Google Meet translation not working? Here's how to fix it
Most problems with Google Meet's built-in translation come from your Google plan or the language pair. Problems with the SottMeet extension usually come from the Meet tab, the microphone or your free minutes. Find your case below.
Google Meet's built-in translation
If "Speech translation" or "Translated captions" is missing or greyed out, check these first.
"Translation isn't available" or the option is missing
Your plan may not include it. Speech translation needs Google AI Pro or Ultra, or Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard or Plus. Translated captions need Workspace Business Standard and above. Free Gmail accounts can't use either.
My language isn't in the list
Speech translation only pairs English with French, German, Hindi, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish. If you need Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese or another language, use translated captions (text only) or an extension like SottMeet.
I can't pick a different language pair
Meet uses one language pair for the whole meeting. To change it, someone has to stop translation for everyone and start it again with the new pair.
Translation stopped in the middle of the meeting
Speech translation has a 90-minute limit per meeting.
Others can't hear me translated
Each person must allow their voice to be translated ("Translate me"). People joining from meeting-room hardware can listen but can't be translated.
It's not available in my organization
Workspace admins can turn speech translation off. Ask your admin, or check whether your company is in Google's early-access program, which uses different menus.
The SottMeet extension
If SottMeet doesn't start or the translation sounds wrong, try these.
The popup says to refresh the Google Meet tab
Reload the Meet tab once and click Enable Translation again. This happens right after the extension updates.
It asks for Google permission, or my free minutes didn't appear
Allow the one-time Google sign-in prompt. It confirms your account so the 5 free minutes can be added. If you closed it, click Enable Translation again to see it.
The other person hears an echo
Your speakers are playing the translation into your microphone. Use headphones.
Only one direction is translated
Check the two languages in the popup: My language is what you speak, Meeting language is what the other person speaks.
Translation is slow or choppy
Check your network and close heavy tabs or video streams. SottMeet shows a notice when the connection is slow.
It says my minutes are used up
Add a card in the popup to get 30 more free minutes (no charge), or top up from US$10.
Questions
Why is Google Meet translation not available on my free account?
Google limits both speech translation and translated captions to paid Google AI and Workspace plans. SottMeet works on free Gmail.
Does SottMeet need Google Meet's translation to be turned on?
No. SottMeet is separate and works even when Meet's own translation is off or unavailable.
Who can I contact for help?
Email support@sottmeet.com with what you see in the SottMeet popup.
Need translation that just works?
SottMeet works on any Google account, in 19 languages. 5 free minutes.
Add to Chrome