How do I use Hangouts chat in Gmail?
John Hall
Updated on March 03, 2026
How do I use Hangouts chat in Gmail?
Start a conversation
- On your computer, go to hangouts.google.com or open Hangouts in Gmail. If you have the Hangouts Chrome extension, Hangouts will open in a new window.
- At the top, click New conversation .
- Enter and select a name or email address.
- Type your message.
- On your keyboard, press Enter.
Is Gmail chat the same as Hangouts?
Hangouts (sometimes referred to as classic Hangouts), has evolved into 2 premium products: Google Chat for messaging. Google Meet for video and audio meetings.
Is Gmail hangout safe?
The answer to the question is Google hangouts safe? YES, Google hangouts entirely safe to use. Google hangouts encrypt all the information, including conversation, chat, and every bit of your data, to maintain safety and privacy. You are safe with all the available communication options on Google hangouts.
How do you make a chat on Gmail?
Send a message to a person:
- Go to Google Chat or your Gmail account.
- On the left, under “Chat,” click the name of the person you want to message. If you can’t find their name, click Start a chat . Enter a name or email address. Suggestions appear as you enter text.
- Enter a message.
- Click Send .
How do I switch from Hangouts to chat?
If you get a notification about Google Chat in the classic Hangouts app, tap it to switch to Google Chat. You’re logged out of classic Hangouts and directed to the Gmail or Chat app….Turn on Google Chat from Gmail
- Open the Gmail app .
- At the top left, tap Menu.
- Choose an account to opt in to Google Chat.
Are Google Hangouts free?
Google Hangouts. Hangouts brings conversations to life with photos, emoji, and even group video calls for free. * Say more with photos, videos, maps, emoji, stickers, and animated GIFs.Turn any conversation into a free group video call with up to 10 friends.
Is Hangouts shutting down in 2021?
In late 2021, classic Hangouts will stop working for enterprise Workspace customers and only Google Chat will be available. Google is now beginning that process of deprecating the Hangouts app and website for free personal accounts with a warning and sign out.
What is the difference between Google Hangouts and Hangouts Chat?
Hangouts can be found in the Gmail sidebar and at hangouts.google.com. Google Chat, previously called Google Hangouts Chat, is Google’s paid team chat service, provided as part of Google Workspace. If you use Gmail with a company email address, you’re already a paid Google Workspace user, meaning you can use Chat.
Do hackers use Hangouts?
Hackers have infiltrated Android phones through ‘Hangouts’ app and other video messages. Keep in mind that even though Hangouts has been primarily exposed due to this autosave feature, your phone can also receive a normal MMS message that contains malware, which will come from an anonymous number.
Can I get hacked through Hangouts?
Google researchers also confirmed that information stored on Gmail, and Google Hangouts had been made available to hackers because of the iOS vulnerability. Because of the malware’s deep level of access, it has been able to access sensitive information such as messages before they were encrypted.
How do I switch from Hangouts to Chat?
Does Google have live chat?
You can use your Google account to both create a new account in LiveChat, as well as to log in. This will save you the need to remember yet another password and will allow you to easily access your LiveChat. You can also use Google’s 2-step verification to increase the security of your LiveChat.