How to Set Up Google Chat
Setting up Google Chat is as simple as logging in to the service or app with your Google account. While there are apps for Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS, you can use Google Chat in a web browser without installing any software. Using it in a web browser is identical to the desktop app. Android and iOS users must download the Google Chat app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Once installed, users should open the app and log in with a Google account.
How to Send a Message on Google Chat for PC or Mac
You can use Google Chat in a browser or the dedicated app. The steps below apply to both the web app and desktop app on Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS. You can also use the steps above to start a group message or create a space. After selecting the + icon, choose Start group conversation or Create space instead of searching for a contact. Google Chat has a chronological history of recent Chat conversations on app’s left sidebar. Use this to quickly open any recent Chat conversation.
How to Send a Message in Google Chat for Android or iOS
The steps below apply to the Google Chat app on Android and iOS devices.
Google Chat vs. Google Hangouts
Google released a web messaging service called Hangouts in 2013. Hangouts supported a variety of web messaging features, plus video conferencing, SMS/MMS texting, and even phone calls (in some situations). Hangouts is now discontinued. Google Chat is a continuation of Hangout’s web messaging features. Your past Hangouts message history will automatically appear in Chat. However, Chat lacks some features, such as video conferencing, SMS/MMS texting, and phone calls, that were supported in Hangouts, although you can still use Google Voice and Google Meet for those.
What Are Spaces, and How Are They Different from Chat?
Google Chat supports two forms of messaging: direct messages and Spaces. Direct messages are person-to-person web messaging, similar to messaging apps like iMessage or WeChat. Messages are shared only with the contacts you include in the message. Spaces function more like a chat and productivity service like Slack or Microsoft Teams. Users can join or leave without changing the history of messages shown. Spaces supports threaded conversations, shared files, and tasks. You can start a Google Space by selecting Create Space instead of searching for a contact. Alternatively, you can view, start, and join Spaces by tapping the Spaces icon (which looks like a group of people) at the bottom of the app.
