Online meetings have become a normal part of our daily lives. Whether you are attending online classes, hosting business discussions, conducting interviews, or connecting with clients, Google Meet is one of the easiest and most reliable platforms to use.
If you’re new to Google Meet and wondering how to start a meeting properly, don’t worry. In this complete step-by-step guide, I will walk you through everything — from starting a meeting on desktop and mobile to inviting participants, adjusting settings, and managing your meeting like a professional.
By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident starting and hosting your own Google Meet sessions.
What is Google Meet?
Google Meet is a free video conferencing platform developed by Google. It allows you to:
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Host online meetings
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Conduct video calls
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Share your screen
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Present documents or slides
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Record meetings (for eligible accounts)
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Chat with participants
All you need is a Google account, an internet connection, and a device (computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet).
Requirements Before Starting a Meeting
Before you begin, make sure you have:
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A Google (Gmail) account
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Stable internet connection
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Webcam and microphone
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Updated browser (like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox)
If you’re using a smartphone, install the Google Meet app from the Play Store or App Store.
Method 1: How to Start a Meeting in Google Meet (Using a Computer or Laptop)
Starting a meeting on a desktop is very simple.
Step 1: Open Google Meet
You have two easy options:
Option 1: Direct Website
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Open your browser
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Go to meet.google.com
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Sign in with your Google account
Option 2: Through Gmail
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Open Gmail
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On the left sidebar, click Meet
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Click New Meeting
Both methods work the same way.
Step 2: Click “New Meeting”
Once you are on Google Meet’s homepage, you will see a button:
New Meeting
Click on it.
You will see three options:
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Create a meeting for later
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Start an instant meeting
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Schedule in Google Calendar
Let’s understand each option.
1. Start an Instant Meeting
If you want to start right away:
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Click Start an instant meeting
Google Meet will immediately create a meeting room and open your camera preview.
You are now the host.
2. Create a Meeting for Later
If you want to share the link and start later:
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Click Create a meeting for later
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Google will generate a meeting link
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Copy the link and share it with participants
You can use the same link anytime.
3. Schedule in Google Calendar
If your meeting is planned:
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Click Schedule in Google Calendar
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Set date and time
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Add participants’ emails
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Save
Invited participants will receive an email with the meeting link.
Step 3: Allow Camera and Microphone Access
The first time you use Google Meet, your browser will ask permission to access:
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Camera
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Microphone
Click Allow.
Without this permission, participants won’t see or hear you.
Step 4: Join the Meeting
After setting up, click:
Join now
You are officially inside the meeting room.
Method 2: How to Start a Google Meet on Mobile (Android/iPhone)
Starting a meeting from your phone is just as easy.
Step 1: Install the Google Meet App
Download it from:
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Google Play Store (Android)
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Apple App Store (iPhone)
Step 2: Open the App
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Sign in with your Google account
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Tap New
You’ll see options similar to desktop:
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Create a meeting
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Schedule in Google Calendar
Tap Start an instant meeting to begin immediately.
Step 3: Invite Participants
Once the meeting starts:
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Tap Share invite
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Send the link via WhatsApp, Email, or SMS
How to Invite Participants to Your Meeting
After starting your meeting, you need to invite others.
Here are different ways:
Method 1: Copy Meeting Link
Inside the meeting:
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Click Meeting details
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Click Copy joining info
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Share the link
Participants just click the link to join.
Method 2: Add People Directly
Inside the meeting:
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Click the People icon
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Click Add people
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Enter email addresses
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Send invitation
Method 3: Share via WhatsApp or Social Media
Simply paste the meeting link in:
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WhatsApp group
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Telegram
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Facebook Messenger
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Email
Anyone with the link can request to join (depending on settings).
How to Manage Meeting Controls
As a host, you have several controls.
Turn Microphone On/Off
Tip: Keep yourself muted when not speaking to reduce noise.
Turn Camera On/Off
Click the camera icon to enable or disable video.
Present Your Screen
Click Present now and choose:
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Your entire screen
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A window
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A browser tab
This is useful for:
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Presentations
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Teaching
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Demonstrations
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Showing documents
Use Chat Feature
Click the Chat icon to send messages during the meeting.
Helpful for:
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Sharing links
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Asking questions
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Giving instructions
How to Record a Google Meet (If Available)
If your account supports recording:
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Click three dots (⋮)
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Select Record meeting
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Confirm
After the meeting, the recording is saved in Google Drive.
Note: Recording is available for certain Google Workspace accounts.
Tips for Starting a Professional Google Meet
Here are some useful tips to make your meeting smooth and professional:
1. Test Before Starting
Check:
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Internet connection
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Camera quality
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Microphone sound
Do a quick test call if possible.
2. Choose a Quiet Environment
Avoid background noise.
Use headphones for better audio clarity.
3. Use Proper Lighting
Face a light source so participants can see you clearly.
Avoid sitting with bright light behind you.
4. Share Agenda Before Meeting
If it’s a business meeting, send a short agenda in advance.
This keeps the meeting focused.
5. Start on Time
Being punctual builds professionalism and trust.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Can’t Join Meeting
Solution:
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Check the internet connection
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Make sure you’re using the correct link
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Refresh the page
Problem 2: No Sound
Solution:
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Check microphone permissions
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Select the correct audio device in settings
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Restart browser
Problem 3: Camera Not Working
Solution:
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Allow camera access
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Close other apps using the camera
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Restart device
Why Use Google Meet?
Google Meet is popular because:
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It’s free
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Easy to use
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No complicated setup
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Works on desktop and mobile
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Integrates with Gmail and Calendar
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Secure and reliable
You don’t need technical skills to host a meeting.
Final Thoughts
Starting a meeting in Google Meet is simple and beginner-friendly. Just go to meet.google.com, click “New Meeting,” choose your option, and you’re ready to go.
You can start instantly, schedule for later, or create a reusable link. Inviting participants is easy — just share the link. With built-in features like screen sharing, chat, recording (for eligible accounts), and easy controls, Google Meet makes online meetings smooth and efficient.
Whether you are a student attending online classes, a teacher conducting lessons, a blogger hosting webinars, or a business professional managing remote teams, Google Meet is a powerful tool that helps you stay connected.
Now that you understand the complete process step by step, try starting your own Google Meet session today. Once you use it a few times, it becomes second nature.
Online meetings don’t have to be complicated — Google Meet makes them simple, fast, and accessible for everyone.