google hangouts
You have to turn on the microphone on Google Hangouts before you start a call on a mobile device.
Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
  • You can turn your microphone on and off in a Google Hangouts call by giving the app permission to access your device’s microphone.
  • If your microphone doesn’t seem to be working, make sure that it’s selected in Google Hangouts’ settings menu.
  • If you’re on mute, simply tap the microphone icon at the bottom of the Hangouts call.
  • Visit Business Insider’s Tech Reference library for more stories.

For the most part, Google Hangouts should ask you for permission to use your microphone when you’re using the platform for video or phone calls. 

However, if you’re having trouble getting it to work, you’ll have to manually give it permission, and specify which microphone to access, if necessary.

Here’s how to do that via the desktop or mobile version of Google Hangouts. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

MacBook Pro (From $1,299.99 at Best Buy)

Lenovo IdeaPad (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

Samsung Galaxy S10 (From $899.99 at Best Buy)

How to turn on microphone on Google Hangouts on a computer

This works whether you’re using the platform to make phone or video calls:

1. Join the Hangouts call by either initiating it or accepting an invite from another user.

2. Click the gear icon to open the call settings.

How_to_turn_on_microphone_on_Google_Hangout_ _1
Click on the gear icon.
Devon Delfino/Business Insider

3. Select the dropdown under the "Microphone" option and select the appropriate microphone.

How to turn on microphone on Google Hangout   3
Select the microphone you want to use.
Devon Delfino/Business Insider

4. Click "Done."

How to turn on microphone on Google Hangouts on a mobile device

You have to hit "Allow" when Hangouts asks for permission to use your microphone to record audio (or video) in order to use the app for video and phone calls.

How to turn on microphone on Google Hangout   5
You have to select "Allow" before you join a Hangout.
Devon Delfino/Business Insider

If your microphone is on mute (in either the desktop or mobile version of the platform), simply tap the microphone icon in to turn the mute function on or off.

How to turn on microphone on Google Hangout   6
You can simply mute or unmute your microphone as well.
Devon Delfino/Business Insider

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

Read the original article on Business Insider