How to Join and Host a Google Meet Meeting

Category: Google Workspace
Applies to: Windows 10/11, macOS, iPhone, iPad, Android, and Web Browsers
Difficulty: Beginner
Estimated Time: 5–10 minutes

Overview

Google Meet is a video conferencing service included with Google Workspace that allows you to communicate with coworkers, customers, and other participants through online meetings. With Google Meet, you can join or host video calls, share your screen, collaborate on presentations, and adjust your microphone, speakers, and camera. This guide explains how to join and host Google Meet meetings using your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Before You Begin:

  • Make sure you have your Google Workspace work email address and password.
  • Confirm that your device is connected to the internet.
  • Have a working microphone and speakers or headset.
  • Have a webcam available if you want to use video.
  • Have your Google Meet meeting link or invitation available if joining an existing meeting.
  • Complete any required Two-Step Verification.

Important: Some Google Meet features depend on your organization’s Google Workspace subscription and security policies. True Synergy Networks manages administrator-level restrictions.

Windows or Mac — Join a Google Meet Meeting

Step 1: Open Your Meeting

You can join a meeting through an invitation link or directly through Google Meet.

Option 1: Join From an Email or Calendar Invitation

  1. Open the meeting invitation.
  2. Locate the Google Meet link.
  3. Click Join with Google Meet or the provided meeting URL.
  4. Your web browser will open Google Meet.

Option 2: Join Through Google Meet

  1. Open Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Firefox, or another supported browser.
  2. Visit https://meet.google.com.
  3. Sign in using your Google Workspace work account.
  4. Locate Enter a code or link, or the available join option.
  5. Enter the meeting code or link.
  6. Click Join.

Step 2: Check Your Camera and Microphone

Before joining, Google Meet displays a preview screen.

  1. Check whether your camera preview is visible.
  2. Locate the microphone icon.
  3. Turn your microphone on or off as desired.
  4. Locate the camera icon.
  5. Turn your camera on or off as desired.
  6. Review your speaker and microphone settings if necessary.

Recommendation: Join with your microphone muted when entering a meeting with multiple participants.

Note: Your browser may ask for permission to access your camera and microphone. Select Allow when joining an authorized meeting.

Step 3: Join the Meeting

  1. Review your audio and video settings.
  2. Click Join now or Ask to join, depending on the meeting.
  3. Wait for the meeting to open.

Note: Some meetings require the organizer to admit participants before they can join.

Windows or Mac — Start a New Google Meet Meeting

Step 1: Open Google Meet

  1. Open your preferred web browser.
  2. Visit https://meet.google.com.
  3. Sign in using your Google Workspace work account.

Step 2: Create a Meeting

  1. Click New meeting.
  2. Choose one of the available options:
  • Create a meeting for later: Generates a meeting link you can share.
  • Start an instant meeting: Starts a meeting immediately.
  • Schedule in Google Calendar: Opens Google Calendar to schedule a future meeting.

Step 3: Invite Participants

If you started an instant meeting:

  1. Locate the meeting information.
  2. Copy the meeting link.
  3. Share the link with your intended participants through an approved communication method.

If you scheduled the meeting through Google Calendar:

  1. Add your guests’ email addresses.
  2. Set the meeting date and time.
  3. Save the event.
  4. Send the invitations when prompted.

Important: Only share meeting links with authorized participants, especially when confidential company information will be discussed.

How to Schedule a Google Meet Meeting

Google Calendar provides an easy way to schedule meetings in advance.

Step 1: Open Google Calendar

  1. Visit https://calendar.google.com.
  2. Sign in using your Google Workspace work account.
  3. Click Create.
  4. Select Event.

Step 2: Add Your Meeting Details

  1. Enter a meeting title.
  2. Choose the date.
  3. Set the starting and ending times.
  4. Add the email addresses of your guests.
  5. Click Add Google Meet video conferencing, if a meeting link is not already included.
  6. Add a description or agenda if desired.

Step 3: Save the Meeting

  1. Review the details.
  2. Click Save.
  3. Select Send when prompted to email invitations.
  4. Confirm that the meeting appears in your calendar.

Note: Guests can join using the Google Meet link included in the calendar event.

Important: Double-check the time zone when scheduling meetings with people in different locations.

How to Change Your Microphone, Speakers, and Camera

Google Meet allows you to choose which audio and video devices are used during meetings.

Step 1: Open Device Settings

Before joining a meeting:

  1. Open the meeting preview screen.
  2. Click the dropdown arrow near the microphone or camera controls.
  3. Select the device you want to use.

You can also open More options → Settings to review your audio and video devices.

Step 2: Choose Your Microphone

  1. Open the Audio settings.
  2. Locate Microphone.
  3. Select your preferred microphone.
  4. Speak and check whether the microphone input indicator responds.

Note: If you use a headset, make sure Google Meet is using the headset microphone rather than your computer’s built-in microphone.

Step 3: Choose Your Speakers

  1. Open the Audio settings.
  2. Locate Speakers.
  3. Select your preferred output device.
  4. Use Test speakers, if available.
  5. Confirm that you can hear the test sound.

