Google Meet has become an essential tool for online meetings and virtual classrooms. It allows users to connect and collaborate with each other despite being physically apart. While sharing screens during a Meet session is a common feature, many users have wondered if it is possible to include audio while sharing their screens. In this blog post, we will explore various methods to have audio in Google Meet while sharing your screen. We will discuss step-by-step instructions for each method, along with their pros and cons. So, if you’ve been longing to share audio during your screen sharing sessions in Google Meet, keep reading!
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To have audio in Google Meet while sharing your screen, you will need a few things:
1. A stable internet connection: Make sure you have a reliable and strong internet connection to ensure smooth audio transmission during your screen sharing session.
2. A computer or mobile device: Google Meet can be accessed on both computers and mobile devices. Ensure that your device meets the system requirements for running Google Meet.
3. Google Meet account: You will need a Google Meet account to schedule, join, or host meetings. If you don’t have one, you can create a free account.
4. Headphones or speakers: To hear the audio during screen sharing, you will need headphones or speakers connected to your device.
What Requires Your Focus?
While screen sharing in Google Meet is a straightforward process, enabling audio during the screen sharing session can be a bit tricky. It requires your focus and attention to follow the steps correctly. Different methods may work for different devices or operating systems, so you may need to try multiple methods to find the one that works best for you. It is also important to note that having audio during screen sharing may have certain limitations depending on the device and browser you are using. With that said, let’s dive into the methods!
Method 1. How to Share Screen with Audio via Google Chrome Extension
Enabling audio during screen sharing in Google Meet can be achieved with the help of a Google Chrome extension called "Tab Audio Share." This extension allows you to share both your screen and audio simultaneously. Follow the steps below to use this method:
Step 1: Open Google Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store.
Step 2: Search for the "Tab Audio Share" extension and click on "Add to Chrome" to install it.
Step 3: Once installed, click on the extension icon on the top-right corner of Chrome.
Step 4: In the extension pop-up window, click on the "Share" button next to the tab you want to share.
Step 5: A new Google Meet tab will open with the selected tab shared, along with its audio.
Pros:
1. Easy to install and use.
2. Allows you to share both screen and audio simultaneously.
3. Compatible with Google Chrome browser.
Cons:
1. Requires installation of a third-party extension.
2. May have compatibility issues with other browser extensions.
3. Limited to Google Chrome browser.
Method 2. How to Share Screen with Audio via Web-based Screen Sharing
If you prefer not to install any additional extensions, you can still have audio during screen sharing in Google Meet using a web-based screen sharing feature. Follow the steps below to use this method:
Step 1: Open Google Meet and start or join a meeting.
Step 2: Once you are in the meeting, click on the "Present now" button at the bottom-right corner.
Step 3: In the pop-up window, select "A Chrome tab" or "Your entire screen" option.
Step 4: Check the "Share audio" checkbox at the bottom-left corner.
Step 5: Click on the "Share" button to start sharing your screen, including audio.
Pros:
1. No need to install additional extensions.
2. Simple and straightforward process.
3. Works across different browsers.
Cons:
1. Limited to sharing audio from a Chrome tab or entire screen.
2. May have audio quality issues depending on the device and internet connection.
3. Restricted audio sharing options compared to other methods.
Method 3. How to Share Screen with Audio via Desktop Sharing
Another method to have audio in Google Meet while sharing your screen is by using the desktop sharing feature. This method allows you to share your entire desktop, including audio from any application or browser. Follow the steps below to use this method:
Step 1: Open Google Meet and start or join a meeting.
Step 2: Once you are in the meeting, click on the "Present now" button at the bottom-right corner.
Step 3: In the pop-up window, select "Your entire screen" option.
Step 4: Uncheck the "Share audio" checkbox at the bottom-left corner.
Step 5: Click on the "Share" button to start sharing your screen without audio.
Step 6: Open the application or browser with the audio you want to share.
Step 7: Enable audio sharing within the application or browser itself.
