Google Slides has become a go-to presentation tool for students, teachers, and professionals alike, offering cloud-based convenience, real-time collaboration, and multimedia integration. Adding audio to slides can make your presentations more engaging and dynamic. However, it can also be frustrating when the audio doesn’t play as expected during a presentation.
From files not loading properly to playback issues on shared links, audio problems in Google Slides are common but fixable. This guide walks you through the most effective troubleshooting steps for resolving audio issues in Google Slides, so your presentation runs smoothly every time.
Verify That Your Audio File Format Is Supported
Google Slides does not support every audio file type. Currently, the platform primarily supports MP3 and WAV files.
If your audio isn’t playing, the first thing to check is whether it’s in a supported format. If not, convert your file using a reliable audio converter.
Tip:
You can use free online tools such as CloudConvert or Convertio to change audio formats to MP3 or WAV before uploading them to Google Drive.
Check If the Audio File Is Properly Uploaded to Google Drive
In Google Slides, audio files must be stored in Google Drive to work. If you’ve inserted an audio clip but it doesn’t play, it’s possible that the file wasn’t uploaded correctly.
How to fix it:
- Go to your Google Drive.
- Locate the audio file you intended to use.
- Check if it’s playable directly from Drive.
- If not, re-upload the file and reinsert it into your slides.
Pro Tip: Rename your file with simple characters (avoid special symbols like “#” or “&”) as they can occasionally cause linking errors.
Adjust Sharing Permissions for the Audio File
One of the most common issues with audio not playing, especially when sharing your presentation, is insufficient file permissions. If your audience doesn’t have access to the audio file in Google Drive, they won’t be able to hear it.
To fix permissions:
- Open your audio file in Google Drive.
- Click Share → select Anyone with the link.
- Set permission to Viewer.
- Update your slide’s audio link if necessary.
This ensures that anyone with access to your presentation can hear the audio, even if they aren’t signed into your Google account.
Confirm That You’re Using the Correct Audio Playback Settings
Google Slides offers playback options that determine how and when your audio plays automatically or on click.
Check playback settings:
- Click the audio icon on your slide.
- In the Format options panel, open Audio playback.
- Ensure the correct setting is selected:
- Play automatically: The audio starts as soon as the slide opens.
- Play on click: You must click the icon to play.
If your audio doesn’t start when expected, you may have selected the wrong playback option.
Check Volume and Mute Settings
It may sound obvious, but muted speakers or low system volume can sometimes be the culprit. Always test the audio on the same device and browser you plan to use for the actual presentation.
Steps to check:
- Ensure your device volume is up.
- Make sure your browser tab isn’t muted (right-click the tab → “Unmute site”).
- Confirm that the audio isn’t muted in Google Slides’ playback bar.
Browser Compatibility and Updates
Google Slides works best in Google Chrome, but it can also run in other browsers like Firefox or Edge. Audio issues may arise due to outdated browsers or incompatible settings.
Try these steps:
- Clear your browser cache and cookies.
- Update your browser to the latest version.
- If the issue persists, try opening your presentation in incognito mode or another browser to test.
Tip: Some browser extensions (like ad blockers or privacy tools) can interfere with multimedia elements; temporarily disable them during your presentation.
Check Internet Connectivity
Because Google Slides relies on cloud-based storage, a weak or unstable internet connection can interrupt audio loading. If your audio stutters, delays, or fails to play:
- Refresh your browser.
- Reconnect to a stronger Wi-Fi network.
- Try preloading the presentation before the event (open it once to cache the audio).
If you’re presenting offline, consider downloading the presentation as a PowerPoint file (.pptx), though note that some audio features may not transfer perfectly.
Verify Slide-to-Slide Audio Continuity
By default, audio files in Google Slides are linked to individual slides, meaning they stop when you move to the next one.
If you need continuous audio playback throughout your presentation, consider merging multiple clips into a single file using an audio editing tool (like Audacity) and adding it to the first slide.
Alternative workaround:
Record the entire narration as one audio file and set it to play automatically on the first slide.
Test on Different Devices
Sometimes, what works on one device may fail on another, especially when hardware, browsers, or operating systems differ.
To ensure smooth playback:
- Test the presentation on the device and browser you’ll use during the actual event.
- If sharing the slides, ask a colleague to open the link and confirm the audio plays on their end.
This proactive testing helps catch potential playback or permission issues before showtime.
Reinsert or Replace the Audio File
If none of the above solutions work, there might be a glitch in how the audio was linked to your slide.
Fix:
- Delete the existing audio icon.
- Go to Insert → Audio.
- Select the same file (or a re-uploaded version).
This simple step often resolves hidden linking errors and ensures the file reconnects properly with Google Drive.
Clear Cache and Reboot the System
Sometimes, corrupted browser cache or temporary data can cause playback failures.
Steps:
- In Chrome, go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Clear Browsing Data.
- Select Cached images and files and click Clear data.
- Restart your browser and reopen Google Slides.
This refresh often clears background conflicts that affect embedded multimedia files.
When All Else Fails: Alternative Solutions
If you still face persistent issues, try one of these reliable workarounds:
- Use a video instead: Convert your slides with audio into a video presentation using tools like Loom or Screencastify.
- Add a voice-over in PowerPoint: Export your slides to PowerPoint and record narrations directly.
- Use YouTube embeds: If the audio is tied to a video, embed a YouTube clip instead of uploading raw audio.
These methods ensure you maintain multimedia engagement without relying solely on Google Slides’ audio feature.
Conclusion
Audio issues in Google Slides can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, they’re easy to fix. Most problems stem from file format, permissions, playback settings, or browser issues, all of which can be resolved in just a few minutes.
By preparing your audio properly, testing it on different devices, and ensuring accessibility through Drive permissions, you can confidently deliver a professional, multimedia-rich presentation that captivates your audience.
The next time your audio goes silent in Google Slides, follow this guide and bring your presentation back to life with perfect sound!
