We look at how to make meetings as accessible as possible when using Google’s video conferencing app.
Automated captions
These are captions (also known as subtitles) that translate spoken language into text automatically through a software.
- At the bottom of the video call screen, click Menu , Captions
- Choose a language, Apply.
Important: The language you select becomes the default until you change it.
Automated transcript
This a written transcript that’s recorded from the audio of your meeting automatically through a speech-to-text software.
Google Meet doesn’t offer automated transcripts. However, if you’re using Google Meet in the Google Chrome web browser, you can download the Google Meet Transcripts browser extension.
You can also use a third-party transcript provider.
How to add a notetaker
You can send a meeting invite to a notetaker before the call. You should let other participants know a notetaker will be present.
Agree with the notetaker before the meeting how the notes will be sent.
Using a BSL interpreter
A British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter helps deaf and hearing people communicate with one another.
Invite the British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter(s) to the meeting. Let meeting participants know about the interpreter(s) so they can pin them on their display at the start of the meeting.
- At the top left, tap the meeting name.
- On the ‘People’ tab, next to a participant, tap Menu then Pin.
Audio quality
Noise cancellation
Noise cancellation is off by default but can be turned on or off before or during a video call.
- Go to the Google Meet website and select a video call.
- Before you join, on the top right, click More options then Settings.
- Click Audio.
- Turn on Noise cancellation.
- Click Join now.
- On the bottom of the display, click More options then Settings.
- Click Audio.
- Turn on Noise cancellation.
Tip: To check how much noise is cancelled out, next to your self preview at the top right corner of your screen, look at the Voice indicator. The Voice indicator reflects what others may hear. Sounds that are blocked and cannot be heard by others will not move the indicator line.
Noise cancellation is turned on by default for these account types:
- Business Standard
- Business Plus
- Enterprise Essentials
- Enterprise Standard
- Frontline
- Enterprise Plus
- and Workspace Individual Subscriber.
Noise cancellation is turned off by default for these account types:
- Education Plus,
- Teaching and Learning Upgrade.
How to change audio output for hearing aids, cochlear implant or assistive technology
- Go to the Google Meet website.
- Join a video call.
- Before you join or during the call, click More , Settings.
- On the left, click Audio the setting you want to change (either Microphone or Speakers)
- Optional: To test your speakers, click Test
- At the top right, click Close.
Recording
To find out how to record your meeting, visit the Google Workspace support website
Captions are not recorded in meeting recordings.
Your BSL interpreter should be pinned on the screen of the person recording the session.
- Start or Join a meeting
- At the bottom right, click Activities. Recording
- Click Start recording.
- In the window that appears, click Start
- Wait for the recording to start …
- When you’ve finished, click Activities Recording …
- In the window that appears, click Stop recording
- An email will be sent with the recording information
- In the email, click the link and wait for the recording to open
- Select an option: To play the recording, click Play . To share the recording, click More Share. Enter usernames or email addresses and click Done.
If you have issues using Google Meet with devices or other software, visit the Google Meet Help website