Use the Hangouts Chrome extension or app

On your computer, you can use the Hangouts Chrome extension or app to send messages, make video and phone calls, or share photos.

Download the Hangouts extension or app

  1. On your computer, download Hangouts on Chrome:
  2. Click Add to Chrome and then Add.
  3. The extension or app will automatically open.

If you have problems, visit the Chrome Web Store Help Center.

Open the Hangouts extension or app

Open the Hangouts extension

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click the Hangouts extension Hangouts extension.

Open the Hangouts app

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. On your Bookmarks bar, click Apps Apps. Or, in the address bar, go to chrome://apps.
  3. Click the Hangouts app .

Sign in and out

Sign in to multiple accounts

You can use Chrome profiles to sign in to multiple accounts and have more than one Hangouts extension or app open at the same time. Learn more about Chrome profiles.

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. Sign in to Chrome.
  3. Install the Chrome extension or Chrome desktop app.
  4. At the top right, click the button with your name, email, or People People.
  5. Click Switch Person or Add Person. Learn more about sharing Chrome with other people or multiple accounts.
  6. Complete installing the Chrome extension or Chrome desktop app.

Sign out

If you’re signed in to Hangouts on different devices, you’ll need to sign out everywhere.

  1. On your computer, open the Hangouts extension Hangouts extension or on your phone, the Hangouts app .
  2. At the top left, click Menu Menu.
  3. At the bottom, click Exit.

Start a conversation

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. Open the extension or app:
    • Extension: At the top right, click the Hangouts extension Hangouts extension.
    • App: On your Bookmarks bar, click Apps Apps. Or, in the address bar, go to chrome://apps. Click the Hangouts app .
  3. At the top left, click New conversation.
  4. Type a name or email address. Click their name.
  5. Type your message, then press Return or Enter on your keyboard.

Update the Hangouts extension or app

If you're not on the latest version of the Hangouts Chrome extension or app, update it to get the latest features and fix technical problems.

Before you update the extension or app, you need to have the latest version of Chrome. At the top right, click More More. If the icon is green, orange, or red, update Google Chrome.

Update the Hangouts extension

The extension should automatically update. If you need to update the extension yourself, you can remove it and then add it back.

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, right-click the Hangouts extension Hangouts extension.
  3. Click Remove from Chrome.
  4. Go to the Hangouts Chrome extension in the Chrome Web Store.
  5. Click Add to Chrome and then Add extension.
  6. The extension will automatically open.

Update the Hangouts app

The app should automatically update. If you need to update the app yourself, you can remove it and then add it back.

  1. Open Chrome
  2. On your Bookmarks bar, click Apps Apps. Or, in the address bar, go to chrome://apps.
  3. Right-click the Hangouts app .
  4. Click Remove from Chrome.
  5. Go to the Hangouts Chrome app in the Chrome Web Store.
  6. Click Add to Chrome and then Add app.
  7. The app will automatically open.

Brenna is a Hangouts expert and the author of this help page. Help her improve this article by leaving feedback below.

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