How to Call Someone on Google Meet: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re ready to dive into the world of Google Meet and connect with colleagues, friends, or family. Excellent choice! But the burning question is: How do you actually call someone? Let’s cut through the jargon and get straight to the heart of the matter.

To call someone on Google Meet, you have a few key methods at your disposal:

• Starting an Instant Meeting and Sharing the Link: This is perhaps the most straightforward approach. Simply start a new meeting within Google Meet and then share the generated meeting link with the person (or people) you want to connect with. They click the link, and voila, they’re in the meeting!
• Scheduling a Meeting in Google Calendar: For planned calls, schedule a meeting in Google Calendar and invite the person. The invitation will include a Google Meet link, making it a seamless experience.
• Using the ‘Call’ Feature (Limited Availability): In some Google Workspace accounts, particularly those associated with Google Voice, you might find a ‘Call’ option directly within Google Meet. This allows you to dial a phone number. However, this feature isn’t universally available to all Google Meet users.

Now, let’s delve deeper into each method and explore some nuances that will transform you from a novice to a Google Meet maestro.

Mastering the Art of Instant Meetings

Starting an instant meeting is the bread and butter of spontaneous collaboration. Here’s how to nail it:

1. Open Google Meet: Launch Google Meet either from your web browser (meet.google.com) or the Google Meet app on your mobile device.
2. Click “New Meeting”: You’ll find this prominently displayed on the main screen.
3. Select “Start an Instant Meeting”: A new meeting window will pop open, complete with your camera feed (hopefully you’re looking your best!).
4. Copy the Meeting Link: Look for the meeting details displayed, usually at the bottom or top of the screen. You’ll find a link you can copy.
5. Share the Link: Paste this link into an email, chat message (like Google Chat, Slack, or WhatsApp), or any other communication channel you use to reach your intended recipient.

That’s it! Once the other person clicks the link, they’ll join the meeting and you can begin your conversation. Remember to control your microphone and camera using the icons at the bottom of the screen.

Harnessing the Power of Google Calendar Scheduling

For meetings that require a bit more planning, Google Calendar is your best friend. Here’s the lowdown:

1. Open Google Calendar: Head over to calendar.google.com.
2. Create a New Event: Click the “Create” button (usually a “+” sign) or simply click on the date and time you want to schedule the meeting.
3. Add a Title and Time: Give your meeting a descriptive title and set the desired date and time.
4. Add Guests: In the “Add Guests” field, enter the email addresses of the people you want to invite.
5. Add Google Meet Video Conferencing: This is the crucial step! Look for a section that says “Add Google Meet video conferencing.” Click on it. Google Calendar will automatically generate a unique Google Meet link for your event.
6. Add Details (Optional): Include any agenda items, supporting documents, or other relevant information in the description of the event.
7. Save and Send: Click the “Save” button. Google Calendar will then send out invitations to your guests, including the Google Meet link.

When the meeting time arrives, your guests simply click the link in the invitation, and they’ll be instantly transported to your Google Meet room.

The Elusive ‘Call’ Feature: When Phone Numbers Enter the Equation

As mentioned earlier, the ‘Call’ feature within Google Meet isn’t available to everyone. Its presence typically depends on your Google Workspace subscription and its integration with Google Voice.

If you do have this feature, you’ll usually see a “Call” option or icon within the Google Meet interface. Clicking this will allow you to dial a phone number directly, enabling people to join your meeting via audio.

Keep in mind that this might incur charges depending on your Google Voice plan and the phone number you’re calling.

FAQs: Your Google Meet Calling Questions Answered

Let’s address some common questions that often pop up when people are learning how to call using Google Meet.

FAQ 1: Can I call someone on Google Meet if they don’t have a Google account?

Yes, absolutely! They can join the meeting as a guest. When they click the meeting link, they’ll be prompted to enter their name. They won’t need to sign in to a Google account. However, they may have limited functionalities compared to signed-in users.

FAQ 2: Is Google Meet free to use for calling?

Yes, Google Meet offers a free version that allows you to host meetings of up to 100 participants for up to 60 minutes. For longer meetings or more features, you might need to upgrade to a paid Google Workspace plan.

FAQ 3: How do I share my screen during a Google Meet call?

During a meeting, look for the “Present now” button at the bottom of the screen. Click it and choose whether to share your entire screen, a specific window, or a Chrome tab. This is incredibly useful for presentations, demonstrations, and collaborative work.

FAQ 4: Can I record my Google Meet calls?

Yes, but only if you are the meeting organizer or have been granted recording permissions. To record, look for the three dots (More options) at the bottom of the screen and select “Record meeting.” The recording will be saved to Google Drive.

FAQ 5: How do I mute my microphone or turn off my camera?

These controls are located at the bottom of the Google Meet screen. Simply click the microphone icon to mute or unmute your audio, and click the camera icon to turn your video on or off. Master these controls – they’re essential for online etiquette!

FAQ 6: What if someone is having trouble joining my Google Meet call?

First, double-check that they have the correct meeting link. Then, ensure their microphone and camera permissions are enabled in their browser or app settings. Also, check their internet connection is stable. If problems persist, suggest they try joining from a different device or browser.

FAQ 7: Can I use Google Meet on my phone?

Absolutely! Download the Google Meet app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). The mobile app offers similar functionality to the web version.

FAQ 8: How do I change my background in Google Meet?

During a meeting, click the three dots (More options) at the bottom of the screen and select “Change background.” You can choose from pre-selected images or upload your own. This is a fun way to personalize your meetings and maintain privacy.

FAQ 9: How do I use the chat feature in Google Meet?

The chat feature allows you to send text messages to all participants in the meeting. Look for the chat icon (usually a speech bubble) in the top right corner of the screen. Click it to open the chat panel.

FAQ 10: Can I blur my background in Google Meet?

Yes! Similar to changing your background, click the three dots (More options) and select “Apply visual effects.” From there, you can choose to blur your background slightly or significantly.

FAQ 11: How do I remove someone from a Google Meet call?

As the meeting organizer, you have the power to remove participants. Click the “People” icon (usually two silhouettes) at the top of the screen. Find the person you want to remove and click the three dots next to their name. Select “Remove from meeting.”

FAQ 12: How do I improve the audio quality of my Google Meet calls?

Use a headset with a microphone, or an external microphone. Position the microphone close to your mouth. Reduce background noise by closing windows and doors. Ask other participants to mute their microphones when they’re not speaking.

By mastering these methods and understanding these FAQs, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Google Meet communication pro. Now go forth and connect!