Send a chat message in Gmail

You can message someone through:

• A personal Gmail account
• A Google Workspace account used at work or school, if their organization allows it
• Chat

You can send a direct message to someone outside your organization, but you can't include external people in an internal group message. A badge by a person’s name shows they're outside your organization.

To message back, the recipient must first accept your request.

Important: Your child can use Chat in the Gmail app, or in the web version of Gmail, even if the Chat app is blocked. Learn how to manage your child's Google Account.

Important: To send someone a direct message, they must have a personal, work, or school account. If they don't, learn how to create a Google account.

1. Open the Gmail app .
2. At the bottom, tap Chats.
3. Tap New Chat.
4. Enter a name, email address, or select someone suggested from your organization.
   To message someone outside your organization, enter their full email address.
5. To message two or more people, tap Group Message.
6. Create your message. It can include any text or link.
7. Tap Send. 

Add or remove people in a group message

To add or remove someone in a chat, you must start a new group message with a modified roster.  

1. Open the Gmail app .
2. At the bottom, tap Chats.
3. Select a message.
4. At the top, tap the name of the direct message.
5. Tap Start a new chat. 
6. Add or remove people from the message.
7. Tap Create.

Tip: Once you create a group chat, you can convert it into a space. Learn more about how to create and manage spaces.