Step 4: Choose Your Camera

  1. Open the Video settings.
  2. Locate Camera.
  3. Select your preferred webcam.
  4. Confirm that your video preview appears.

Important: If your camera or microphone does not appear, check whether another application is using it or whether your operating system has restricted access.

How to Mute or Unmute Your Microphone

During a Google Meet meeting:

  1. Locate the microphone icon near the bottom of the meeting window.
  2. Click the microphone icon to mute yourself.
  3. Click it again to unmute.

Note: A muted microphone icon generally appears crossed out or highlighted to indicate that your microphone is disabled.

Recommendation: Keep your microphone muted when you are not speaking to reduce background noise.

How to Turn Your Camera On or Off

  1. Locate the camera icon near the bottom of the meeting.
  2. Click the icon to disable your camera.
  3. Click it again to enable your camera.

Note: Turning off your camera does not automatically mute your microphone.

How to Share Your Screen in Google Meet

Screen sharing allows participants to view content from your computer during a meeting.

Step 1: Join a Meeting

  1. Join your Google Meet meeting.
  2. Make sure you are connected to the meeting.

Step 2: Start Screen Sharing

  1. Click Present now near the bottom of the meeting window.
  2. Choose the content you want to share:
  • A tab: Shares a selected browser tab.
  • A window: Shares a specific application window.
  • Your entire screen: Shares everything visible on the selected display.
  1. Select the appropriate tab, window, or screen.
  2. Click Share.

Recommendation: Share only a specific tab or window whenever possible. This helps prevent accidentally showing confidential information or unrelated applications.

Note: Available screen-sharing options depend on your browser and operating system.

Step 3: Share Presentation Audio

If you need participants to hear audio from a video or presentation:

  1. Select the content you want to share.
  2. Look for an option such as Also share tab audio or Also share system audio.
  3. Enable the option if it is supported and appropriate.
  4. Start sharing.

Note: Audio-sharing options vary by browser, operating system, and selected presentation type.

Step 4: Stop Screen Sharing

  1. Return to the Google Meet window.
  2. Click Stop presenting.
  3. Confirm that your screen is no longer being shared.

Important: Always stop presenting before opening confidential files or unrelated applications.

iPhone or iPad — Install and Join Google Meet

Step 1: Install Google Meet

  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Search for Google Meet.
  3. Confirm that the application is published by Google.
  4. Tap Get.
  5. Wait for the application to install.
  6. Open Google Meet.

Download Google Meet for iPhone or iPad

Step 2: Sign In

  1. Open Google Meet.
  2. Select or add your Google Workspace work account.
  3. Enter your password if prompted.
  4. Complete any required Two-Step Verification.
  5. Allow microphone and camera permissions when appropriate.

Step 3: Join a Meeting

  1. Tap the Google Meet link in your invitation, or open Google Meet.
  2. Enter the meeting code or use the available join option.
  3. Review your camera and microphone settings.
  4. Tap Join or Ask to join.
  5. Wait for the meeting to begin.

Note: Depending on the meeting configuration, the organizer may need to admit you.

iPhone or iPad — Start a Meeting

  1. Open the Google Meet application.
  2. Select New, or the available meeting creation option.
  3. Choose whether to create a meeting link, start a meeting, or schedule a meeting.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. Share the meeting link with authorized participants.

Note: Google may update the names and locations of meeting controls as the application changes.

Android — Install and Join Google Meet

Step 1: Install Google Meet

  1. Open the Google Play Store.
  2. Search for Google Meet.
  3. Confirm that the application is published by Google LLC.
  4. Tap Install if necessary.
  5. Open the application.

Download Google Meet for Android

Note: Google Meet may already be installed on your Android device.

Step 2: Sign In

  1. Open Google Meet.
  2. Select your Google Workspace work account.
  3. Sign in if prompted.
  4. Complete any required verification.
  5. Allow access to your microphone and camera when appropriate.

Step 3: Join a Meeting

  1. Tap the meeting invitation link, or open Google Meet.
  2. Use the available option to join with a code or link.
  3. Review your microphone and camera.
  4. Tap Join or Ask to join.
  5. Wait for the meeting to open.

Android — Start a Meeting

  1. Open Google Meet.
  2. Tap New.
  3. Select Create link or another available meeting creation option.
  4. Copy or share the meeting link.
  5. Join the meeting when ready.

To schedule a future meeting, select Schedule and complete the event details in Google Calendar.

Important: Only send meeting invitations to the intended participants.

How to Share Your Phone Screen

Google Meet supports screen sharing from compatible iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.

iPhone or iPad

  1. Join a Google Meet meeting.
  2. Tap the meeting screen to display the controls.
  3. Tap More (three dots).
  4. Select Share screen.
  5. Follow the iOS screen broadcasting instructions.
  6. Tap Start Broadcast if prompted.
  7. Return to the content you want to show.

To stop sharing, return to Google Meet and use Stop sharing, or stop the screen broadcast through the available iOS controls.

Android

  1. Join a Google Meet meeting.
  2. Tap the meeting controls.
  3. Select More.
  4. Tap Share screen.
  5. Select Start sharing or Start now, depending on your device.
  6. Open the application or content you want to present.

To stop sharing, return to Google Meet and select Stop sharing.

Important: Screen sharing may expose notifications, personal messages, and other information displayed on your device. Enable Do Not Disturb and close sensitive applications before presenting.

How to Use Meeting Chat

Google Meet may allow participants to exchange text messages during a meeting.

Step 1: Open Chat

  1. Join your Google Meet meeting.
  2. Locate the Chat or Messages option.
  3. Open the chat panel.

Step 2: Send a Message

  1. Enter your message.
  2. Click or tap Send.
  3. Review any responses.

Note: Chat availability, history, and retention may depend on your organization’s settings and the meeting type.

Important: Avoid sharing confidential information, passwords, or verification codes through meeting chat.

How to Leave a Meeting

When you are finished:

  1. Locate the Leave call button, generally represented by a red phone icon.
  2. Click or tap the button.
  3. Wait for Google Meet to disconnect.

Note: Leaving a meeting does not necessarily end the meeting for other participants.

Meeting organizers may have additional host controls to manage participants or end a meeting for everyone.

Troubleshooting

My Microphone Is Not Working

If other participants cannot hear you:

  1. Confirm that your microphone is not muted.
  2. Open Google Meet’s Audio settings.
  3. Select the correct microphone.
  4. Check your browser’s microphone permissions.
  5. Confirm that your headset or microphone is connected properly.
  6. Close other applications that may be using the microphone.

If the problem continues, contact True Synergy Networks.

I Cannot Hear Other Participants

  1. Confirm that your speakers or headset are connected.
  2. Check your computer or phone’s volume.
  3. Open Google Meet’s Audio settings.
  4. Select the correct speaker device.
  5. Test your speakers if the option is available.
  6. Verify that your Bluetooth headset is connected to the correct device.

If audio remains unavailable, contact True Synergy Networks.

My Camera Is Not Working

  1. Confirm that your camera is enabled in Google Meet.
  2. Open the Video settings.
  3. Select the correct camera.
  4. Check whether your browser has permission to access it.
  5. Verify that your camera is connected.
  6. Close other applications that may be using your camera.

Note: On Mac computers, camera access can also be controlled through System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera.

If the issue continues, contact True Synergy Networks.

I Cannot Share My Screen

If screen sharing is unavailable:

  1. Confirm that you have joined the meeting.
  2. Locate Present now.
  3. Review any permission requests.
  4. Check whether the meeting organizer has restricted screen sharing.
  5. If using a Mac, review the applicable screen recording permissions in System Settings → Privacy & Security.
  6. Try again after granting the required permissions.

Important: Do not bypass organization-managed security settings. If screen sharing is restricted, contact True Synergy Networks.

My Meeting Link Is Not Working

  1. Verify that the meeting link was copied correctly.
  2. Check that you are signed into the correct Google Workspace account.
  3. Confirm that the meeting has not expired or been canceled.
  4. Ask the organizer to verify the invitation.
  5. Try opening the link through https://meet.google.com.

If the issue continues, contact True Synergy Networks.

I Am Waiting to Be Admitted

Some meetings require organizer approval.

  1. Confirm that you joined the correct meeting.
  2. Wait for the organizer to admit you.
  3. Contact the organizer if you have been waiting longer than expected.

Note: True Synergy Networks generally cannot override the organizer’s individual meeting admission controls.

My Video or Audio Is Choppy

If a meeting freezes or audio sounds distorted:

  1. Check your internet connection.
  2. Close unnecessary applications or browser tabs.
  3. Disconnect from unused VPN connections only if permitted by your organization.
  4. Consider turning off your camera temporarily.
  5. Use a wired network connection when available.
  6. Try reconnecting to the meeting.

Recommendation: A stable internet connection and a headset can improve meeting quality.

If the problem continues across multiple meetings, contact True Synergy Networks.

I Hear an Echo During Meetings

  1. Use a headset rather than external speakers.
  2. Lower your speaker volume.
  3. Make sure multiple devices in the same room are not playing meeting audio.
  4. Mute additional devices when not needed.
  5. Confirm that the correct microphone and speaker are selected.

Note: Echoes often occur when a microphone picks up audio playing from nearby speakers.

Additional Information

  • Google Meet allows you to host and join online video meetings.
  • Meetings can be started immediately or scheduled through Google Calendar.
  • Google Meet works through supported web browsers and mobile applications.
  • You can turn your camera and microphone on or off during meetings.
  • Screen sharing allows you to present a browser tab, application window, or entire screen.
  • Meeting organizers may control participant admission and screen-sharing permissions.
  • Google Meet can be used with internal and external participants, subject to organizational policies.
  • Certain advanced features, such as recording and additional host controls, depend on your organization’s subscription and configuration.
  • True Synergy Networks manages administrator-level Google Meet settings and access restrictions.

Security Reminder: Only join Google Meet meetings from trusted invitations and share meeting links with authorized participants. Review your screen before presenting, avoid exposing confidential information, and never share passwords or verification codes during meetings. If you receive suspicious meeting invitations or notice unauthorized participants, contact True Synergy Networks immediately.