Hangouts bring conversations to life with group chats and group video calls for free. Use Hangouts to keep in
touch with your co-writers, collaborators, and your creative community. As most computers have built-in
cameras, this option requires no extra equipment and can be a great way to stay connected from home.
GET STARTED WITH HANGOUTS
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If it’s your first time using Hangouts, you’ll need to create a Google Account. Please prepare in advance. If you have a Gmail
account, you already have a Google account and can use it for Hangouts.
You can use Hangouts to
• Start a chat conversation or video call. Video calls can include up to 10 people (Gmail, G Suite Basic) or 25 (Business,
Education). Conversations can include up to 150 people.
• Make phone calls using Wi-Fi or data
• Send text messages with your Google Voice or Google Fi phone number.
• Hangouts sync automatically across devices. If you start a Hangout on your computer, you can continue your chat on
another device, like your phone.
Requirements for using Hangouts:
• A Google Account.
• A computer or phone with a camera and microphone. Learn how to use your camera and microphone when you start a
video call for the first time.
• An internet or data connection.
• Hangouts works with the current version and one previous major release of the browsers listed below:
§ Google Chrome
§ Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE)
§ Safari
§ Firefox
§ On Internet Explorer and Safari, download and install the latest version of the Hangouts plugin.
• Hangouts works with the current version and 2 previous major releases of the operating systems listed below:
§ Mac OS X
§ Windows
§ Chrome
§ Ubuntu and other Debian-based Linux distribution
Please note: all content on Hangouts must adhere to Hangouts and Hangouts Chat acceptable use policy
Please also refer to Google’s Terms of Service for more information.
How To Sign In To Hangouts
• On your computer, go to hangouts.google.com or open Hangouts in Gmail.
• Enter your Google Account information.
• Click Sign in. In Gmail, on the left, click Sign in.
• To use Hangouts with multiple accounts at the same time, you can
§ Use a different browser for each account.
§ Set up a separate Chrome profile for each account.
§ You can switch between profiles in separate Chrome windows.
§ Install the Hangouts Chrome extension.
How To Start A Video Call In Hangouts
• Sign into your Google Account. If you have a Gmail account, you already have a Google account and can use it for
Hangouts.
• On your computer, go to hangouts.google.com
• Click Video Call
• Once the “Invite people” tab pops up, enter the email addresses of your desired recipients and click “invite.”
• Alternatively, click “copy link” to directly service a video call link to your collaborators.
• Remain in the open video window, and wait for your collaborators to join you there.
Please Note: The option to record a Hangout, and several other premium features, is available in G Suite, which is a
paid service.
How To Start A Group Conversation in Hangouts
• Sign into your Google Account
• Go to hangouts.google.com or open Hangouts in Gmail.
• Click New conversation and then New group.
• Enter or select the names, phone numbers, or email addresses of people you want to add.
• To start a group conversation click Message
Other Useful Resources:
• Make A Phone Call With Hangouts
• Create A Room
• Hangouts Help
Please note: all content on Hangouts must adhere to Hangouts and Hangouts Chat acceptable use policy
Please also refer to Google’s Terms of Service for more information.
