Install the Google Chat standalone app

For a simple way to use Google Chat, install the Google Chat standalone app in your Chrome Browser. This provides a native app experience and is a Progressive Web Application (PWA). 

Important: There’s no Google Chat Chrome extension. For a similar experience, install the standalone app.

Before you begin

To install the Chat PWA standalone app, make sure:

• Your device is running Google Chrome 73 or up.
  • Chrome doesn’t need to be your default browser, but it does need to be open to use the Chat standalone app.
• You can install Chrome extensions and apps on your computer.
  • If you can't complete the installation and you use a work or school account, contact your Google Workspace administrator.

Install the standalone app on your computer

1. Sign in to chat.google.com.
2. To install the app on your computer, try one of these methods:
   • If the app isn't already installed, a pop-up window opens to download the app.
     • Tip: This pop-up window might appear shortly after you first use Google Chat.
   • At the top right of Google Chrome, in the URL bar, click Install Install.
   • At the top right of Google Chrome, click Customize and control Google Chrome Install Google Chat.

Tips:

• If you already created a Google Chrome shortcut to chat.google.com, the standalone app automatically installs. You won't have the option to manually install the app.
• To open the app from Google Chrome, in the address bar, enter chrome://apps and click Google Chat.
• On a Chromebook, you can find the app from the Launcher .

Open the standalone app automatically at startup

Important: These steps don't work on Chrome OS.

1. On your computer, open Chrome.
2. In the address bar, enter chrome://apps.
3. Right-click on the Chat standalone app .
4. Select Start App When You Sign In.

Uninstall the standalone app on Mac, Windows, or Linux

1. On your computer, open Chrome.
2. In the address bar, enter chrome://apps.
3. Right-click on the Chat standalone app .
4. Select Remove from Chrome Remove.

Uninstall the standalone app on Chrome OS

1. On your computer, open Launcher .
2. In the search bar, search for Google Chat.
3. In the search results, right-click on the Chat standalone app .
4. Click Remove from Chrome Remove.

Related resources

• Use Progressive Web Apps
• Install and manage web apps
• Install and manage extensions