14 Tips Including How to Record Google Meet | Google Meet for Windows

Google Meet, known as ‘Gmeet,’ is a video conferencing service or app created by Google LLC. If you want to learn more about, how to download Google meet app, Its working, system requirements, pricing, change name in Google meet, change Google meet background, how to record Google meet, Google meet for windows, visual effects, and other topics, this article will cover almost everything you need to know. 

Google meet and Google chat are replacements for ‘Google hangouts meet,’ also known as Google Hangouts, which was first introduced.

Google Meet is a video conferencing tool while Google chat is used for messaging and group conversations (team chat rooms), where you can simply share messages and content.

Is Google Meet Free ?

Short answer Yes, it is available under the Freeware License. Almost all Google applications, including G Meet, are free for individual users. You can use Google Meet online or download the latest version of the Google Meet app from the Google’s Play Store (link) or Apple’s App store (link).

Download Google Meet

Google Meet App

The Google Meet Apk is available for mobile phones; you can get it for iPhone or Android from the links below or from the Apple or Google Play store.

• iPhone users: Download Latest Google Meet Apk.
• Android users: Download Latest Google Meet Apk

Google Meet App Installation

After the download is complete, you can install the app by tapping over the install button.

Download Google Meet for PC

Many people have asked how they can download Google Meet for PC, laptop, or desktop, but the answer is that you don’t need to download Google Meet for PC or Google Meet for Windows; instead, you can launch it directly in your browser.

To do so, download or upgrade the most recent version of your browser. The requirements for the Google Meet App for PC and mobile can be found in the later sections.

Join Google Meet

Join Google Meet using Code

If you have a Google meet code (like this: kso-iiyh-xxx) to join Google meet, go to “https://meet.google.com/” and paste the code there, then click Join.

Then another window will open with options to do initial camera and microphone settings.

After then you can click “Ask to join,” which is then authorized by the meeting organizer, if they want you to join at that particular moment or not, and then you can enter the meeting.

Join Google Meet using Link

If you have a google meet link, like this: https://meet.google.com/kso-iiyh-xxx you can join a meeting by simply clicking on it, and the system will redirect you to the app or a new tab in your browser will open. (“kso-iiyh-xxx” is Google meet code)

Then another screen will open with options to do initial camera and microphone settings, and then you can click ‘Ask to join,’ which is then authorized by the meeting organizer, if they want you to join at that particular moment or not, and then you can enter the meeting.

Note: In both scenarios (PC or Phone), you must be logged in to access the services.

How to Create a New Meeting in Google Meet

First, go to Google Meet’s homepage and click on “New Meeting.” This will open up a menu with three options:

Create a Meeting for Later

If you choose this option, a window containing a link will appear. This link should be saved and shared with the individuals you want to meet. In this situation, you can ask those members to attend the meeting at any moment.

Start an Instant Meeting

If you choose this option, your meeting will begin right away. Then you may provide the joining code or link to the individuals who will be participating in the video conference and they’ll begin to join.

In the later sections, I’ll go through how the Google meet dashboard works.

Schedule in Google Calendar

If you select this option, a Google calendar will appear, allowing you to pick the date and time of your meeting, as well as you can add members using their email addresses. Also you can set notification reminders to individuals. You will also receive a Google meeting link and code, which you can share with others members you wish to invite.

I’ll write another post with detailed information on Google Calendar.

Google Meet Permission

If you’re using Google Meet for the first time, you’ll need to provide permission to use the microphone, speakers, and camera in order to use all of the features for a video call.

To do so, go to the settings, which is a gear symbol on the upper right corner of your computer.

Then a window will appear, where you can choose the audio and video devices you wish to use for the Google Meet for PC. You can also grant access through the phone at the time of the first video call.

How to use Google Meet | Google Meet Guide | Google Meet Dashboard

Let’s get started with how to use Google meet, which I’ll break down into 3 stages. All options are visible at the bottom of the Google Meet dashboard, let’s go over them one by one.

Bottom Left

You can see the current time and meeting code in the bottom left, and if your meeting has a name, you can see it there as well.

Bottom Center

The 1st icon, in the bottom center, allows you to enable or disable the microphone; if you turn it off, no sound will be communicated; otherwise, your voice will be broadcast to the Google Meet video call. To switch on and off the microphone in Google Meet, use the shortcut key “ctrl+D”.

The next button (2nd), similarly to the mic, is for enabling and disabling the camera; the shorthand is “ctrl+E”.

The 3rd option is to turn on and off subtitles or captions for your voice’s words.

The 4th is if you wish to present or show your screen or camera recording to all members of a meeting who are connected.

More options is the 5th icon, which includes Whiteboard, Change Layout, Full Screen, Change Background, Captions on/off, Report a Problem, Report Abuse, Troubleshooting and Help, and audio and video section settings.

The 6th option is to disconnect a call; if you want to leave a meeting, click this button; if the meeting is still going on, you can request again to join it; if allowed by the organizer, you can attend.

