Google Hangout is a digital communication tool created by Google that allows a group of people to virtually “hang out” together and have a chat.
The original Google Hangouts will be phased down in the summer of 2020, replaced with Hangouts Chat and Meet, which offer similar but enhanced services and some prices.
You can join a Google Hangout session in a variety of methods, the simplest of which is through an invitation link. Here’s how you can participate in a Google Hangout.
- The easiest way to join a Google Hangout is simply to accept an invite from someone else, which will bring you right into the video chat.
- You can also start a Google Hangout any time using your computer or the Hangouts app on your mobile device.
How to join a Google Hangout through an invitation
1. Click on the invite link someone has sent you and you will be able to go straight to your Hangout session. Or you can also go to https://hangouts.google.com, click the three dots on the left side of the screen, and then click “Invites.”
2. Once you click through to a meeting, you are placed in a virtual waiting room; hit the “Join” button to enter the video chat.
How to join a Google Hangout by starting a new session on a computer
1. Go to https://hangouts.google.com.
2. Click on “VIDEO CALL” or “PHONE CALL.”
3. Click “Join or start a meeting.”
4. Enter the name you desire for the meeting and click “Continue.”
5. Click “Allow” or “Don’t allow” depending on whether you want to give permission to Meet to use your camera and microphone.
6. Select “Join now” and on the pop-up window, you can start adding people to the meeting by clicking “Add people.”
7. Enter the name or the email of the people you want to invite to the conversation and then click “Send invite.”
By clicking the link in the email, your invitees will be able to join the Hangout session.
How to join a Google Hangout by starting a new session on a mobile device
1. Open the Hangouts app on your iPhone or Android.
2. Tap “Add” at the bottom of your screen. If you are using an Android, click “New Conversation.”
3. Enter the potential guests’ name and your message that goes along with the invitation.
4. Tap “Send.”