How to join a Google Hangout on your computer or mobile device

Google Hangout is a digital communication tool developed by Google that allows a group of people to come together to have a conversation and "hang out" together virtually.

While the software has gained popularity in the business and education world for its functionality when working remotely, the original Google Hangouts will be phased out during the summer of 2020, replaced by Hangouts Chat and Meet, which have similar albeit improved functions, and some costs.

There are several ways you can join a Google Hangout session with the easiest through an invitation link. Here's how to join a Google Hangout. 

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How to join a Google Hangout through an invitation 

1. Click on the invite link someone has sent you and you will be able to go straight to your Hangout session.

• Or you can also go to https://hangouts.google.com, click the three dots on the left side of the screen, and then click "Invites."

2. Once you click through to a meeting, you are placed in a virtual waiting room; hit the "Join" button to enter the video chat.

How to join a Google Hangout by starting a new session on a computer

1. Go to https://hangouts.google.com.

2. Click on "VIDEO CALL" or "PHONE CALL." 

3. Click "Join or start a meeting."

4. Enter the name you desire for the meeting and click "Continue."

5. Click "Allow" or "Don't allow" depending on whether you want to give permission to Meet to use your camera and microphone. 

6. Select "Join now" and on the pop-up window, you can start adding people to the meeting by clicking "Add people."

7. Enter the name or the email of the people you want to invite to the conversation and then click "Send invite."

Your invitees will be able to join the Hangout session by clicking on the link they receive in the email. 

How to join a Google Hangout by starting a new session on a mobile device

1. Open the Hangouts app on your iPhone or Android. 

2. Tap "Add" at the bottom of your screen. If you are using an Android, click "New Conversation."

3. Enter the potential guests' name and your message that goes along with the invitation. 

4. Tap "Send."

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to schedule a Google Hangout using Google Calendar

• How to record a Google Hangouts session to watch it later or share it with others

• How to set up and use Google Hangouts, Google's free phone call and video chat service, on desktop or mobile

• How to use Google Hangouts on your iPhone to start calls and messages, including group conversations

• How to share your screen on Google Hangouts, and make your next meeting more efficient