How to Use Google Hangouts on a Smartphone GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > Google Apps 114 114 people found this article helpful

How to Use Google Hangouts on a Smartphone

Make voice and video calls and send messages

By Nadeem Unuth Nadeem Unuth Freelance Contributor University of Mauritius Nadeem Unuth is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire who specializes in information and communication technology with a focus on VoIP. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 23, 2021 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 Google Apps Docs Sheets Slides The Google Hangouts chat service is being phased out in favor of Google Chat, which is also integrated into the Google Workspace framework that's free to all users with Google account. Chats will fully replace Hangouts by the end of 2021, so be sure to migrate your Hangouts data. The information here applies to users who are still working with Hangouts. The Google Hangouts app is available for iOS and Android smartphones and mobile devices. It's easy to install and use for free voice and video calling and video conferencing. It's available for Windows and Mac desktop and laptop computers as well, so it synchronizes across all your devices. You can even use Hangouts for texting.

What You Need For Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts runs on all modern iOS and Android smartphones. Download For: iOS Android You need an internet connection on your device. The video call feature requires a speed of at least 1 Mbps for a one-to-one conversation. Be sure, too, that your phone has a great camera so others can see you clearly. Expert Tested: The 9 Best Smartphone Cameras of 2022 You can use a cellular connection. However, you can run up data charges if you don't have an unlimited data plan on your smartphone.

Using the Hangouts App

After you download the Hangouts app, log in to your Google account to use the app at any time without logging in again. Starting a Hangout is easy: Open the app and tap +. Select New Video Call to initiate a one-to-one or group video call, or select New Conversation to start a chat. Select the contacts you want to invite to your Hangout. If your contacts are sorted into groups, you can choose a group.

About Google Hangouts

Hangouts replaced Google Talk, integrating with Google Voice in an interface that's accessible from Gmail on computers and tablets, and through dedicated apps on smartphones. Unlike the Apple Messages app, Hangouts is platform-agnostic and is supported by most devices. Fans of the smartphone app particularly appreciate its ability to provide voice and video calling free of charge. For these reasons, Google Hangouts has been popular, particularly among users who are part of the Google ecosystem, with their contacts and email addresses set up in Gmail.

Goodbye Hangouts

Google is replacing Hangouts with Google Chat, which is tied to Google Workspace for businesses and consumers. When you enable Chat in your Gmail settings, you'll immediately enter the Google Workspace integrated framework of email, cloud storage, productivity software, calendars, and more. Once you're using Google Workspace, Chat will act as a Google Workspace hub; for example, if you start a chat "Room" to collaborate with others, you can share a Google Doc or other product via Chat, and your collaborators can immediately access it. 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 Start a Chat Session in Gmail How to Use Google Duo on the Web What Is Google Chat? Can You Get FaceTime for Windows and PCs? How to Set up and Use the Google Duo Chat App What Is Google Hangouts? How to Save Your Google Hangouts and Gmail Chat History How to Make Free Phone Calls With Google Hangouts How to Make WhatsApp Calls on a PC or Mac The 5 Best Message Apps for Android Is Google Hangouts Down... Or Is It Just You? What Is Google Workspace (Formerly G Suite) How to Schedule a Google Meet How to Make a Call From the Gmail App 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