AirPods not working on Google Meet usually means the microphone permission is set to the wrong input device. If you are here wondering how to fix airpods not working on google meet, you are not alone. Many users face this issue, especially after updates or switching devices. The good news is that most problems have simple solutions. This guide will walk you through every step to get your AirPods working again.
Let us start with the basics. Your AirPods might be connected but not selected as the audio source. Or Google Meet might be using your laptop mic instead. We will cover all these scenarios. By the end, you will know exactly what to do.
How To Fix Airpods Not Working On Google Meet
This section covers the most effective methods. Try them in order. Each step is designed to solve a specific problem. Do not skip any unless you are sure it does not apply.
Check Your AirPods Connection
First, make sure your AirPods are properly connected to your device. Open the Bluetooth settings. Look for your AirPods in the list. If they show as connected, tap on them to see the status. Sometimes they connect to a different device, like your phone.
- Open Bluetooth settings on your computer.
- Find your AirPods and click “Connect” if needed.
- Check if the battery level appears. This confirms a stable connection.
- If they are connected but not working, disconnect and reconnect them.
Set AirPods As Default Audio Device
Your computer might still use its built-in speakers or mic. You need to manually select AirPods. On Windows, right-click the sound icon in the taskbar. Choose “Open Sound settings.” Under Output and Input, select your AirPods. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Sound. Choose AirPods for both output and input.
- Windows: Right-click speaker icon > Sound settings > Choose AirPods for output and input.
- Mac: Apple menu > System Preferences > Sound > Output and Input tabs > Select AirPods.
- Test by playing a sound. If you hear it, the connection works.
Adjust Google Meet Audio Settings
Google Meet has its own audio settings. These can override system settings. Join a meeting or go to meet.google.com. Click the three dots menu (More options). Go to Settings > Audio. Under Microphone and Speakers, select your AirPods. If you do not see them, refresh the page or restart the browser.
- Open Google Meet and join a test call.
- Click the three dots in the bottom right.
- Select “Settings” then “Audio.”
- Change Microphone and Speakers to AirPods.
- Click “Test” to confirm audio works.
Check Microphone Permissions
Your browser needs permission to use the microphone. If denied, Google Meet cannot access your AirPods mic. On Chrome, click the lock icon next to the URL. Make sure Microphone is set to “Allow.” On Edge or Firefox, similar settings exist. Restart the browser after changing permissions.
- Click the padlock or info icon in the address bar.
- Find “Microphone” and change to “Allow.”
- Reload Google Meet and test again.
- If using Safari, go to Preferences > Websites > Microphone.
Update Your Device Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause audio issues. On Windows, update Bluetooth and audio drivers. Open Device Manager. Expand “Bluetooth” and “Sound, video and game controllers.” Right-click each device and select “Update driver.” On Mac, updates are automatic with system updates. Check for macOS updates in System Preferences.
- Windows: Device Manager > Update drivers for Bluetooth and audio.
- Mac: System Preferences > Software Update > Install any updates.
- Restart your computer after updates.
Reset Your AirPods
If nothing works, resetting your AirPods can fix deep issues. Put both AirPods in the case. Close the lid and wait 30 seconds. Open the lid. Press and hold the setup button on the back for about 15 seconds. The status light will flash amber, then white. Reconnect them to your device as new.
- Place AirPods in case and close lid for 30 seconds.
- Open lid and press the button on the back for 15 seconds.
- Wait for the light to flash white.
- Reconnect to your computer via Bluetooth.
- Test in Google Meet again.
Clear Browser Cache And Cookies
Corrupted cache can interfere with Google Meet. Clear your browser history. Go to browser settings. Find “Privacy and security.” Click “Clear browsing data.” Select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.” Choose “All time” and clear. Restart the browser and try Google Meet.
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
- Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data.
- Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data.
