How to Use Google Meet Links in 2026: A 5-Step Guide from Creating to Joining

What is a Google Meet link?

A Google Meet link is a unique URL that starts with meet.google.com. Clicking it takes you directly to an online video meeting. Each link includes a random string of letters and hyphens at the end, such as abc-defg-hij, which identifies a specific meeting room.

For the average office worker, the most convenient thing about Google Meet is that the meeting host simply shares the link, and invitees can join through their browser even without a Google account. This is especially useful when you need to meet with clients, vendors, or external partners on short notice.

Common use cases for Google Meet links

Before diving into the tutorial, let's quickly review the most common scenarios.

Impromptu meetings: When you suddenly need to discuss something with a colleague, open Google Meet to start an instant meeting, drop the link into a group chat, and you're ready to go.

Scheduled meetings: If you already have a project meeting planned for next week, you can create the meeting link in advance, copy it into a Google Calendar invitation, and everyone will receive it ahead of time.

Classes or online events: Teachers, instructors, or community organizers can create a permanent meeting link in advance, so participants can click it on the day of the event.

Now that you understand the uses, here are the specific steps for creating a Google Meet link on different devices.

5 steps to create a Google Meet link

Step 1: Open the Google Meet website

In your computer's browser, go to meet.google.com and sign in to your Google account. If you're already signed in to Gmail, your account will usually be recognized automatically, so you won't need to enter your password again.

Step 2: Click "New meeting"

On the Google Meet homepage, you'll see a blue "New meeting" button on the left. Click it, and three options will appear:

• Start an instant meeting: Opens a meeting room right away
• Create a meeting for later: Generates a link first, and you can start the meeting later
• Schedule in Google Calendar: Redirects you to Calendar to create an event

If you want to prepare a link for others in advance, choose "Create a meeting for later."

Step 3: Copy the meeting link

After you choose how to create the meeting, a window will pop up showing the full meeting link. Click the "Copy meeting link" button, and the link will be saved to your clipboard.

You can then paste the link into LINE, Email, Slack, or any other messaging app to share it with people who need to join the meeting.

Step 4: Create a link from Gmail or Google Calendar

Besides the Google Meet homepage, you can also create a meeting directly from Gmail.

In the left sidebar of Gmail, click "Meet" or "Chat," then select "Start a meeting" or "Get a meeting link to share." The system will generate a shareable URL for you.

If you're creating an event in Google Calendar, just click "Add Google Meet video conferencing," and Calendar will automatically attach the meeting link to the event details. Invitees will see it when they open the calendar invitation.

Step 5: Create a link from the mobile app

Install the Google Meet app on your Android or iPhone, sign in, and tap "New meeting." You'll have the same options: start an instant meeting, get a meeting link to share, or schedule in Calendar.

The mobile app works the same way as the desktop version, with only minor differences in button placement. Once you've created the link, you can share it directly from your phone to your favorite messaging apps.

How to join a Google Meet meeting

If you're the one receiving the link, joining is just as easy.

Click the link someone sent you, and your browser will automatically open the Google Meet page. The system will first ask for permission to use your camera and microphone. Click "Allow," then press "Join now" to enter the meeting.

If you don't have the link but have the meeting code, you can also go to the Google Meet homepage, find the "Enter a code or link" field, paste the code or full URL, and click "Join."

Note that some education accounts may restrict joining meetings created by personal Google accounts due to school policies. If you're using a school-provided account and can't join, check your account type and your school's meeting settings.

Things to keep in mind when using Google Meet links

Permissions and waiting room: Some meetings have the waiting room feature enabled, so participants won't enter immediately after clicking the link; the host has to admit them. If you've been waiting for a while, it's likely the host hasn't let you in yet.

Don't post meeting links publicly: If a link is posted on a public social platform, anyone who sees it could join. Share it only with people you intend to invite, to avoid unwanted interruptions.

Browser compatibility: Google Meet works most reliably on mainstream browsers like Chrome and Edge. If you use a less common browser, you may encounter issues with your microphone or camera not starting.

Recording and transcription needs: Google Meet's built-in captions and transcription features may require a specific plan in some versions. If you need to turn meeting content into a transcript, summary, or action items, you can use an AI meeting notes tool like Tinrec. The Tinrec desktop app captures your computer's system audio directly, so you don't need to add an extra meeting bot to Google Meet. After the meeting ends, it quickly generates a transcript and key takeaways.

Frequently asked questions

Can I join a Google Meet without a Google account?

Yes. If the meeting was created by a Google Workspace user, the host can share the link, and people without a Google account can join through their browser. However, for meetings created with a personal account, participants may be required to sign in with a Google account in some cases.

Do Google Meet links expire?

Links created with "Create a meeting for later" typically remain valid until the host deletes the meeting. For instant meetings, whether the link can be reused after everyone leaves depends on the meeting settings.

Can I create a Google Meet link from my phone?

Yes. In the Google Meet app, tap "New meeting," then select "Get a meeting link to share" to generate and share a link.

What's the difference between a Google Meet link and a meeting code?

The meeting code is the random string at the end of the link, such as abc-defg-hij. The full link is meet.google.com/ followed by that code. Both can be used to join a meeting.

Why do I keep seeing a waiting screen after clicking the link?

This means the meeting has the waiting room feature enabled, and the host needs to manually admit you. Send a message to the host to let them know you're waiting.

Can I record a Google Meet and convert it to text?

Yes. In addition to Google Meet's built-in features, you can use tools like Tinrec to capture meeting audio on your computer and generate a transcript in real time. Tinrec supports bot-free recording, so you don't need to invite an extra bot to the meeting. It's a great option for anyone who wants to turn Google Meet content into meeting notes.

References

• Google Meet: Online Web and Video Conferencing Calls | Google Workspace
• Hold your first meeting - Google Workspace Learning Center
• How to Create a Google Meet Link: 5 Methods for Every Device
• 6 Easy Ways to Create a Google Meet Link: Web & Mobile
• How to Create a Google Meet Link (From Calendar, meet.new, Mobile — 2026)