Google shut down the Electron-based Google Chat app in March 2021. You can use the Google Chat progressive web app (PWA) in its place. The PWA offers a faster and more secure experience with better capability and reliability. The PWA automatically updates as long as you keep up with Google Chrome updates.
The PWA is supported with Chrome version 73 or up on:
- Windows
- macOS
- Chrome OS
- Linux
Before you begin
To install the Chat PWA standalone app, make sure that:
- Your device is running Google Chrome 73 or up.
- Chrome doesn’t need to be your default browser, but it does need to be open to use the Chat standalone app.
- You can install Chrome extensions and apps on your computer.
- If you can't complete the installation and you use a work or school account, contact your Google Workspace administrator.
Install the standalone app on your computer
- Sign in to chat.google.com.
- To install the app on your computer, try one of these methods:
- If the app isn't already installed, a pop-up window opens to download the app.
- Tip: This pop-up window might appear shortly after you first use Google Chat.
- At the top right of Google Chrome, in the URL bar, click Install
Install.
- At the top right of Google Chrome, click Customise and control Google Chrome
- If the app isn't already installed, a pop-up window opens to download the app.
Install.Tips
- If you already created a Google Chrome shortcut to chat.google.com, the standalone app automatically installs. You won't have the option to manually install the app.
- To open the app from Google Chrome, in the address bar, enter chrome://apps and click Google Chat.
- On a Chromebook, you can find the app from the Launcher
.
.Uninstall the old Chat app
Uninstall the Electron-based Google Chat app on your Mac- Open Finder.
- Click Applications.
- Drag Chat
into Bin.
- At the top left, click Finder
Empty Bin.
Empty Bin.For Windows 10:
- At the bottom left-hand side of your screen, click Start.
- Click Settings