How to Use Google Meet for Free Video Calls — A Beginner's Guide

What is Google Meet?

Google Meet is Google's free video calling app. It lets you make free video and voice calls to anyone, anywhere in the world — as long as they have a Google account or you send them a meeting link. Unlike some other apps, Google Meet also works directly in your internet browser on a computer — so you don't even need to download anything if you prefer.

It's particularly popular with Android phone users, as it often comes pre-installed and links directly to your existing Google account.

What You'll Need

• A smartphone, tablet, or computer
• A Google account (a Gmail address)
• A Wi-Fi connection or mobile data
• The Google Meet app (free to download) or a web browser on a computer

Step 1 — Download Google Meet

On an Android phone or tablet: Google Meet may already be installed. Look for the green video camera icon. If it's not there, open the Google Play Store, search for 'Google Meet' and tap Install.

On an iPhone or iPad: Open the App Store, search for 'Google Meet' and tap Get.

On a computer: Go to meet.google.com in your browser — no download needed.

Step 2 — Sign In With Your Google Account

Open Google Meet and sign in with your Gmail address and password. If you're already signed into Gmail on your device, it may sign you in automatically.

Step 3 — Start a New Call

On the Google Meet home screen, tap New meeting. You'll see three options — choose Start an instant meeting to begin a call straight away.

Your camera will switch on and you'll see yourself on screen. Now you need to invite the person you want to call.

Step 4 — Invite Someone to Join

Tap Add others or Share invite. You can either type in the email address of the person you want to call, or tap Copy link to get a meeting link you can send to them by text message or WhatsApp.

When they click the link, they'll join your call automatically — they don't even need a Google account to join via a link.

Step 5 — Joining Someone Else's Google Meet Call

If someone has sent you a Google Meet link, simply tap or click the link and then tap Join now. If someone has sent you a meeting code (a series of letters and numbers), open Google Meet and tap Use a meeting code, then type it in.

Step 6 — During the Call

At the bottom of the screen you'll see:

• The microphone icon — tap to mute or unmute yourself
• The camera icon — tap to turn your video on or off
• The red phone icon — tap to end the call

If you can't hear anyone, check your volume is turned up using the buttons on the side of your device.

Tips for a Great Google Meet Call

• Sit facing a window or lamp so your face is well lit
• Rest your device on a table or against a book for a steady picture
• Move closer to your Wi-Fi router if the call keeps freezing
• Google Meet works best on a good Wi-Fi connection — switch Wi-Fi on before you start

Google Meet vs WhatsApp vs FaceTime — Which Should I Use?

• Use Google Meet if: you want to call a group of people, or the person you're calling doesn't have WhatsApp or an iPhone
• Use WhatsApp if: most of your family and friends already use it
• Use FaceTime if: you and the person you're calling both have Apple devices

Google Meet is a brilliant option — especially for group calls or calling people who don't use WhatsApp. Once you've made your first call, you'll find it becomes second nature very quickly!

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