Use A Different Browser
Sometimes the browser itself is the problem. Try Google Meet in a different browser. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge all support Meet. If AirPods work in one browser but not another, the issue is browser-specific. Update the problematic browser or reinstall it.
- Install a different browser if you do not have one.
- Open Google Meet in the new browser.
- Set AirPods as audio device in Meet settings.
- Test microphone and speakers.
Disable Audio Enhancements
Windows has audio enhancements that can conflict with AirPods. Right-click the speaker icon. Go to Sound settings. Click “Device properties” under Output or Input. Go to the “Enhancements” tab. Check “Disable all enhancements.” Apply and test. On Mac, this is not usually needed.
- Windows: Sound settings > Device properties > Enhancements tab > Disable all.
- Mac: No similar setting, but check Sound preferences.
- Restart Google Meet after changes.
Check For System Updates
Your operating system might have a pending update. On Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Install any available updates. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Software Update. Updates often include Bluetooth fixes. Restart after updating.
- Windows: Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates.
- Mac: System Preferences > Software Update > Update Now.
- Restart your computer.
- Test AirPods in Google Meet.
Test With Another App
To isolate the issue, test your AirPods with another app. Open Zoom, Skype, or a voice recorder. If AirPods work there, the problem is with Google Meet. If not, the issue is with your AirPods or system settings. This helps narrow down the cause.
- Open a different app that uses microphone.
- Record a short audio or make a test call.
- If it works, focus on Google Meet settings.
- If not, check Bluetooth and driver issues.
Reinstall Google Meet
If you use the Google Meet app (mobile or desktop), try reinstalling it. On mobile, delete the app and download it again from the app store. On desktop, Google Meet is web-based, but you can clear site data. Go to Chrome settings > Site settings > Google Meet > Clear data.
- For mobile: Delete app > Restart phone > Reinstall from store.
- For web: Chrome settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Google Meet > Clear data.
- Reload Google Meet and test.
Check Bluetooth Interference
Other Bluetooth devices can interfere with AirPods. Turn off Bluetooth on nearby devices like phones or tablets. Move your computer closer to your AirPods. Avoid USB 3.0 ports near the Bluetooth antenna. Metal objects can also block signals.
- Disable Bluetooth on other devices.
- Keep AirPods within 10 feet of your computer.
- Avoid placing metal objects between AirPods and computer.
- Try using AirPods in a different room.
Use Wired Earphones As Backup
While not a fix, this helps you continue meetings. Plug in wired earphones or use a different Bluetooth headset. This confirms the issue is specific to AirPods. You can then focus on AirPods-specific solutions. It also saves you from missing important calls.
- Connect wired earphones to your computer.
- Set them as audio device in Google Meet.
- Test if audio works.
- If yes, proceed with AirPods troubleshooting.
Contact Apple Support
If all else fails, your AirPods might have a hardware issue. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. They can run diagnostics. If your AirPods are under warranty, they may replace them. This is a last resort but sometimes necessary.
- Visit Apple Support website or call.
- Describe the issue and steps you tried.
- Schedule a Genius Bar appointment if needed.
- Check warranty status online.
Common Reasons AirPods Fail On Google Meet
Understanding why this happens helps prevent future issues. Here are the most common causes. Each has a simple fix you can apply quickly.
Wrong Input Device Selected
Google Meet defaults to your computer’s microphone. You must manually select AirPods. This is the number one reason. Always check the audio settings in Meet before a call. It takes only a few seconds.
Bluetooth Connection Issues
AirPods can disconnect without warning. Low battery or interference cause this. Keep AirPods charged and close to your device. If they disconnect, reconnect them in Bluetooth settings.
Browser Permissions Blocked
Your browser might block microphone access. This is a privacy feature. You need to allow it for Google Meet. Check the site permissions in your browser settings.
Outdated Software Or Drivers
Old drivers or system software can cause compatibility issues. Regular updates fix these. Set your computer to update automatically. This prevents many problems.
