Google Chat is an essential tool for communication, giving you the ability to send instant messages to your contacts directly from your Gmail inbox. If you’re unsure of how to use this feature, we’re here to guide you through the process. Let’s dive right in!
Step 1: Open Your Gmail Account
Firstly, navigate to the Gmail homepage. You can do this by typing ‘www.gmail.com’ into your web browser’s address bar. Once you’re on the Gmail homepage, sign in with your Google account credentials.
Step 2: Activate Google Chat
Once you’re signed in, look to the left-hand panel of your Gmail interface. Below the ‘Inbox’, ‘Sent’, and ‘Drafts’ labels, you’ll find a section titled ‘Chat’. If you can’t see this, go to the main Gmail settings (click on the cog icon on the top right) and under the ‘Chat and Meet’ section, select ‘Google Chat (Early Access)’ and save changes.
Step 3: Start a Chat
Now you’re ready to start a Google Chat. In the ‘Chat’ section, click on the plus (+) icon. This will open a new window where you can search for the contact you wish to chat with. Simply type in their name or email address and click on their name when it appears.
Step 4: Start Messaging
Once you’ve selected the contact, a chat window will appear at the bottom right of your Gmail interface. Here, you can type your message in the text box and press Enter to send it. If you wish to send an emoji, click on the emoji icon on the right side of the text box and choose one from the menu.
Step 5: Close the Chat
When you’re done with your conversation, you can close the chat window by clicking on the ‘x’ at the top right of the chat window. Don’t worry, your chat history will be saved, and you can always continue the conversation later by clicking on the contact’s name in the ‘Chat’ section.
Conclusion
Google Chat in Gmail is a convenient way to send quick messages, without needing to switch between different apps or tabs. Now that you know how to use this feature, communicating with your contacts couldn’t be easier!
