If your microphone is not working in Google Meet on a computer, check mute controls first, then confirm microphone access for Meet, your browser, and your operating system. Next select the intended input device and check its level. If those settings are correct, update and restart Chrome before rejoining.
“Google app for desktop” can refer to different products. The desktop troubleshooting guidance covered here applies specifically to Google Meet in a desktop browser, not to a separate standalone Google desktop app. Google Meet Help explains that microphone access must be allowed for Meet, the browser, and the device: Google Meet Help: Fix audio issues in Google Meet.
1. Check mute controls
Make sure you are unmuted in the Meet controls. If you are using a headset, check its physical mute switch and cable too; a hardware mute can silence the microphone even when Meet shows it as on. Google Chrome Help also recommends checking the conferencing site’s mute control and the headset switch: Use your camera and microphone in Chrome.
2. Allow microphone access at every level
Meet can use a microphone only when permission is allowed by the site, the browser, and the computer’s operating system. Check each layer; granting permission in one place does not automatically grant it everywhere.
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Allow access for the Meet site
With the Meet page open, select the site information control beside the address bar and turn on Microphone for the site. If the setting was blocked, change it and reload Meet.
Check Chrome’s microphone permission
Open chrome://settings/content/microphone. Confirm that sites are allowed to ask to use the microphone and that Meet is not on the blocked list. If you use a work or school Chrome profile, an administrator may manage this setting.
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Check computer-level access
- Windows: Open Settings > System > Sound > Microphone. Check that microphone access is allowed and that the input level is not turned down.
- macOS: Open System Settings > Sound > Input to select the microphone and check its input level. Also check microphone privacy access for the browser.
- Linux: Check the distribution’s sound settings and microphone permissions. The exact steps vary by distribution.
3. Select the right microphone and check its level
In Meet, choose the microphone you intend to use. Then check that the same device is selected in your computer’s sound or recording settings, and raise its recording level if it is too low. A built-in microphone, USB microphone, and headset microphone may appear as separate inputs.
If you are using Bluetooth, make sure the device is powered on and connected to the computer. If possible, test the selected microphone in another app or in the computer’s input settings. If it works elsewhere, focus on Meet, browser, or permission settings; if it fails elsewhere too, investigate the device or its connection before considering replacement.
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4. Update and restart Chrome
If the permissions and input settings look right but Meet still cannot use the microphone, update Chrome and restart it. After updating, enter chrome://restart in the address bar, then rejoin the meeting. Google notes that simply closing Chrome after an update may not reset apps or extensions that are using the microphone.
5. If Chrome still cannot access the microphone on macOS
Google’s known-issues guidance says to enable Chrome or Firefox in macOS microphone privacy settings and then restart Chrome. The exact setting labels and location vary by macOS release, so look under macOS privacy settings for microphone access and ensure the browser you use is permitted: Google Meet Help: Known issues with Google Meet.
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What to check before replacing a microphone
A microphone problem does not automatically mean the hardware is defective. A mute switch, blocked permission, wrong input selection, low recording level, or disconnected Bluetooth device can all prevent Meet from receiving audio. Try the selected microphone in another application or in the computer’s input settings first. A different headset or microphone is worth considering only if the original device also fails outside Meet.
Using Google Meet on a computer
Google’s computer-use guidance describes Meet as a browser-based service and documents the permissions and audio checks above: Google Meet Help: Learn what requirements you need to use Google Meet. These steps are for Meet in a desktop browser; another Google application may have different audio settings.
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