How do I use Google Chat?

Google Chat is a feature of G Suite that lets you chat with other G Suite users. It also has other features, most notably Rooms, that can only be accessed from the Chat web, desktop, and mobile clients.

Web, Desktop, and Mobile Clients

To access Chat in the web client, navigate to chat.google.com.

You can download both the desktop and mobile client at chat.google.com/download.

Windows and macOS
  1. Run the file and follow installation steps.
  2. If it doesn't open after installing, open the app.
  3. It may show up on your desktop.
  4. Click open.
  5. Enter your ACU email.
  6. This will redirect you to ACU's Single Sign-On (SSO).
  7. Sign in with your ACU credentials.
  8. Click Allow.
  9. Close your browser.
Android and iOS
  1. Use the link above, or launch the Play Store or App Store and search for "Chat."
  2. Install the app.
  3. Launch the app.
    • If you see a message saying "You don't have access to chat," tap SWITCH ACCOUNT.
  4. Select your ACU email account and follow any prompts.

Rooms

Create a room in Chat for conversations where people can come and go. Rooms are typically used for ongoing, long-term chats. To help you determine if you'd rather use a room or group message you can refer to Google's Chat Help page. 

Creating a Room

Web/Desktop
  1. Click on the search bar in the top left.
  2. Click Create room.
  3. Enter a name for the room and click Create.
  4. Click Add people & bots.
  5. Enter the names or emails of the people you want to invite.
  6. Click Send.
Mobile
  1. Go to the Rooms tab at the bottom.
  2. Tap the Plus.
  3. Tap Create room.
  4. Enter a name for the room and tap Done.
  5. Tap Add people & bots.
  6. Enter the names or emails of the people you want to invite.
  7. Tap done.

Join a Room

Web/Desktop
  1. Click on the search bar in the top left.
  2. Click Browse rooms.
  3. Choose which room to join.
  4. Click Add to join.
Mobile
  1. Go to the Rooms tab at the bottom.
  2. Tap the Plus -> Browse Rooms.
  3. Choose which room to join.
  4. Tap Add to join.

Leave a Room

If you leave a Room you can still rejoin.

Web/Dekstop
  1. Click the three-dot stack next to the room name.
  2. Click Leave.
Mobile
  1. Go to the Rooms Tab at the bottom.
  2. Tap the room you wish to leave.
  3. Tap the name of the room at the top.
  4. Tap Leave.
  5. Tap Leave Room.
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