How To Make Audio and Video Calls From The Gmail App on iOS and Android

For years counting on, Google under its parent company Alphabet has continued to make available to its worldwide users’ variations of communication platforms ranging from Hangouts, Allo, Duo to Google+ – the company couldn’t settle on a single app, service, or website. But in recent months, Google has finally learned that we don’t want to jump between half a dozen apps to complete the communication process. And thus, consolidation began. This week, to the satisfaction of its users, Google is rolling out audio and video calls for Google Chat in the Gmail app on both iOS and Android devices.

Starting from this week, You can now start or join meetings and audio calls from one-on-one chats from Google Chat in the Gmail app. This feature is only available for one-on-one chats as group conversations is still unavailable.

To Start an Audio or Video Call

• Open a one-on-one chat and
• Tap on either the phone icon or the video icon in the top-right corner.

To Join A Call

• Select the phone or video chip within the 1:1 chat.
• While on a call, you’ll see a banner at the top of the screen with the name of the person you’re on a call with, the call duration and a Meet icon in the chat roster.

Missed Call Notification:

Missed calls will be indicated with a red phone or video icon next to the caller’s name within the conversation and the chat roster. These are simple additions, but turn the Gmail app into a one-stop-shop for all your Google Chat needs.

Why you might use this new feature

According to the Gmail team: As some teams begin to return to the office, while others remain distributed, we hope this makes it easier to connect with your colleagues in the hybrid work world. This feature will allow you to seamlessly switch between chat to a video or audio call when needed, helping you collaborate and move your work forward.

Additional details about the new feature
If you frequently use Google Chat for work or just to talk to friends, you are going to be on the Gmail app far more often. Google says that from now on if you select “Join a call” from the Google Chat app, you will automatically be redirected to the Gmail app where the call will take place. If you don’t have the Gmail app, your phone will prompt you to download it from Google Play or the App Store. Visit the Google Help Center to learn more about starting and scheduling a Google Meet video meeting.

Google says this feature will be available by default on Android and iOS devices. You and the person you want to call will both need the latest version of the Gmail app installed. Google also promised to provide an update on the Google Workspace Updates Blog when this feature becomes available for the Google Chat mobile app.

As with many new features from Google, the rollout is going to be gradual. So don’t panic if you can’t find the new icons on your Gmail app. Google began an extended rollout of the update on December 6th. It could take 15 days or more before the feature actually pops up on your phone. It is currently available to all users with personal Google accounts, Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers
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