Bottom Right

There are four options in the bottom right, which are as follows:

The first (1) is meeting information, which includes the Joining Meeting Link/Info and any Google calendar attachments.

Next (2), you can view who is present at a meeting and add people from there if you organised the meeting or have permission from the organizer.

Following that (3), you see ‘chat with everyone’, where you can see and respond to In-call Messages.

The last one (4) is for activities, where you can see a ‘Whiteboarding’ option as well as the Record Google Meet feature if you have a paid subscription.

Google Meet Background

We all have cool backgrounds on our gadgets these days, but you can also change your background in a Google Meet video conference.

You can blur your background or use one of the various preloaded backgrounds, as well as apply filters and styles to choose devices and add your own custom background images.

Computer users

Before a video call

1. Go to Google Meet
2. Choose a Meeting (or enter meeting code)
3. At the bottom right of the self-view screen, click this icon (1) to change the google meet background.
4. You have the option of blurring (4) or slightly blurring (3) your background. You can also choose from a variety of preinstalled backgrounds (6). You can even use your own image as a background (5). To remove background select turn off background (2).
5. Finally, click the Ask to Join button.

Between a video call

1. Click over 3 dots and Select the option Change background.

2. You have the option of blurring (3) or slightly blurring (2) your background. You can also choose from a variety of preinstalled backgrounds (5). You can even use your own image as a background (4). To remove background select turn off background (1).

iPhone or iPad users

Note: Filters and Styles are available for only Google Workspace users on mobile devices in meetings scheduled by Google Workspace users.

Important: On an iOS device, you must use one of the following devices to use Change background and Effects:

• iOS 12 or higher
• iPhone 8 and up
• iPad 5th generation and up  

Before a video call

1. Open Google Meet app.
2. First, choose a meeting.
3. At the bottom of the self-view screen, tap Effects.
4. You have the option of blurring or slightly blurring your background. You can also choose from a variety of pre-installed backgrounds. You can even use your own image as a background.
5. Tap Styles at the bottom and choose the style you wish to use.
6. Tap Filters at the bottom and choose the filter you wish to use.
7. Tap No effects or tap to remove the effect.
8. When you’ve completed all of the settings, click Join.

Between a video call

• Follow above steps from 3 to 7.

Android users

Note: Filters and Styles are available for only Google Workspace users on mobile devices in meetings scheduled by Google Workspace users.

Important: To use Change background and Effects on an Android device, you must use one of the following devices with Android version:

• Samsung Galaxy S9 and up
• Pixel 3 and up
• Other similar devices

Before a video call

1. Go to google meet
2. First, choose a Meeting (image – a) (or enter meeting code)
3. To change the background, press this icon at the bottom of the self-view screen (image – b).
4. You have the option of blurring (3) or slightly blurring (2) your background. You can also choose from a variety of preinstalled backgrounds (4). To remove background select turn off background (1). If + symbol available, you can also upload your own picture as a background. (image – c)
5. Finally, click the Join.

Between a video call

1. To change the background, press this icon at the bottom of the self-view screen (image – a).
2. You have the option of blurring (3) or slightly blurring (2) your background. You can also choose from a variety of preinstalled backgrounds (4). To remove background select turn off background (1). If + symbol available, you can also upload your own picture as a background. (image – b)

Visual Effects for Google Meet

I explained to you how to change your background in a Google Meet video call earlier. However, if you want more visual effects for Google Meet, you may install the “Visual Effects for Google Meet” chrome extension.

This extension allows you to apply effects like Blur, Pixelate and Inverse to your camera live during Google Meets.

And you can use the Virtual Green Screen feature to hide that messy background and add custom virtual backgrounds!

Features / Effects:

AR Halo | AR Sunglasses | Random Donation | Rainbow | Soft Blur | Insane | 3D Movie | Virtual Green Screen | Blur Background | Flip | Bubbles | Cube | Screen Text | Freeze | Contrast | Inverse | Pixelate | Blur | Green Screen

Record Google Meet

How to Record Google Meet

We frequently wish to record Google Meet meetings for future use, which is understandable.

If you have a paid Google Meet membership, you will have the option to record your screen; otherwise, you will not. For more details check out the links below

• Google Workspace Edition link
• Google Meet Plans link
• Recording Detailing link 

Record Google Meet Free

However, there is a solution that allows you to record Google Meet meetings without paying a premium for Google Workspace Essentials.

For this, you’ll need to install the “Video record & timestamp notes – Google Meet” extension on your Google Chrome browser.

After you’ve installed this extension, go to Google Meet Meeting and select Start Recording (bottom left).

A new tab will appear, prompting you to sign in with your Google account in order to use the extension.

The ‘google meet recording’ will then begin.This addon is free for up to 3 hours of recording.

How to Change Name in Google Meet

It’s fashionable these days to change or add a suffix or prefix to a name, so that’s what we’re going to do with our social media accounts.

