Google Meet Not Working? How to Fix the Problem

You wake up, put on a nice shirt, rush to make coffee, and...Google Meet isn't working. You might see a blank screen, a fuzzy image, or it simply won't launch at all. Here's how to fix Google Meet.

The Cause of Google Meet Not Working

Problems with Google Meet can be grouped into three basic categories. Software issues, hardware issues, and Internet issues.

Software issues include problems like your web browser crashing or the app failing to launch. Hardware issues, which are most common on PC and Mac, are related to a problem with your webcam and/or microphone. Internet issues are caused by spotty Internet connectivity or a problem with Google Meet's online services.

While the source of your problem can vary, focusing on these three issues will usually resolve the problem and get Google Meet working again.

How to Fix Google Meet on PC or Mac

These solutions will help you Google Meet on a PC or Mac. We recommend you follow the steps in the order they appear.

1. Check that your computer meets the minimum requirements of Google Meet. All major browsers are supported on Windows and macOS, but you'll need a recent version of the browser you use.

2. Check for Internet or Google Meet service outages. Knowing there's an outage won't solve the problem but will at least halt your troubleshooting efforts.

3. Verify the meeting code. Google Meet sessions are usually organized using links rather than entering a meeting code manually, but there's always the possibility of a slip-up. Communicate with the meeting's host and verify the code is correct.

4. Check that your browser has webcam access. Most browsers will display a camera icon in or near the address bar. Click on that icon to see camera settings and verify the camera is available.

5. Close and re-open your web browser. This will clear up any temporary issues with your browser.

6. Try a different web browser. As listed in its system requirements, Google Meet is compatible with all major web browsers. Still, a bug or configuration issue in your default browser may be the source of the problem.

7. Check your Internet connection. If it appears slow and you are using Wi-Fi, try moving your computer closer to your router. This will clear up problems caused by unreliable or slow Wi-Fi.

8. Reboot your router and modem. This will resolve any temporary issue caused by a bug in your router or modem. It may also clear up Internet speed or connectivity issues.

9. Check that your webcam or microphone is working and fix any issue that you discover. This will help you determine if the problem is a camera or microphone issue instead of a problem with Google Meet.

   Our guides to fixing a Windows webcam and fixing a Mac webcam can provide more details. We also have a guide to help you fix a laptop microphone.

10. Restart your computer. This can clear remaining bugs or configuration issues in your computer or its operating system. We have instructions for restarting a Windows computer and restarting a Mac.

How to Fix Google Meet on iOS or Android

These solutions will help you Google Meet on an iOS or Android device. We recommend you follow the steps in the order they appear.

1. Check that your device meets the minimum requirements of Google Meet. You will need Android 5 (or newer) or iOS 12 (or newer). Upgrade to the latest operating system available on your device, if possible.
   

2. Download and use the Google Meet app. Many mobile devices can access Google Meet through a web browser, but using a browser instead of the app is not reliable.

3. Check for Internet or Google Meet service outages. Knowing there's an outage won't solve the problem but will at least halt your troubleshooting efforts.
   

4. Verify the meeting code. Google Meet sessions are usually organized using links rather than entering a meeting code manually, but there's always the possibility of a slip-up. Communicate with the meeting's host and verify the code is correct.
   

5. Restart the Google Meet app. Note that you must completely close the app, not just flip away from it. Our guides to closing an app on iOS and closing an app on Android can teach you how to do this.

6. Uninstall and re-install the Google Meet app. This should clear up any temporary bugs or configuration issues caused by the app itself.

7. Check your Internet connection. If it appears slow and you are using Wi-Fi, try moving your phone closer to your router. If you're using mobile data, attempt to find a Wi-Fi access point with a strong connection. This will resolve issues caused by poor Wi-Fi or mobile data connectivity.
   

8. Reboot your router and modem if you're at home. This will resolve any temporary issue caused by a bug in your router or modem. It may also clear up Internet speed or connectivity issues.
   

9. Verify that your device's camera is working. The best way to do this is by opening the stock camera app. This will help you determine if the problem is a camera issue on your device rather than Google Meet itself.

10. Restart your device. Our guides to restarting an iPhone, restarting an iPad, or restarting an Android device provide the details. Restarting your device will clear up temporary bugs or configuration issues caused by the device or its operating system.

An Important Note About Free vs. Paid Google Meet

Google Meet is both a free service for individuals and a paid service that individuals and organizations can use to host internal video and audio conferences.

Some features, like breakout calls or dial-in phone numbers, are not available without paying a subscription fee. Free and paid plans also have different restrictions on how many people can participate in a conference and how long a conference can run.

You can only lift the restrictions on the free service by upgrading to a paid plan. Google's page on Plans & Pricing for Meet provides the details.