What is Google Chat and who is it for?

Google Chat is Google's business messaging app and part of Google Workspace. It replaces the older Google Hangouts and is designed for team communication and collaboration. If you have a Gmail account, you automatically have access to Google Chat, which makes it easy to get started.

Google Chat integrates seamlessly with other Google services such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs and Google Meet. That makes it especially well suited for teams and organizations that already use the Google ecosystem.

Getting access to Google Chat

There are several ways to use Google Chat, depending on your preference.

Google Chat in Gmail

The easiest way is through your Gmail inbox:

  1. Go to gmail.com and sign in
  2. Look for "Chat" and "Spaces" in the left sidebar
  3. Click a chat or space to get started

Google Chat as a separate app

  1. Go to chat.google.com
  2. Sign in with your Google account
  3. You now have the full Chat interface

Installing the mobile app

  1. Open the App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android)
  2. Search for "Google Chat"
  3. Install the official app from Google
  4. Sign in with your Google account

Installing the desktop app

Google Chat can be installed as a Progressive Web App (PWA):

  1. Go to chat.google.com in Chrome
  2. Click the install icon in the address bar
  3. Or open the menu (three dots) > "Install Google Chat"
  4. The app now appears in your Start menu

Starting a conversation

Google Chat distinguishes between direct messages and Spaces for group collaboration.

Sending a direct message

  1. Click the plus icon next to "Chat" in the sidebar
  2. Select "Start a chat"
  3. Type the person's name or email address
  4. Select the right person from the suggestions
  5. Type your message in the text field at the bottom
  6. Press Enter or click the send icon

Creating a group conversation

  1. Click the plus icon next to "Chat"
  2. Select "Start group conversation"
  3. Add several people
  4. Click the check mark or press Enter
  5. Start chatting

Sending messages

Sending messages is simple:

  • Type your message in the text field
  • Press Enter to send
  • Use Shift+Enter for a new line
  • Click the emoji button for emoticons
  • Use the paperclip icon for attachments

Working with Spaces

Spaces are shared workspaces for teams and projects, similar to Slack channels or Microsoft Teams channels.

What are Spaces?

Spaces offer more than regular group chats:

  • Permanent workspaces for teams or projects
  • Shared file library
  • Conversation threads for organized discussions
  • Integration with Google apps
  • Tasks and to-do lists

Creating a Space

  1. Click the plus icon next to "Spaces"
  2. Select "Create a space"
  3. Enter a name for the Space
  4. Add a description and an emoji (optional)
  5. Add members or make the Space discoverable
  6. Click "Create"

Joining a Space

  1. Click the plus icon next to "Spaces"
  2. Select "Browse spaces"
  3. Browse the available Spaces or search
  4. Click "Join" next to the Space you want

Using threads in Spaces

Keep conversations organized with threads:

  1. Click "Reply in thread" below a message
  2. Type your reply
  3. The thread keeps related messages together

Sharing files and collaborating

Google Chat integrates seamlessly with Google Drive for file sharing.

Sharing a file

  1. Click the Drive icon in the message field
  2. Select a file from your Drive
  3. Or upload a new file with the upload icon
  4. Adjust the sharing permissions if needed
  5. Send the message

Creating a Google Doc from Chat

  1. Click the plus icon in the message field
  2. Select "Google Docs" (or Sheets, Slides)
  3. Choose a template or start blank
  4. The document is automatically shared with the chat participants

Viewing shared files

In Spaces you'll find all shared files in one central place:

  1. Open the Space
  2. Click the "Files" tab at the top
  3. View and open shared documents

Video calls with Google Meet

From any chat you can start a video call right away with Google Meet.

Starting a video call

  1. Open a chat or Space
  2. Click the Meet icon (camera) in the message field
  3. Click "Start video call"
  4. Or send a Meet link to meet later

Scheduling a meeting

  1. Click the Meet icon
  2. Select "Schedule meeting"
  3. Google Calendar opens
  4. Fill in the details and invite participants
  5. The meeting link is shared automatically

Handy features in Google Chat

Google Chat has a range of features that boost your productivity.

@Mentions

Make sure the right people see your message:

  • @name: Tag a specific person
  • @all: Notify everyone in the Space

Emoji reactions

  1. Hover over a message
  2. Click the emoji icon
  3. Select a reaction

Editing or deleting messages

  1. Hover over your own message
  2. Click the three dots
  3. Choose "Edit" or "Delete"

Pinning messages

In Spaces you can pin important messages:

  1. Hover over the message
  2. Click the three dots
  3. Select "Pin"
  4. The message stays visible at the top

Searching in chats

  1. Click the search bar at the top
  2. Type your search term
  3. Filter by chats, Spaces or files

Managing tasks in Spaces

Spaces have a built-in task feature for project management.

Creating a task

  1. Open a Space
  2. Click the "Tasks" tab at the top
  3. Click "Add task"
  4. Enter the task title
  5. Add details, a deadline and an assignee
  6. Click "Add"

Tasks from messages

  1. Hover over a message
  2. Click the three dots
  3. Select "Add task"
  4. The message text becomes the task title

Setting up notifications

Manage your notifications to avoid distractions.

General notification settings

  1. Click the gear icon (Settings)
  2. Go to "Notifications"
  3. Choose when you want to receive notifications
  4. Set your sound settings

Adjusting notifications per Space

  1. Open the Space
  2. Click the Space name at the top
  3. Select "Notifications"
  4. Choose "All", "@mentions" or "Off"

Turning on Do not disturb

  1. Click your profile picture
  2. Select "Do not disturb"
  3. Choose the duration

Google Chat versus other apps

How does Google Chat compare to alternatives?

  • versus Slack: Chat is simpler but less extensive. Ideal if you already use Google Workspace.
  • versus Microsoft Teams: Chat integrates with Google apps the way Teams integrates with Microsoft apps. Choose based on your ecosystem.
  • versus WhatsApp: Chat is more business-oriented and offers more collaboration features, but lacks WhatsApp's large consumer base.

Google Chat is a solid choice for teams that already work with Gmail and Google Drive. The seamless integration makes collaboration easy without switching between apps.

Frequently asked questions

Is Google Chat free to use?

Yes, Google Chat is available for free to anyone with a Google account. The basic features, such as chatting, group conversations and Spaces, are free. Business features such as advanced administration and more storage space are part of paid Google Workspace subscriptions.

What is the difference between Google Chat and Google Hangouts?

Google Chat is the successor to Google Hangouts. Hangouts is no longer supported and users have been migrated to Chat. Google Chat offers more business features, such as Spaces, task management and better integration with Google Workspace apps.

Can I use Google Chat without Gmail?

You need a Google account, but you don't have to actively use Gmail. You can use Google Chat as a separate app or at chat.google.com. The integration with Gmail is optional and you can change it in your Gmail settings.

How can I export or back up my chats?

Google Chat conversations are automatically saved in your Google account. With Google Takeout (takeout.google.com) you can export your entire chat history as a backup. Select 'Google Chat' in the list of products and download your data.

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