Where to Find Google Hangouts (Google Chat) in Gmail

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Google Hangouts is no more, but you can still chat in Gmail
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Are you looking for Hangouts in Gmail? Hangouts, the chat platform developed by Google, was discontinued in November of 2022. But don't worry, you can still chat in Gmail using Google Chat, a chat app with additional features like group chats (Spaces), mentions, apps, and more. Google Chat is available in Gmail (both in the mobile app and on Gmail.com), but you can also access it at chat.google.com. Read on to learn how to open Google Chat, formerly Google Hangouts, on your computer, Android, iPhone, or iPad.

Where is Google Hangouts in Gmail?

Google replaced Hangouts with Google Chat in 2022. Like Hangouts, you can access Google Chat in Gmail. In the mobile app , tap the chat bubble at the bottom of Gmail. On Gmail.com , the chat icon is on the left sidebar. If you don't see it, enable it in the "Chat and Meet" tab of your Gmail settings.

Section 1 of 3:

How to Open Google Chat on Mobile

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  1. In the Gmail app on your Android, iPhone, or iPad, just tap the chat bubble at the bottom to open Google Chat (formerly Hangouts). Here, you'll find all your chats–including old Hangouts–and the option to create new ones .
  2. If you don't see Google Chat, you need to enable it. Fortunately, enabling Google Chat is super easy on both Android and iOS:
    • Android
      • Tap the three-line menu ☰ at the top-left corner of Gmail.
      • Tap Settings at the bottom.
      • Select an account.
      • Under "General," enable "Show the chat and spaces tab" next to the "Chat" option. [1]
    • iPhone & iPad
      • Tap the three-line menu ☰ at the top-left corner of Gmail.
      • Tap Settings at the bottom.
      • Under "Apps in Gmail," tap Chat .
      • Tap the switch next to "Chat" to show the chat tab.
      • Tap Done.
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  3. You'll notice you have many more options than you did in Hangouts:
    • On the Home tab, you'll find a list of all your chats and Spaces (dedicated group chats) on one page.
    • On the Direct Message tab (the two overlapping chat bubbles), you'll see a list of private messages you've sent and received through Google Chat.
    • On the Sections tab (the two bars), you'll find all the Spaces you've joined or created, as well as Chat apps you've added.
    • The Mentions tab (the @ symbol) lists all your mentions (tags) from Spaces.
    • The Starred tab lists any messages you've starred.
  4. It's the chat bubble with a + symbol at the bottom-right corner of Google Chat. Here, you can search for the person you want to chat with and select them to start a conversation, or tap Create a space to create your own group chat.
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Section 2 of 3:

How to Open Google Chat on a Computer

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  1. If you're using Gmail on your PC, Mac, or Chromebook, you can access Google Chat (formerly Hangouts) in Gmail. This opens Google Chat.
  2. If you don't see Google Chat, you need to enable it. You can enable it easily in your settings. Here's how:
    • Click the gear icon at the top-right corner of your inbox.
    • Click See all settings .
    • Click the Chat and Meet tab.
    • Select Google Chat next to "Chat."
    • Click Save Changes . You should now see the chat icon in your left sidebar.
  3. When you're in Google Chat, you'll see a sidebar on the left with options like Home, Mentions, and Starred.
    • The Home tab contains a list of your chats (including any chats you had going in Hangouts) and Spaces (group chats).
    • The Mentions tab (the @ symbol) lists all your mentions (tags) from Spaces.
    • The Starred tab lists any messages you've starred.
    • No matter which tab you're in, you'll also see your direct messages in the left sidebar, and a list of Spaces you've joined or created.
  4. It's right above the shortcuts in the left sidebar. This gives you the option to search for a contact to chat with, create a Space (a group chat room), find apps to add to Google Chat, and more.
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Section 3 of 3:

Common Questions About Hangouts & Google Chat

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  1. 1
    What is Google Chat? Google Chat is a new and improved version of Google Hangouts, with added features like group chat rooms, direct messages, mentions, and more. You can access Google Chat through Gmail or by going to chat.google.com in a web browser.
  2. 2
    Does Gmail still have Hangouts? Hangouts went away in November 2022, but Google Chat offers many of the same features.
  3. 3
    How do I find my Hangouts in Gmail? Like email in Gmail, your old Hangouts conversations can be found in your archive. You can search for them using the search bar, or just tap the chat icon in Gmail to open Google Chat and scroll through your chat list–it includes your Hangouts conversations.
  4. 4
    How do I enable Google Chat on my phone? You can enable it in the Gmail app. Tap the three-line menu and select Settings . On Android, select an account, then turn on "Show the chat and spaces tab." On iPhone or iPad, tap Chat , then toggle on the "Chat" switch.
  5. 5
    How do I call in Google Chat? You can call someone from Google Chat from a direct message. Just open Google Chat and click or tap the Direct Messages tab (the two overlapping chat bubble icons) to view your DMs, then select the conversation with the person you want to call. Tap the video camera icon at the top-right to open the Call menu, and select either Chat audio or Chat video to place your call. [3]
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Related wikiHows

  • Send a Google Hangouts Invite
  • Chat in Google Hangouts
  • Use Google Hangouts
  • Share Your Status on Google Hangouts

References

  1. ↑ https://support.google.com/chat/answer/9341104?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Android&oco=0
  2. ↑ https://support.google.com/marketplace/answer/6067029
  3. ↑ https://support.google.com/chat/answer/7653283?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=iOS&oco=0

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