Can't Hear Me on Google Meet? 5 Proven Fixes (2026 Guide)

Don't Rush to Replace Your Computer: Common Causes of Google Meet Audio Issues

When you encounter "Google Meet others can't hear me," your first instinct might be to suspect a broken microphone.

But honestly, in the cases I've handled, more than half are settings issues, not hardware failures.

Common scenarios: you can speak normally in other apps, but Google Meet has no sound; or you can hear others, but they can't hear you at all.

This usually means the microphone itself is fine—the problem lies in how Google Meet or the browser is using it.

Below are 5 methods, and I recommend starting with the simplest. Usually, the first two resolve most cases.

Check Google Meet's Microphone Settings: Verify These 3 Areas First

1. Make Sure the Microphone Isn't Muted

Once you're in the meeting, look at the bottom toolbar.

If the microphone icon is red with a diagonal line, you're currently muted.

Click the microphone icon to restore it to white or its normal color, then ask someone in the meeting to confirm they can hear you.

Note that Google Meet remembers your last mute setting, so it's a good habit to quickly check each time you join a new meeting.

2. Verify the Correct Input Device Is Selected

If you use an external microphone, headset, or webcam, your system may have multiple input devices.

Google Meet doesn't always automatically select the one you want.

In the meeting, click the three-dot menu (More options) in the bottom right, go to "Settings" → "Audio," and check the "Microphone" dropdown.

Make sure the microphone you're actually using is selected, not the laptop's built-in mic or another idle device.

If you're unsure which one is correct, speak into the microphone and watch the volume bar under "Microphone" to see if it moves.

3. Increase Microphone Input Volume

Many people overlook that Google Meet's microphone volume might be set very low.

Again, in "Settings" → "Audio," find the input volume slider under "Microphone."

Raise it a bit, then ask the other party to test.

If you're on Windows or macOS, also go to your system sound settings and set the input volume to at least 70% before retrying.

Check Browser Permissions: The Most Overlooked Step

Google Meet needs microphone permission in your browser to transmit your voice.

If you accidentally clicked "Block" earlier, Meet will remain silent to others.

For example, in Chrome, look for the lock icon or settings icon on the left side of the address bar.

Click it, then check if the "Microphone" permission is set to "Allow."

If it's "Block" or "Ask," change it to "Allow," then refresh the meeting page.

If you're using a company or school account, administrators may also restrict microphone permissions.

In that case, try testing with a personal account or ask your IT team to review policy settings.

Ensure System and Other Apps Aren't Occupying the Microphone

Sometimes the issue isn't Google Meet—another app might be hogging the microphone.

For instance, if you have Zoom, Teams, Discord, or recording software open simultaneously, these programs could be using the mic in the background.

Close all unnecessary communication and recording apps, leaving only the Google Meet tab open.

If you're a Windows user, go to "Settings" → "Privacy & Security" → "Microphone" and ensure "Let apps access your microphone" is enabled.

Also check that "Let desktop apps access your microphone" is turned on; otherwise, the browser may not be able to use the mic properly.

Try Incognito Mode or Switch Browsers

Browser extensions can sometimes interfere with Google Meet's audio.

Especially ad blockers, privacy protection plugins, or certain recording-related extensions.

The quickest test is to open an incognito window and re-enter Google Meet.

Incognito mode doesn't load most extensions by default. If audio works there, the problem is likely caused by an extension.

Another common fix is simply switching browsers.

If you usually use Chrome, try Edge or Firefox. If audio works after switching, use that browser for meetings temporarily.

After Audio Is Restored, Still Keep a Record of Meeting Content

Once the audio issue is resolved, there's another point many overlook: the meeting content itself.

Google Meet has built-in captions, but if the meeting is long or discussion-heavy, finding a specific statement or conclusion afterward can be time-consuming.

I recommend using a meeting recording tool to capture content during important meetings.

AI meeting tools like Tinrec can capture system audio directly via the desktop app, without adding a bot to the meeting.

This means no unfamiliar participant appears in the meeting, but you still get transcripts, summaries, and action items.

Especially when microphone issues cause part of the discussion to be unclear, having a text record helps you verify content afterward and reduces the risk of missing key points.

Summary: Check Settings First, Then Permissions, and Only Then Suspect Hardware

When others can't hear you on Google Meet, most cases can be resolved by troubleshooting in order:

• First, confirm the microphone isn't muted in Meet, the correct input device is selected, and the volume isn't too low.
• Next, check if the browser's microphone permission is blocked.
• Then, close other apps that might be using the microphone.
• Finally, test in incognito mode or switch browsers.

If you've tried all these and still have no sound, then consider hardware failure or driver issues.

As for meeting content, don't rely solely on auditory memory.

Using tools like Tinrec to record and transcribe meetings not only prevents missing key points due to audio issues but also speeds up post-meeting organization.

References

• Others can't hear me on google meet, even if I'm unmuted. And I'm audible on other apps - Web Applications Stack Exchange
• Google meet audio is not working, I can hear the other persons audio but they aren't hear my audio - Google Meet Community
• My voice is not audible during a call to others - Google Meet Community
• When I talking in meeting my voice.Can't hear other people it's happening all the time whenever I wa - Google Meet Community
• What is the reason for My voice is not audible to other person - Google Meet Community