Google Hangouts has been upgraded to Google Chat. Learn about the switch from Google Hangouts to Google Chat.

Get started with Google Chat

Use Google Chat to message a person or group:

Sign in to Google Chat

  1. In the Google Play store, download Google Chat or the Gmail app.
  2. Open the app.
  3. If prompted, sign in to your Google Account to send and receive messages.
Tip: Learn how to turn on Google Chat in Gmail.

Understand Google Chat symbols

Symbol Description Learn more
Add a Drive file Attach a file to a message
"" Send feedback
Add event Schedule a meeting Schedule & share a Google Calendar meeting
"" Search for people, words, or spaces Search chat messages
Gallery Select a photo to send Attach a file to a message
Start a video meeting Start a video meeting Start a video meeting
"" Take a photo to send
Add View more compose options
"" Add formatting to text Add formatting to your Google Chat messages
Send a GIF
Report a specific message Report messages in Chat

Change your profile photo or name

Profile photo

Google Chat displays your Google Account's profile photo. If you update your photo for Chat, it's updated for other Google services. Add or change your profile photo.

Profile name

Google Chat displays the name on your Google Account. Change your profile name.

Tip: To change your name on a work or school account, contact your administrator. Who is my administrator?


Google, Google Workspace, and related marks and logos are trademarks of Google LLC. All other company and product names are trademarks of the companies with which they are associated.

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