Learning how to use Google Meet gives you a free, browser-based way to hold video calls with friends, family, coworkers, or clients without installing anything on a computer. Google Meet is built into your Google account, so if you already use Gmail you are ready to go. It works in any modern web browser on desktop and through a dedicated app on iPhone and Android, and it handles everything from a quick one-on-one chat to a group call with up to 100 people on the free plan.
This beginner’s guide walks you through starting a meeting, inviting people, joining a call, and using the core controls like muting your microphone, turning your camera on and off, sharing your screen, and using the chat. We will cover both the desktop and mobile experience and finish with troubleshooting for the most common issues, such as your camera or microphone not working.
What You Need to Get Started
Getting into Google Meet is simple. You need a free Google account (the same one you use for Gmail or YouTube), a device with a camera and microphone, and an internet connection. On desktop, no download is required because Meet runs in your browser; Chrome works best, but Edge, Firefox, and Safari all work. On mobile, install the free Google Meet app from the App Store or Google Play.
How to Start a Meeting on Desktop
Starting your own meeting takes only a moment in a web browser.
- Go to meet.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
- Click New meeting.
- Choose Start an instant meeting to begin right away, or Create a meeting for later to get a link to share.
- Allow the browser to access your camera and microphone when prompted.
- Click Copy to grab the meeting link, then paste it into an email, text, or chat to invite people.
- When guests request to join, click Admit to let them in.
- Click the red hang-up button to leave or end the call.
How to Join a Meeting
Joining a call someone else set up is just as easy, on any device.
- Click the meeting link you were sent, or go to meet.google.com and click Enter a code or link.
- Type or paste the meeting code if you did not use a direct link.
- Check your camera and microphone in the preview screen.
- Click Ask to join and wait for the host to admit you.
Using Google Meet on Mobile
Open the Google Meet app, tap New, and choose an instant meeting or share a link. Tap the microphone and camera icons at the bottom to toggle them, and the red button to leave.
Tap Join with a code or open the shared link. Preview your video, then tap Ask to join. Tap the three-dot menu for extra options like sharing your screen.
Key Controls You Should Know
| Button | What it does |
|---|---|
| Microphone | Mute or unmute your audio. |
| Camera | Turn your video on or off. |
| Present now | Share your entire screen, a window, or a tab. |
| Chat | Send text messages to everyone in the call. |
| Raise hand | Signal you want to speak without interrupting. |
| Captions | Show live subtitles of what people say. |
How to Share Your Screen
Screen sharing is one of Meet’s most useful features for showing slides, documents, or a website. On desktop, click Present now at the bottom of the call and choose whether to share your entire screen, a single window, or just one browser tab. Sharing a single tab is best for video because it includes audio. Click Stop presenting when you finish. On mobile, tap the three-dot menu and choose Share screen.
Free vs. Paid Google Meet
The free version of Google Meet covers most personal needs, but there are limits worth knowing. Free group calls are capped at 60 minutes, while one-on-one calls can run up to 24 hours. Paid Google Workspace plans extend group meetings, add recording, and unlock features like breakout rooms and attendance tracking. For casual use, the free tier is more than enough.
Troubleshooting Camera and Microphone Issues
If others cannot see or hear you, first check that the camera and microphone icons are not red (muted or off). Make sure your browser has permission to use them; in Chrome, click the camera icon in the address bar and choose Allow. Close other apps that might be using the camera, such as Zoom or your phone’s camera app. If the problem continues, refresh the page or restart the browser, and confirm the correct device is selected in Meet’s Settings. For more beginner walkthroughs, browse our how-to guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Meet free to use?
Yes. Anyone with a free Google account can start and join meetings. Free group calls are limited to 60 minutes and up to 100 participants, while one-on-one calls can last much longer.
Do I need to download anything?
On a computer, no. Google Meet runs in your web browser. On a phone or tablet, install the free Google Meet app from the App Store or Google Play.
Can I use Google Meet without a Google account?
You can join a meeting as a guest using a link if the host allows it, but to start your own meetings you need a free Google account.
How many people can join a Google Meet call?
The free plan supports up to 100 participants in a single meeting. Paid Google Workspace plans raise this limit to 500 or more depending on the tier.
Can I record a Google Meet call?
Recording is only available on paid Google Workspace plans. Free accounts cannot record meetings directly within Google Meet.