In general, all Google services or apps, including Google Meet, are linked to your Google account settings.

So, if you update your name in your Google account settings, you’ll notice the change in all of your apps, including Google Meet.

Using a desktop, mobile, tablet or laptop, you can modify your name (first or last name).

Change name in Google Meet using a PC (Desktop or Laptop)

Follow the instructions below to do so.

1. First login to https://meet.google.com then click on the profile image in the upper right corner.

2. Then select “Manage Your Google Account” (a new tab will open)

3. Now, on the left sidebar (or on the top header), select “Personal Info“.

4. Click on your name to change name in Google Meet

5. You’ll see a page where you can modify your first and/or last name. Any name changes you make will be reflected throughout your Google Account, including Google Meet, then click Save to save all of your changes. That’s it, you’ve completed the task.

Change name in Google Meet using Phone

To change name in google meet using an app follow the instruction below

1. Open the Google Meet app on your phone or tablet and log in.
2. Then, in the upper right corner, click on the profile image (see the image shown below).

3. Now, as seen in the image below, select “Manage Your Google Account.”

4. From the header menu, click “Personal info“

5. Now, click your finger over your name to modify it, or other items to change your personal information.

6. Finally, edit your first and last names, then click Save to save all of your changes. That’s it, you’ve completed the task.

Note: Remember that any name changes you make will be reflected across your Google Account, including Google Meet.

Google Classroom

Google Classroom, also known as Google Meet Classroom, is a web service built by Google for schools to manage online classrooms of students. Teachers may create, distribute, and administer assignments and examinations to students, as well as save the data in Google Drive for later use.

Also, this platform makes it easier for instructors and students to share and manage files. For more information on how to utilise Google Classroom, I’ll write another post, where I will cover all possible sections in Google Classroom including how to create a class, delete class and more.

Google Meet System Requirements

Note: You will need a google account to sign in.

Google meet Hardware recommendations for PC

1. Dual Core, 2GB RAM for small groups of up to 5 people
2. Intel Quad Core, 4GB RAM if you’re using parallel tabs in small or large groups of up to ten or more.
3. If you can use multiple tabs simultaneously and have a large number of people connected, then an i3, i5 with 4GB RAM is recommended.
4. 8GB RAM with i5 6 Gen for HD quality

Follow this link for further information.

Google meet supported Operating systems

1. Google Meet supports the following operating systems in their current and 2 previous major releases. Apple’s mac-OS, Microsoft Windows, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and other Debian-based Linux distributions.
2. You can also use your phone with an Android version of 5.0 or higher (meet through gmail requires 6.0 or higher) and an iOS version of 12.0 or higher.

Google’s recommended Browsers for Google meet

The following are Google’s recommended browsers for Google Meet:

•       Google Chrome (web browser developed by Google). Get the most recent version here.
•       Mozilla Firefox (web browser). Get the most recent version here.
•       Microsoft Edge (web browser developed by Microsoft). Get the most recent version here.
•       Safari (web browser developed by Apple).

Note: Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 has limited support for Meet, whereas Microsoft Edge offers a superior Meet experience.

You must download and install the newest version of the “Google Video Support plugin” if you wish to use Internet Explorer for Meet. Link

Tip: If your browser doesn’t support Meet video meetings, you can dial in using the phone number and PIN, if provided by the meeting organizer.

Google Meet Participation Limitations | Google Meet Limitations

A Google Meet account can connect with up to 100 people in a meeting for 60 minutes, while a one-on-one conversation can last up to 24 hours.

Individual Google Workspace Users can host one-on-one and group calls with three or more participants for up to 24 hours.

For up to 150 or 250 individuals in a meeting, you must pay a fee to Google to expand the limits for businesses and enterprises.

Google Meet offers four different packages for businesses and enterprises: Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, and Enterprise.

These plans’ features can be compared here.

Google Meet Pricing

• Business Starter – USD 6 /user/mo, INR 201-125/user/mo (as of today)
• Business Standard – USD 12 /user/mo, INR 840-672/user/mo (as of today)
• Business Plus – USD 18 /user/mo, INR 1260/user/mo (as of today). 
• Enterprise – Contact google sales here.

View latest prices and features here India, USA.

Conclusion

Google Meet is a free app for individual users. To use Google Meet, you must have a Google account.

If you only need it for personal or limited use, you can use it for free. If you have a major corporation and a large number of users, you should invest in premium business plans for Google Meet.

You can download the Google Meet app for your Android phone, iPad, or tablet, and you can access Google Meet in your browser if you are using a PC or laptop, so there is no need to download Google Meet for Windows.

To enjoy Google Meet, you must have a basic hardware configuration.

You can modify your background in Google Meet, and you can also record a meeting if you have a paid membership or an individual account by installing a chrome extension.

Hopefully, this Google Meet article is helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please leave them in the comments area below.

FAQ