Using Google Meet

Using Google Meet

Google Meet Setup

Google Meet is a video conferencing tool similar to Microsoft Teams or Zoom. It allows video meetings, screen sharing, and is essential for RideSuite demos, user onboarding, and troubleshooting any issues.

To ensure smooth and trouble-free calls, follow these setup steps and tips.

1. Requirements for Using Google Meet

To use Google Meet, you’ll need the following:
  1. Google Account: Required to start or join meetings.
  2. Supported Web Browser: Google Chrome or Safari are recommended.
  3. Compatible Device: A computer or laptop with camera and microphone capabilities.
  4. Supported Operating System: For example, macOS or Windows.
  5. Internet Connection: A stable broadband connection.

2. Allow Google Meet to Use Your Camera and Microphone

Before using Google Meet, ensure that it has permission to access your camera and microphone. Allow Access the First Time You Use Google Meet:
  1. Open a web browser and go to the Google Meet homepage.
  2. Start a new meeting or join an existing one through a calendar invite.
  3. When prompted, click "Allow" to enable access to your camera and microphone.

3. Troubleshooting Access Issues

If you are not prompted to allow access or if you previously blocked access, follow these steps:
  1. During a Google Meet call, look for the Camera Blocked icon on the right side of the URL bar (a small camera icon with a line through it).
  2. Click on it and select "Always allow https://meet.google.com to access your camera and microphone."
  3. Click "Done." The meeting should automatically connect. If the meeting does not reload, exit and re-enter.

4. Further Support

For more details on Google Meet requirements, visit the official Google Meet support page.

Joining a Google Meet Meeting

You can join a Google Meet video meeting in several ways: directly from Google Calendar, Gmail, or the Google Meet homepage.

Join a Video Meeting from Google Calendar

  1. Open Google Calendar.
  2. Find the event you want to join.
  3. Click Join with Google Meet.
  4. In the window that opens, click Join Now.


Join a Video Meeting from Gmail

  1. Open Gmail.
  2. On the left side, click Join a meeting.
  3. Enter the 10-letter meeting code provided by the meeting organizer.
  4. Click Join.


Join a Video Meeting from the Google Meet Homepage

Option 1: Select a Scheduled Event
  1. Open Google Meet in a web browser: https://meet.google.com.
  2. From the list of scheduled events, select the meeting you want to join (only events scheduled through Google Calendar appear here).
  3. Click Join now.


Option 2: Enter a Meeting Code or Nickname
  1. Go to the Google Meet homepage.
  2. Click Enter a code or nickname.
  3. Type the meeting code (this is the string of letters at the end of the meeting link).
  4. If you're using a meeting nickname, remember this feature is only available to Google Workspace users and is meant for people within your organization.
  5. Click Continue, then Join now.


Collaborating in Google Meets

View People in Video Meetings

Google Meet automatically adjusts the layout during a meeting to focus on the most active content and participants. You can customise how participants appear on your screen:
  1. Join a video meeting.
  2. At the bottom, click More (three vertical dots), then Change layout.
  3. Choose one of the following options:
    1. Auto: Google Meet automatically adjusts the layout. By default, you'll see 9 tiles.
    2. Tiled: Shows up to 49 participants at once. By default, you'll see 16 tiles.
    3. Spotlight: The active speaker or shared screen fills the entire window.
    4. Sidebar: The active speaker or shared screen is the main image, with thumbnails of additional participants on the side.
Your layout preferences are automatically saved and will appear in future meetings. The number of participant tiles may change based on the size of your browser window.

Send Chat Messages

You can send messages to other participants during a meeting:
  1. Join the Google Meet video meeting.
  2. At the bottom right, click Chat.
  3. Enter your message.
  4. Click Send.

Present During a Video Meeting

To share your screen, presentation, or specific content, follow these steps:
  1. Join a Google Meet video meeting.
  2. At the bottom, click Present now.
  3. Select one of the following:
    1. Your entire screen (recommended for sharing everything on your screen).
    2. A window (to share a specific application window).
    3. A tab (to share a specific browser tab).
  4. Click Share.
For more ways to collaborate during your meetings, visit this Google support article.

Fixing Google Meet Issues

If you're experiencing performance issues during a Google Meet call, try the following solutions:

Close Unnecessary Tabs and Apps
  1. Ensure only one Google Meet tab is open.
  2. Close any unused browser tabs, windows, or applications that may be consuming system resources.
​Turn Off Chrome Extensions
  1. Disable any Chrome extensions, particularly those related to Google Meet, as they may interfere with the call.
Avoid Overheating Your Device
  1. Place your device on a flat, elevated surface to avoid overheating.
  2. Avoid using your device on surfaces like the floor or bed, as these can block airflow and cause your device to overheat.
Change Your Layout to Spotlight View
  1. Switch your layout to Spotlight to focus on the active speaker or shared screen, reducing the amount of data being processed.
Lower Video Resolution
  1. Reduce your device’s video quality to a lower resolution to lessen the bandwidth and processing power required for the meeting.
If your computer meets the minimum requirements but you're still having trouble with video calls, try the additional troubleshooting steps available in Google Meet support.

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