once restarted, launch Google Meet again and check if your microphone works. A restart cleans up temporary glitches.
Check Chrome extensions
If you use the Google Meet web app in Chrome, a misbehaving browser extension could be the culprit. Open your list of Chrome extensions and disable any that could affect microphone access, namely ad blocker extensions.
Then, try Google Meet again. If the mic starts working, turn extensions back on one-by-one until you identify the problematic add-on. Remove that extension for good.
Note your Supernormal Chrome extension will never cause mic issues, so you don't need to worry about that one!
Update your audio drivers
Outdated audio drivers can cause microphone malfunctions. Updating them is an easy fix:
On Windows:
Open Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers.
Right click your audio device and select Update driver.
Search automatically for updated driver software and install it.
With updated drivers, check Google Meet again. The mic should work properly now.
Change your input device
If your primary microphone isn't working, switching to another input device is worth trying for a quick fix:
Plug in another USB mic or headset if available. Or,
Use your phone's mic: join the Google Meet on your phone and use Call In or Hand Raise features.
This workaround allows you to join the meeting until you can troubleshoot the primary device issues.
Why won't my AirPods or Bluetooth headset microphone work in Google Meet
Meet often defaults to your computer's built-in microphone even while your AirPods or Bluetooth headset play the audio, so it looks connected but no one hears you.
In the meeting, click the arrow next to the microphone icon and select your headset as the input device.
If the headset isn't listed, confirm it's connected in your device's Bluetooth settings, then reconnect it.
Set the headset as the default input in your sound settings: on Mac, System Settings, then Sound, then Input; on Windows, Settings, then System, then Sound.
If audio cuts out mid-call, switch the output to your built-in speakers and back, which resets the connection.
How do I fix the Google Meet microphone on my phone
Mobile mic problems are almost always an app permission. Grant it directly, then refresh it.
On Android: open Settings, tap Apps, tap Meet, tap Permissions, tap Microphone, and choose Allow. If it's already on, toggle it off and on again to refresh.
On iPhone: open Settings, scroll to Meet, and turn on Microphone. Toggle it off and on if it was already enabled.
Then reopen Meet, rejoin, and make sure you're unmuted. For more on mobile meetings, see our guide to joining Google Meet on your phone.
Reset Google Meet
As a last resort, resetting Google Meet can force the app to reestablish permissions and settings required for microphone access.
On desktop:
Go to meet.google.com
Click on your profile icon > Help & Feedback > Reset Google Meet
On mobile:
Tap your profile icon > Settings > Reset Google Meet
After resetting, sign into your Google account again, rejoin your meeting, and check if the microphone works properly. Resetting may clear up stubborn glitches.
How do I test my microphone before a Google Meet call
Meet lets you check your microphone before you join, so you never start a call unsure.
On the green preview screen before you join, look for Check your audio and video.
Speak and watch the input meter move, which confirms Meet is hearing your selected microphone.
To switch devices, use the settings there to pick a different microphone, then test again.
You can run the same check mid-call from the meeting settings under Audio.
And that covers the top ways to troubleshoot and fix a Google Meet microphone that isn't working! In most cases, the problem is caused by an incorrect setting that can be quickly resolved. But for hardware-related issues, you may need to replace a faulty mic or cable. Hopefully, these troubleshooting tips get your microphone up and running again swiftly.
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