Google has 'retired' the Google Hangouts product. Starting in May 2022, Google will force all Google Hangouts users to migrate from Google Hangouts to the new Google Chat product. This article describes how you can make this transition.

 

"Getting Started with Google Chat"


You can message a person or group in Google Chat the same way you do in classic Hangouts.  


Google Chat is available in Gmail. You can also use Google Chat on the web and with apps for Android and iOS.





"How to Use Google Chat in a Browser"


You can access "Google Chat" within a web browser two ways.


  1. Use Google Chat within Gmail.  
    • Turn Chat on or off in Gmail
      • While in Gmail, click Settings  and then See all settings.
      • At the top, click Chat and Meet.
      • Next to “Chat” to turn Chat on or off in Gmail, select Google Chat or Off.
      • Click Save Changes.

    • Change the Chat panel's position in Gmail
      • While in Gmail, click Settings  and then See all settings.
      • At the top, click Chat and Meet.
      • Next to “Chat position,” select Left side of the inbox or Right side of the inbox.
      • Click Save Changes.

  2. Use the Google Chat page located at:  https://chat.google.com/  - This replaces the old hangouts.google.com page.






"What About My Old Stuff?!"


  • Your existing classic Hangouts conversations are now shown in Google Chat.

  • You can use Google Chat to pick up conversations with folks who still happen to use classic Hangouts.

  • New messages from folks in classic Hangouts will also show up in Google Chat.





"Additional Resources"


Please take a look at the following links from Google Chat Help within Google's Knowledge Base.