Tech Reference

How to chat in Google Meet on a computer or mobile device, and communicate with meeting members using the messaging feature

Person sitting at laptop working and videochatting
Google Meet's chat feature lets you shares links and messages with video call participants without saying a word aloud. Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images
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We've all had that moment where we're stuck in a meeting and have something of utmost importance to share. But alas, it isn't our turn to speak. With Google Meet's chat function, you no longer need to wait your turn to share your thoughts and comments with everyone. 

Whether you use the tool to abide by office etiquette or just because you're a naturally quiet person, it's important to note that whatever you post in the chat will be visible to everyone in the meeting. At present, there is no way to have a private conversation inside the Meet chat. 

If there's something you want to share with the group to discuss later, without having to unmute yourself, or that you can wait for someone to address later in the meeting, the chat feature is probably useful for you. 

Here's how to chat in Google Meet on your desktop and mobile device.

How to chat in Google Meet on a desktop computer

1. Join the Google Meeting. 

2. Locate the small speech bubble icon in the upper right corner of the screen and click on it.

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When you hover your cursor over the correct icon, the text "Chat with everyone" will appear.  Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

3. A chat window will open. Type messages to other members of the meeting here by clicking the message field box and type the message you want to send. 

4. When you are finished, click on the arrow icon to the message field's right. 

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This is the chat tool's send button, so don't hit it before you're done composing your message.  Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

5. Your message will now be visible to all members of the meeting. Other members will be able to respond to your messages as well. 

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Your messages will be displayed with your name and a timestamp.  Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

How to chat in Google Meet on a mobile device

1. Join the Google Meeting. 

2. Tap on the icon featuring three vertical dots. 

3. When the sub-menu opens, select "In call messages." 

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This option is in the top left corner of the Google Meet settings menu.  Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

4. Tap the message field and begin typing the message you want to send. 

5. When you are finished, tap on the arrow icon to the right of the message field. 

how to chat in google meet
Your message will become visible to everyone in the meeting as a temporary pop-up notification on their screen.  Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

6. To close out of the chat window, tap on the x in the screen's upper left corner.

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This will remove the chatbox from your phone screen.  Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

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Chrissy Montelli is a writer and content creator originally from Long Island, NY. She is the author of two poetry chapbooks, Heart Float (Bottlecap Press) and Going to Ithaca (Ghost City Press), as well as various online publications. Read more from her at chrissymontelli.wordpress.com.