How to activate and use Google Chat in Gmail on smartphone

How to use the new Google Chat feature in the Gmail app? The Mountain View firm has launched early access to the latter, which allows you to use your email address to create a chat room and chat with your contacts. We explain how to activate this option on your smartphone.

It’s been some time now that Google seeks to separate from Hangouts, his chat solution. In early 2020, Google Meet replaced Hangouts Meet, to the point of establishing itself as one of the benchmarks for videoconferencing applications during the various confinements. A few months ago, we learned that Google will force its users to migrate to Chat during the year 2021.

The transition is now about to begin. Google Chat is now available for early access for all users of the smartphone application. You can activate it to test it with your contacts before the official deployment of the feature. So you can use your email address to chat directly with other people.

On the same topic: Gmail – a small interface change that makes life easier

How to activate Google Chat in Gmail

You can already access Google Chat in your Gmail app. Here’s how to do it:

• Open the app Gmail
• Click on the side menu at the top left of the screen
• Go to Settings
• Select email address desired
• In the tab General, Check the box Chat (early access)
• Click on Try

You can now try the Chat feature. A bar appears at the bottom of the screen with a tab Cat, Living room and Meet. The Chat tab allows you to create a room, browse those to which you have been invited and manage the invitations received.

If the option does not appear in your settings, it is surely enough to update your application. Here’s how to do it:

• Open the app Play store
• In the side menu, click My games and apps
• Go to the section Updates then Waiting
• If Gmail is not up to date, the app will appear on the screen. Click on Update

All you have to do is take advantage of this new functionality with your contacts. Google has yet to specify an official rollout date, but Early Access says the firm is planning to do so. in the coming months. In the meantime, some bugs may still be present, and the final version may be different from the current version.