AirPods Firmware Issues
AirPods have their own firmware. Sometimes it gets corrupted. Resetting your AirPods updates the firmware. This can solve persistent problems.
Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
Use this checklist for fast fixes. It covers the most common solutions. Go through each item quickly. You will likely find the issue within minutes.
- Check Bluetooth connection and reconnect if needed.
- Set AirPods as default audio device in system settings.
- Change audio settings in Google Meet to AirPods.
- Allow microphone permission in browser.
- Restart your computer and browser.
- Update Bluetooth and audio drivers.
- Reset AirPods by holding the button.
- Clear browser cache and cookies.
- Try a different browser.
- Test AirPods with another app.
Advanced Fixes For Persistent Issues
If the basic steps do not work, try these advanced methods. They require a bit more effort but can solve stubborn problems.
Modify Bluetooth Settings On Windows
Windows has hidden Bluetooth settings. Go to Device Manager. Find your AirPods under Bluetooth. Right-click and select Properties. Go to the “Services” tab. Make sure “Hands-free Telephony” is enabled. This allows microphone use.
- Open Device Manager (right-click Start menu).
- Expand Bluetooth and find your AirPods.
- Right-click > Properties > Services tab.
- Check “Hands-free Telephony” and apply.
- Restart and test in Google Meet.
Use Third-Party Audio Tools
Tools like VoiceMeeter can route audio. This can force Google Meet to use AirPods. Download and install VoiceMeeter. Set it as your default audio device. Then set AirPods as output in VoiceMeeter. This is complex but effective.
- Download VoiceMeeter (free version).
- Install and set as default audio device.
- Configure VoiceMeeter to use AirPods as output.
- Open Google Meet and select VoiceMeeter as mic.
- Test audio.
Disable Absolute Volume On Android
If using AirPods with Android, disable Absolute Volume. Go to Developer Options. Find “Disable Absolute Volume” and turn it on. This can fix volume and mic issues. If you do not see Developer Options, enable it by tapping “Build Number” seven times.
- Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap Build Number 7 times.
- Go to System > Developer Options.
- Find “Disable Absolute Volume” and enable.
- Reconnect AirPods and test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about AirPods and Google Meet.
Why Are My AirPods Connected But Not Working On Google Meet?
This usually means the wrong audio device is selected. Check Google Meet settings and system sound settings. Also ensure microphone permissions are allowed in your browser.
Can I Use AirPods On Google Meet For Both Audio And Mic?
Yes, AirPods work as both speaker and microphone. You need to select them for both output and input in Google Meet settings. Sometimes the mic defaults to your computer.
How Do I Reset My AirPods For Google Meet?
Place AirPods in the case, close lid for 30 seconds. Open lid and press the button on the back for 15 seconds until light flashes white. Reconnect to your device.
Why Does Google Meet Not Detect My AirPods Microphone?
Browser permissions might be blocked. Check the lock icon in the address bar and allow microphone access. Also ensure AirPods are set as input device in system settings.
Do AirPods Work Better With Google Meet On Mac Or Windows?
AirPods generally work better on Mac due to native Apple integration. On Windows, you may need to adjust settings more. Both can work with proper configuration.
Final Tips For Smooth Google Meet Calls
To avoid future issues, follow these tips. They keep your AirPods and Google Meet working well together.
- Always check audio settings before joining a meeting.
- Keep your AirPods charged above 20%.
- Update your device and browser regularly.
- Use a dedicated Bluetooth adapter if on desktop.
- Close other apps that might use the microphone.
- Test your audio with the Google Meet test feature.
By now, you should have your AirPods working on Google Meet. The key is to check settings systematically. Start with the simplest fix: select AirPods in Meet audio settings. Most of the time, that is all you need. If not, work through the list above. You will find the solution.
Remember, technology can be finicky. Do not get frustrated. Each step brings you closer to a fix. Your AirPods are designed to work seamlessly. With a little patience, they will work with Google Meet too. Happy meeting.