Pros:
1. Allows sharing of audio from any application or browser.
2. No need for additional extensions.
3. Can share the entire desktop, giving more flexibility.
Cons:
1. Requires extra steps to enable audio within the application or browser.
2. May have compatibility issues with certain applications or browsers.
3. Audio quality may vary depending on the device and internet connection.
Method 4. How to Share Screen with Audio via External Audio Source
If none of the previous methods work for you, an alternative approach is to use an external audio source to share audio during screen sharing in Google Meet. This method involves connecting an audio cable from your device’s audio output to an external audio input source. Follow the steps below to use this method:
Step 1: Connect an audio cable from your device’s audio output (headphone jack or audio port) to an external audio input source (e.g., speaker, microphone, or audio interface).
Step 2: Open Google Meet and start or join a meeting.
Step 3: Once you are in the meeting, click on the "Present now" button at the bottom-right corner.
Step 4: In the pop-up window, select "A Chrome tab" or "Your entire screen" option.
Step 5: Check the "Share audio" checkbox at the bottom-left corner.
Step 6: Click on the "Share" button to start sharing your screen, including audio.
Pros:
1. Allows sharing of audio through an external audio source.
2. Can provide better audio quality compared to device’s internal speakers.
3. Works across different devices and operating systems.
Cons:
1. Requires an external audio source and appropriate cables.
2. Audio setup may require additional adjustments.
3. May have compatibility issues with certain devices or audio systems.
Why Can’t I Have Audio in Google Meet Share Screen?
There can be several reasons why you may not have audio while sharing your screen in Google Meet. Here are some common reasons and their potential fixes:
1. Incorrect Audio Settings: Make sure your device’s audio settings are properly configured. Check the volume levels, ensure the correct audio output device is selected, and verify that the audio is not muted or disabled.
2. Browser Compatibility: Some browsers may not support audio sharing during screen sharing in Google Meet. Try using Google Chrome, which is the recommended browser for Google Meet, or check for browser updates.
3. Network Issues: An unstable or slow internet connection can affect audio transmission during screen sharing. Switch to a more stable connection or try reducing the number of participants in the meeting to improve audio quality.
Implications and Recommendations
Having audio during screen sharing in Google Meet can greatly enhance the quality of virtual meetings and presentations. Here are some implications and recommendations:
1. Prepare in advance: Before starting a meeting, ensure that all necessary audio settings and devices are working correctly. Perform a test run to ascertain the audio quality and verify the screen sharing setup.
2. Educate participants: If you are hosting a meeting or presentation, inform the participants about the screen sharing and audio capabilities. Provide clear instructions on how to enable audio during screen sharing if required.
3. Optimize audio quality: Use headphones or external speakers for better audio quality during screen sharing. Consider using a dedicated microphone for improved voice clarity and reduced background noise.
4. Test different methods: If one method doesn’t work for you, try another one. Experiment with different methods to find the one that suits your device, operating system, and requirements the best.
5. Stay updated: Keep an eye on updates and new features released by Google Meet. New updates may introduce additional options or improvements to the screen sharing and audio capabilities.
5 FAQs about Having Audio in Google Meet Share Screen:
Q1: Why can’t I hear audio while sharing my screen in Google Meet?
A: There can be several reasons for this issue, such as incorrect audio settings, browser compatibility, or network issues. Refer to the "Why Can’t I Have Audio" section above for potential fixes.
Q2: Can I share audio from specific applications only?
A: Yes, using the desktop sharing method, you can share audio from any application running on your device.
Q3: Do all participants hear the audio while I share my screen?
A: Yes, when you share your screen with audio, all meeting participants will be able to hear the audio.
Q4: Can I share audio from video files or online videos?
A: Yes, audio from video files or online videos can be shared using the desktop sharing method. Simply play the video on your device and enable audio sharing.
Q5: Which method is the best for sharing audio in Google Meet?
A: The best method depends on your device, operating system, and requirements. It is recommended to try multiple methods and see which one works best for you.
Final Words
Having audio in Google Meet while sharing your screen can greatly enhance the overall meeting experience. Whether you are presenting a slide deck, demonstrating a software, or conducting a remote training session, sharing audio can provide crucial context and engagement. We have discussed four different methods to enable audio during screen sharing in Google Meet, along with their pros, cons, and potential fixes for common issues. By following the steps outlined in each method, you can ensure that audio accompanies your screen sharing sessions seamlessly. So, the next time you need to share your screen in Google Meet, don’t forget to include the audio for a truly immersive experience!