How to set up and use Google Chat on your phone and computer
Google Chat is a collaborative messaging platform for formal and informal chat. Whether you want to start a group chat, collaborate with a team, or compose personal messages with your Gmail contacts, Google Chat can be an ideal pick. It replaces Google Hangouts and has a neat integration with other company apps. Here’s how to use Google’s latest messaging app on the desktop and mobile.
Figuring out what Google Chat can do can be confusing. This guide helps you set up and use Google Chat. Beyond the mobile app, it’s available onChromebooksand browsers. Google Chat is best for collaborative work. If you want a dedicated messaging app, try one of theseend-to-end encrypted messaging apps.
How to set up Google Chat
You’ll need a Google account to use Google Chat. You can use the standalone Google Chat app on your phone or use it with Gmail on mobile and desktop. Let’s check it in action.
Set up Google Chat on mobile
Google Chat and its features are integrated into Gmail, so you don’t need the standalone Google Chat app to access your messages. However, the standalone Chat app is handy for organizational purposes or if you use analternative email app.
After downloading the app, sign in with your Google Account to get started.
Google Chat isavailable on the App Storefor iPhone and iPad.
Set up Google Chat on a desktop
Like the mobile app, Google Chat on the desktop doesn’t offer additional functionality over the Gmail integration.
If you plan to use Google chat within your browser, skip step 3.
Set up Google Chat on Gmail
Google Chat integrates into Gmail by default, but it may not be activated for your account. Look for the Chat icon on the desktop app’s left side or at the mobile app’s bottom. If it isn’t there, follow these steps to activate it.
Gmail for desktop
And that’s all there is to it. You can now use Google Chat on mobile and desktop.
How to send a single or group message in Google Chat
There are two types of group messages in Google Chat. The first is the traditional group chat. The second, Spaces, is for long-term collaborative projects. These steps demonstrate the first type, perfect if you need to send a quick message to a group (such as when organizing a meetup time).
How are Spaces different from Chat?
Spaces are group chats on steroids. But unlike standard WhatsApp or Telegram groups, Spaces are focused on collaboration, task management, and communication.
They’re helpful if you’re working on a project with others. You can assign tasks, share files, and create Google Meet links or calendar events. If you used Rooms in Google Workspace, you’ll be at home with Spaces. Let’s set it up.
How to convert a group chat into a space
To explore the Google Spaces productivity features, turn your existing group into a space using the steps below.
How to use Google Chat’s Spaces
After you create a Space, you’re ready to explore its productivity features. They’re limited but are more than enough for small teams.
How to share files in a Space
How to assign tasks in a Space
Turn your boring group chats into a productivity powerhouse with Google Spaces
How to add apps to Google Chat
While Google Chat comes with Drive and Calendar integration, you can explore other apps to level up your conversations. Google Chat supports third-party apps like Asana, Trello, GIPHY, Backlog, ClickUp, and more. You can’t add apps from Google Chat mobile. You must integrate them via Google Chat web. Here’s what you’ll do:
For example, add Trello to Google Space and stay on top of your ongoing projects. You can receive alerts in Google Chat when someone mentions you on a Trello board or moves a specific card. The possibilities are endless.
How to use integrations in Google Chat
Integrations is Google Chat’s term for advanced messages. There are seven types: Photos, Camera, GIF, Meet link, Calendar invite, Drive, and Format. you may access these options by tapping thePlusbutton to the left of the new message box in Google Chat. Some options are to the right of the message box in the desktop and browser apps.
Photos, Camera, and GIF are recognizable to anyone who’s used a messaging app. Tap the appropriate option to attach a photo or a GIF to your message and tapDriveto insert a file from Google Drive. Format adds light text formatting options to your message (for example,bold,italics, andstrikethrough).
Tapping theMeet linkorCalendar invitebuttons creates an invite link for a meeting or a calendar event. Sending a message with the Meet integration creates a joinable meeting room. Use the Calendar integration to schedule a future meeting.
How to auto-delete chat history in Google Chat
You have the option to auto-delete chat history in Google Chat. You can use it for your personal chats, for group conversations, and in spaces. Here’s what you’ll do.
From now on, sent messages are deleted within 24 hours. The option doesn’t affect your current chat history. It only impacts your newly sent or received messages. Everyone in the group can see the history tweaks in the conversation.
How to pin important conversations in Google Chat
Keeping track of important messages is difficult when you communicate with several chats and group conversations. Pin important chats at the top for easy access. Long tap a conversation and selectPin. Google Chat keeps such conversations under thePinnedmenu.
How to save important messages in Google Chat
You don’t need to pin an entire conversation if you only want to keep track of a few messages. Star such messages and check them later. The ability to star messages is available only on the desktop.
How to edit messages in Google Chat
Did you make a typo in a conversation? Instead of deleting a message, edit it to fix embarrassing errors. Unlike other messaging apps, there isn’t a time limit for editing messages. You can edit a six-month-old message. Let’s take the web app, for example.
Use Google Chat to message anyone
Google Chat’s productivity features are lightweight compared to Slack or Microsoft Teams but are more than adequate for small teams. If you manage several people or multiple projects, you may want to use one of those services instead.
Google Chat is a great tool to ensure collaborative projects remain productive. When it comes to personal use, we recommend thesegreat productivity apps.
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