Google Chat Desktop App Download and Sign-In

Google Chat works on a desktop computer in a supported web browser, inside Gmail, or as an installable progressive web app through Google Chrome. Google does not provide a separate Windows or macOS installer for Google Chat.

What Google Chat desktop options are available?

You can use Google Chat on Windows or macOS without installing separate software. The official desktop choices are:

• Google Chat in a browser: Open {site}, sign in, and keep the page in a browser tab.

• Google Chat in Gmail: Open Gmail and select Chat in the left panel. A work or school administrator can control whether Chat appears there.

• Google Chat progressive web app: Install the web version through Google Chrome so Chat opens in its own window and appears with other desktop applications.

A progressive web app, or PWA, is a website installed through a browser so that it behaves more like a desktop program. Google identifies its installable Google Chat desktop app as a PWA, not a traditional Windows or macOS program.

Google Chat works in supported desktop browsers. If Chat does not load, update the browser and check Google’s current supported-browser information rather than downloading software from another site.

How do I download the Google Chat desktop app?

The official Google Chat app for desktop is installed from Google Chat in Chrome. There is no official Google Chat Chrome extension and no separate installer file to download.

1. Open Google Chrome on the computer and update it if an update is available. Google’s installation instructions require Chrome version 73 or later.

2. Open {site} and sign in to the Google Account you want to use.

3. Look for the Install icon at the right side of Chrome’s address bar. If it is not shown, open Chrome’s main menu and select Install Google Chat.

4. Confirm the installation. Google Chat should then open in its own window.

5. On Windows, open Chat from the Start menu. On macOS, find Chat in the Applications folder.

Chrome must remain installed and needs to be open for the PWA to run, although Chrome does not need to be the default browser. If a Google Chat shortcut was created previously, Chrome may have converted it automatically, so a separate Install option may not appear.

How do I sign in to Google Chat on a computer?

Google Chat uses a Google Account. The same sign-in applies whether Google Chat is opened in a browser, in Gmail, or through the installed desktop PWA.

1. Open the official Google Chat page, Gmail, or the installed Chat app.

2. Select an account if Google displays a list of Google Accounts.

3. If the correct account is not listed, choose the option to use another account and enter that account’s sign-in details.

4. Complete any verification requested by Google.

5. After Chat loads, select a direct message or space from the left panel to view its conversations.

If several Google Accounts are signed in, select the profile picture in the upper-right corner to check or switch accounts. A work or school account may not have access if its Google Workspace administrator has disabled Chat.

How do I fix Google Chat installation or sign-in problems?

Use these checks when a Google Chat desktop download, installation, or sign-in does not work:

• No Install option: Confirm that Chat is open in Chrome, Chrome is current, and the app is not already installed. Managed computers may block app installation.

• Chat will not load: Check the internet connection, reload Chat, and try a supported browser. A browser extension, security program, blocked domain, or site permission can interfere with loading.

• Sign-in fails: Confirm that the selected Google Account is correct. Use Google’s official account-recovery process if the password or verification step fails; do not use a third-party recovery service.

• Work or school account is blocked: Contact the organization’s Google Workspace administrator. The administrator may control Chat access and whether web apps can be installed.

• Notifications do not appear: In Chat, open Settings and Notifications, then enable chat notifications. Also allow notifications in the browser and operating system, and check that Chat is not set to Do not disturb.

Is the Google Chat desktop app in the Google Play Store?

The Google Play Store provides the Google Chat mobile app for Android devices, while Apple’s App Store provides the mobile app for iPhone and iPad. Those mobile listings are not Windows or macOS installers.

• Desktop computer: Use Google Chat in a supported browser, in Gmail, or install the PWA through Chrome.

• Android device: Use the official Google Chat listing in the Google Play Store.

• iPhone or iPad: Use the official Google Chat listing in Apple’s App Store.

Searches for “google app store desktop” can lead to mobile listings or unrelated downloads. Do not use a Google Play listing, unofficial download page, or third-party installer as a Google Chat desktop download.

How do I remove or reinstall Google Chat on a desktop?

Removing the Google Chat PWA does not delete the Google Account or its conversations. It removes only the installed desktop experience from that computer.

1. Open Chrome and go to Chrome’s Apps page.

2. Right-click the Google Chat app.

3. Select Uninstall, then confirm Remove.

4. Close and reopen Chrome.

5. Return to the official Google Chat page, sign in, and use the Install icon or Install Google Chat menu command to reinstall the PWA.

On ChromeOS, find Google Chat in the Launcher, right-click it, and choose Remove from Chrome. If reinstalling does not restore access, test Chat in a regular browser tab; an account restriction or network problem will not be fixed by reinstalling the app.