Classic Hangouts will be replaced by Google Chat
Learn about the switch from classic Hangouts to Google Chat
Classic Hangouts is being replaced by Google Chat for everyone. Some people may have already been moved to Google Chat and may no longer be able to use classic Hangouts on some platforms.
Important: You will no longer be able to download the classic Hangouts app on Android or iOS. To continue your conversations, use Google Chat.
When you switch from classic Hangouts to Google Chat, you can:
- Do more with messages.
- React to messages with emojis.
- Use Smart Replies to save time.
Learn more:
- Learn the differences between Google Chat and classic Hangouts.
- Read Google’s announcement about the switch to Google Chat.
- Learn how to download your data from classic Hangouts or manage your photos from classic Hangouts.
- Get started with Google Chat.
Important:
- Video call ringing is only available on Google Chat in Gmail on mobile devices. Learn how to start a video meeting in Google Chat.
- You can no longer share a link to chat or join a conversation in classic Hangouts. To invite others to chat or join a chat conversation with a link, you must use Google Chat.
- Google Chat supports blocking people across all Google.com services. If you previously blocked people in classic Hangouts through a third-party product (such as an XMPP client), these block settings won’t carry over to Google Chat. Review your list of blocked people.
Understand the minimum system requirements
- Google Chat and Chat in Gmail require a minimum of Android 6.0 (Marshmallow).
- Access to classic Hangouts will soon require a minimum of Android 6.0 (Marshmallow).
Turn on Google Chat from Gmail
- Open the Gmail app
.
- At the top left, tap Menu
Settings.
- Choose an account to opt in to Google Chat.
- Under “General,” next to “Chat,” turn on Show the chat and spaces tab.
Tips:
- If you prefer to use the Google Chat app, download it from the Google Play app store.
- If you get a notification about Google Chat in the classic Hangouts app, tap it to switch to Google Chat. You’re logged out of classic Hangouts and directed to the Gmail or Chat app.
- Classic Hangouts message history:
- Before June 2020: May not be available in Google Chat
- After June 2020: Is available in Google Chat
- If you use Chat at work or school, new spaces created in Chat may no longer appear in classic Hangouts.
Determine if you use classic Hangouts or Google Chat
Classic Hangouts
- If this logo
appears, you use classic Hangouts.
- To use classic Hangouts, go to hangouts.google.com or use the classic Hangouts apps for iOS and Android.
Important: If you were moved to Google Chat on one of your devices, you may not be able to:
- Use the Hangouts Chrome extension.
- Use the classic Hangouts apps for iOS and Android.
- Use classic Hangouts in Gmail on your computer.
Google Chat
- If this logo
appears, you use Google Chat.
- If you use Gmail on a computer, “Chat” appears on the left panel.
- On a computer, you can either:
- Start a chat at chat.google.com.
- Download the Google Chat Progressive Web App.
- On mobile, use the Google Chat or Gmail app for iOS or Android.
Tips:
- Almost all classic Hangouts message history is available in Google Chat.
- If you use Chat at work or school, new spaces created in Chat may no longer appear in classic Hangouts.
Learn about the differences between Google Chat & classic Hangouts
Google Chat and classic Hangouts don’t have identical features. The table below shows some differences.
| Feature | Google Chat | Classic Hangouts |
|---|---|---|
| @mentions | Available Learn about notifications. | Not available |
| Chrome app | AvailableInstall the Google Chat standalone app. | Not available |
| Chrome extension | Not availableInstall the Google Chat standalone app. | Available*Use the Hangouts Chrome extension. |
| Customize notifications sounds | AvailableCustomize your notifications. | Not available |
| Dark Mode | AvailableUse Dark Mode. | Not available |
| Edit or delete sent messages | Available**Edit or delete a message. | Not available |
| Emoji reactions to messages | Available | Not available |
| Formatting | AvailableAdd formatting to your Google Chat messages. | Not available |
| Send multiple photos in 1 message | Not available | Available |
| Stickers | Not available | Available |
| Threaded spaces | Available**Start a new conversation thread in Google Chat. | Not available |
| Video call ringing | Available**Video call ringing is only available on the Gmail mobile app. To start a meeting from a computer, you can drop a Google Meet chip into a conversation. Learn how to start a video meeting in Google Chat. | AvailableStart a video call. |
* Some people who have already migrated to Google Chat may not be able to use the Hangouts Chrome Extension.
**Access to these features varies based on the type of account you use with Google Chat.
Learn how Google Chat & classic Hangouts work together
- You can send messages between Google Chat and classic Hangouts.
- If you use Chat at work or school, new spaces created in Chat may no longer appear in classic Hangouts.
- Learn how Google Chat and classic Hangouts work together.
