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How to Start a Chat Session in Gmail

Use Google Hangouts to send instant messages right from your Gmail screen

By Heinz Tschabitscher Heinz Tschabitscher Writer University of Vienna A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 13, 2022 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Email Gmail Yahoo! Mail

What to Know

In lower-left corner, find Hangouts > select plus (+) to add contact > search for contact with name, email, or phone.Next, hover over contact > select Chat icon to start or open a text chat.Next, select video camera to make a video call or person with plus (+) to make a group Hangout.
This article explains how to start a chat session in Gmail using Google Hangouts. Google Hangouts has been discontinued, so some features are no longer supported and have been moved to Google Meet and Google Chat.

Start a Hangouts Chat in Gmail

Follow these steps to initiate a Google Hangouts chat session. Find Hangouts in the lower-left section of your Gmail inbox screen. You'll see any current Hangouts contacts listed below your name. To add a contact, select the plus sign (+). Use the search bar to look for someone. Choose a contact who's already using Hangouts, or send an invitation to chat with someone who's not currently using it. To send a chat, hover your cursor over a contact and select Chat (quote bubble icon). A new chatbox appears in the bottom-right corner of Gmail. Type your message into the text field and press Enter on your keyboard to send it. Your message appears in the window. When your contact responds, their messages appear in the window as well, similar to a text conversation. Use the controls to pop the window out (arrow), start a video call (video camera), or create a group Hangout (person with plus-sign). When finished, close the window by selecting X. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Use Google Chat How to Make Voice and Video Calls in Gmail How to Set up and Use the Google Duo Chat App How to Use Google Hangouts on a Smartphone What Is Google Chat? How to Send Email to Undisclosed Recipients From Gmail Can You Get FaceTime for Windows and PCs? How to Find Out Who (or What) Is Accessing Your Gmail How to Create a Gmail Alias How to Forward Windows Live Hotmail to Gmail How to Use Google Duo on the Web How to Make Free Phone Calls With Google Hangouts How to Email Undisclosed Recipients in iPhone Mail How to Make a Call From the Gmail App What Is Google Hangouts? How to Download Gmail Chat Logs via IMAP Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies