How to Start a Chat Session in Gmail

Gmail is a great email client, but if you want more immediate communication, Google Hangouts lets you get in touch with others instantly via chat, voice, or video. It's easy to access Google Hangouts right from Gmail. Here's how it works.

Start a Hangouts Chat in Gmail

Follow these steps to initiate a Google Hangouts chat session.

1. Find Hangouts in the lower-left section of your Gmail inbox screen. You'll see any current Hangouts contacts listed below your name.

2. To add a contact, select the plus sign (+).

3. Use the search bar to look for someone. Choose a contact who's already using Hangouts, or send an invitation to chat with someone who's not currently using it.

4. To send a chat, hover your cursor over a contact and select Chat (quote bubble icon).

5. A new chatbox appears in the bottom-right corner of Gmail. Type your message into the text field and press Enter on your keyboard to send it. Your message appears in the window. When your contact responds, their messages appear in the window as well, similar to a text conversation.

6. Use the controls to pop the window out (arrow), start a video call (video camera), or create a group Hangout (person with plus-sign). When finished, close the window by selecting X.