Using Google Chat / Spaces

In this article we will go over Using googles built in messaging system called Google Chat and Spaces. This is a great tool to keep in touch with team members while working remote. Below we will go through the steps of using this product and some of the key features.

First off there are a couple different ways to access this feature. Through Email, Via an app installed on your desktop, and an app on your phone.

The desktop app is definitely the most recommended option as you can keep it open in a complete separate window and easily pull it up to chat, minimize it, have it on your taskbar, or keep it up on your screen in small window.

Install the standalone app on your computer

  1. Sign in to chat.google.com.
  2. To install the app on your computer, try one of these methods:
    • If the app isn't already installed, a pop-up window opens to download the app.
      • Tip: This pop-up window might appear shortly after you first use Google Chat.
    • At the top right of Google Chrome, in the URL bar, click Install and then Install.
    • At the top right of Google Chrome, click Customize and control Google Chrome and then Install Google Chat.

      3. This will add the following shortcut to your desktop. When clicking on this shortcut it will open you into the chat window where you can access your                   chats with individuals along with you spaces.

Using the app in browser/Email.

To access the app from your browser do the following.

1. Sign into your email and select the google apps button in the top right corner.

2. Scroll down till you see the Chat app and click on it to open the chat window in a new browser. 

Installing the chat app on your mobile device.

This installs just like every other app on your phone. 

To get this app on your Iphone:

1. go to the app store :

2. search for google chat and select get next to the app.

3. Open the app and select the your work email in order to open up the chats and spaces you already a part of. The chats and spaces sync on all devices so you will always have your conversations the same across platforms.

To get this app on your Android:

1. go the the play store:

2. search for the google chat app and select install.

3. Open the app and select the your work email in order to open up the chats and sessions you already have going. The chats and spaces sync on all devices so you will always have you conversations the same across platforms.

Using google chat and sessions.

Create a new space

  1. Go to Google Chat or Gmail.
  2. Under "Spaces," click Create or find a space .
    • If you're using Chat in Gmail, click New space.
  3. Click Create a space.
  4. Enter a space name.
    • To add a space avatar, click Choose an emoji and then select an emoji. If you don't select an emoji, a default letter avatar is used instead.
    • Enter an optional description for the space.
  5. You can also:
    • Enter the name or email of the people you want to add.
    • Pick from the list of suggested contacts.
  6. Choose an access level for your organization:
    • Restricted: Only directly added and invited users have access to the space. To make your space discoverable, select “All of your organization.”
    • All of your organization: All members in your organization have access to the space and can join if they have the space’s link. Learn more about creating a discoverable space.
      • Important: If you have a work or school account with Google, you may have additional target audience options created by your administrator. If you have questions about the audience options available, reach out to your administrator.
  7. To invite external people into the space, check Allow people outside your organization to join.
    • Important: If you select “All of your organization” in step 6, you won’t be able to allow people outside of your organization to join the space.
  8. Click Create.

Manage your notifications

  1. Go to Google Chat or your Gmail account.
  2. Open settings:
    • In Chat: Click your status and then Chat notification settings or Settings Settings.
    • In Gmail: Click your status and then Chat notification settings.
  3. Under “Desktop” or “Desktop notifications,” select an option:
  • To play a sound for notifications, check the box next to “Play notification sounds.”
  • To turn email notifications for unread messages on or off, under “Email" or “Email notifications,” select Only @mentions & direct messages or Off.

Tip: Email reminders apply to messages that you haven't read after 12 hours.

Upload and share files

  1. Go to Google Chat or your Gmail account.
  2. Enter your message.
  3. Choose an option:
    • To attach a file from your computer, click Upload .
      • The file isn’t added to Google Drive. Other users get the file directly in the message.
    • To attach a Drive file, click Integration menu and then Drive .
      • When you send the file, you’re notified if someone needs access.
      • With edit access, you have an option to grant access.
      • If you grant access to a space, people who join the space later also have access.
      • If people leave the space, they lose access to the file unless they’re given access individually or through a group.
  4. Select the file you want to send.
  5. Click Send .

Search your messages

  1. Open Google Chat or the Chat desktop app .
  2. At the top right, click Search .
  3. On the left, select a space or click All spaces and direct messages.
  4. In the search box, enter search terms.
    Optional: To narrow your search, click people and content types, such as images or videos. 
  5. To open the result, click Go to thread.