Important: Google Chat is now available in early preview for personal Google Accounts on Android and desktop. When you turn on Google Chat in Gmail settings, you can test the experience and features. You may not be able to switch back to classic Hangouts in Gmail settings.
You can message a person or group in Google Chat the same way you do in classic Hangouts, but with enhanced features. Google Chat is available in Gmail. You can also use Google Chat on the web and on mobile with apps for Android, iOS, and desktop.
To help us improve, you can send feedback in Google Chat or in Gmail.
Tips:
- Your existing conversations in classic Hangouts are shown in Google Chat.
- You can use Google Chat to continue conversations with people who use classic Hangouts.
- New messages from users in classic Hangouts will also show up for you in Google Chat.
If you use a Google Workspace account for work or school, you may already use Google Chat. Do I have classic Hangouts or Google Chat?
Sign in to Google Chat
- In the Google Play store, download Google Chat or the Gmail app.
- Open the app.
- If prompted, sign in to your Google Account to send and receive messages.
Understand Google Chat symbols
| Symbol | Description | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Add a Drive file | Attach a file to a message | |
| Send feedback | — | |
 |
Schedule a meeting | Schedule & share a Google Calendar meeting |
| Search for people, words, or spaces | Search chat messages | |
 |
Select a photo to send | Attach a file to a message |
| Start a video meeting | Start a video meeting | |
| Take a photo to send | — | |
 |
View more compose options | — |
| Add formatting to text | Add formatting to your Google Chat messages |
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?
Send feedback in the Chat app
- Open the Google Chat app
.
- Go to the area in Chat that you have trouble with.
- At the top left, tap Menu
Send feedback.
- Enter your comments into the box.
Optional: If a screenshot would help explain your feedback to our support team, leave the box next to “Screenshot” checked. If you don’t want to include a screenshot, uncheck the box. - At the top right, tap Send
.
Send feedback.
.Tip: In your feedback, try to share as much detail about the problem or suggestion as you can.
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