How to Turn On Your Microphone in Google Meet

This guide covers turning your microphone on during a meeting and checking the settings if nobody can hear you. You will need to be in a Google Meet call, with a working microphone connected or built into your device. Button names and menu paths can vary slightly by app, browser, and system version.

What You’ll Need

A device with internet access and Google Meet open in its app or a supported browser.
A built-in or connected microphone, such as a headset mic.
Permission for Google Meet or your browser to use the microphone.

Step-by-Step

Join or open the meeting. Start a new meeting or join using the meeting link. If you are still on the preview screen, look for the microphone control before joining.
Check the microphone status. Find the microphone icon in the meeting controls. A crossed-out microphone or a red mute indicator means you are muted. The controls may be along the bottom of the screen; on a phone, tap the screen if they are hidden.
Turn the microphone on. Click the microphone icon on a computer, or tap it on a phone or tablet. When the icon no longer indicates mute, Meet is allowing your microphone to send audio. Speak briefly and watch for the audio indicator, if shown.
Allow microphone access if prompted. Choose Allow when your browser or device asks whether Meet can use the microphone. If you dismissed the prompt or chose Block, change microphone permission in the browser or device settings. The exact menu path may differ slightly by version.
Select the microphone you want to use. On a computer, open Meet’s audio settings, often available from the three-dot menu or the audio controls, and choose the correct microphone under the microphone or input option. Menu names and locations may vary slightly by version. On a phone, connect the intended headset before joining and check that the device is not routing audio to another accessory.
Test your audio in the meeting. Say a short sentence and ask someone in the call whether they can hear you. If not, check that the mic is not muted again, that the selected input is correct, and that the microphone itself is not switched off.

Common Mistakes

Confusing the microphone and camera controls: The microphone icon controls what other people hear; the camera icon controls your video. Turning on the camera does not unmute you.
Assuming a connected headset is the selected input: Meet may still use the laptop’s built-in microphone. Check the selected microphone in audio settings.
Leaving the meeting muted after joining: Some meetings or host settings may leave participants muted. Check the icon and tap or click it yourself if the control is available.
Expecting permission to be granted automatically: A blocked browser or operating-system permission can prevent Meet from receiving audio even when the meeting control looks unmuted.
Looking for controls while they are hidden: On mobile, tap the meeting screen to show the controls. On a computer, move the pointer over the meeting window if the toolbar is hidden.

Tips

Connect and check your headset before joining so you can choose the intended microphone from the start.
Speak at a normal distance from the microphone. Avoid covering it with your hand or placing it directly against clothing.
Mute yourself when you are not speaking to reduce background noise, then unmute before talking.
If you use Meet in a browser, make sure the meeting tab is the one allowed to use the microphone. A permission granted to another site or app may not apply.
Keep the meeting open while checking audio settings, then return to the call and confirm the microphone is still selected and unmuted.

Troubleshooting

The microphone icon will not turn on: Check whether the meeting host or organisation has restricted participant audio. If Meet displays a message that you cannot unmute, ask the host to review the meeting controls.

Meet says microphone access is blocked: Open your browser’s site permissions for Meet and allow microphone access. Also check your device privacy settings to ensure the browser or Meet app can use the microphone. Close and reopen the meeting if the permission change does not take effect immediately. Settings names and paths may differ slightly by version.

People cannot hear you, even though you are unmuted: In Meet’s audio settings, choose another available microphone and speak to test it. Check that a headset mute switch or keyboard mute key is not enabled, and confirm the microphone is securely connected. If you are using a Bluetooth headset, verify that it is connected as the active audio device.

The wrong microphone is being used: Open the meeting audio settings and select the input that matches your built-in mic or headset. If the expected device is missing, disconnect and reconnect it, then check the computer’s sound input settings. Restarting the browser or app may help it detect the device again.

Your voice is very quiet or cuts out: Move closer to the microphone, check that its opening is not obstructed, and try another input. Close other apps that may be using the microphone, then test again. If possible, leave and rejoin the meeting after changing the device or permission.

You are using a phone or tablet: Check the app’s microphone permission in the device settings and make sure an attached headset is not muted. If controls disappear, tap the screen to bring them back. Menu paths differ between device models and system versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I unmute myself in Google Meet?

Click or tap the microphone icon in the meeting controls. When the mute indicator disappears, your microphone is on, provided Meet has permission to use it.

Why is my microphone greyed out in Google Meet?

Your browser or device may have blocked microphone access, or the meeting host may have restricted unmuting. Check for a permission message and ask the host if the meeting controls prevent you from speaking.

Can I turn on my microphone before joining?

Yes. On the meeting preview screen, use the microphone control before selecting Join. You can also change it after entering the meeting.

How do I choose a different microphone?

On a computer, open Meet’s audio settings and select another available input. On mobile, connect the headset or accessory you want to use and confirm the device is routing audio through it.

Can the host turn on my microphone for me?

Hosts can manage meeting audio controls, but you may still need to unmute yourself. If Meet does not let you unmute, ask the host whether participant microphones are restricted.

How can I tell if people can hear me?

Speak and check for Meet’s microphone activity indicator if it appears, then ask someone in the call to confirm. An unmuted icon alone does not guarantee that the selected microphone is working.

Sources: Google Meet Help. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.