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Before Installing Google Meet, Think About How You Want to Use It
Many professionals in Hong Kong, upon hearing "install Google Meet," immediately head to the App Store or Play Store to hit download. But Google Meet offers more than one installation method, and choosing the wrong version can affect the smoothness of your meetings.
Based on Tinrec's experience, the most common issue is: you're on a mobile meeting but also want to record the conversation for later reference. At that point, you need to decide which device to install Google Meet on to best fit your workflow.
How Many Ways Are There to Install Google Meet?
Strictly speaking, Google Meet isn't a single "installation file" but is distributed across different platforms:
1. Android Phone or Tablet
If you use an Android device, the most straightforward method is to search for "Google Meet" on the Google Play Store and tap "Install." Once installed, sign in with your Google account, and you can start or join meetings immediately.
2. iPhone or iPad
iPhone users can download the official Google Meet app from the App Store. After installation, sign in with your Google account as well. The iOS version supports voice calls, video conferencing, and video messages, with features largely consistent with the Android version.
3. Direct Use via a Computer Browser
If you prefer not to install anything, you can simply use a browser to go to meet.google.com and start meetings. This method is the simplest, but the downside is that you need to open a browser each time, and it can easily get mixed up with other tabs.
4. Install Google Meet PWA (Progressive Web App) on Your Computer
This is the most overlooked method. A PWA turns Google Meet into a standalone application window, allowing you to launch it without opening a browser. The installation steps are simple:
- Using Google Chrome (version 73 or later), go to meet.google.com
- Look for the "Install" icon in the top-right corner of the address bar
- Click it, then confirm "Install"
- After that, you can launch Google Meet directly from your desktop or app list
The PWA offers exactly the same features as the browser version and updates automatically with Chrome. It supports Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux.
Common Misconceptions About Installing Google Meet
Misconception 1: Thinking You Must Install Software on a Computer to Use It
In reality, Google Meet doesn't have a standalone Windows or macOS installer. Computer users have only two options: use the browser directly or install the PWA. If you come across something online claiming to be a "Google Meet desktop installer," avoid downloading it—it could be malware.
Misconception 2: Not Knowing the Difference Between PWA and Browser Version
The advantage of the PWA is that it runs in a separate window, so it doesn't get mixed up with your other Chrome tabs. Finding the window during meetings is much faster, especially for busy professionals in Central who attend five or six meetings a day.
Misconception 3: Assuming Installing Google Meet Means Your Meeting Notes Are Handled
This is the most overlooked point. Google Meet's built-in recording feature has several limitations, such as requiring a specific Workspace plan, and after recording, you still need to listen back and organize everything manually. If your goal is to save time, Google Meet alone isn't enough.
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How to Make Google Meet Meeting Notes More Efficient
This is where Tinrec comes in. Tinrec is an AI meeting notes tool whose desktop version can directly capture your computer's system audio, eliminating the need for an extra bot to join your meetings.
Here's how it works in practice:
- Start a Google Meet session (whether using the browser or PWA version)
- Open the Tinrec desktop app and hit record
- Tinrec transcribes the meeting in real time, generating summaries, key points, and action items
- After the meeting, you can search for specific content within Tinrec or ask the AI, "What requirements did the client mention during the meeting?"
The benefit of this workflow is that you don't need to invite a meeting bot, keeping your Google Meet participant list clean, while the meeting content is fully captured and organized.
4 Things to Keep in Mind When Installing Google Meet
- Browser Version: If you plan to use the PWA, make sure your Chrome version is 73 or later. Older versions won't show the install icon.
- Network Stability: Google Meet has high network requirements; before a meeting, it's best to use a wired connection or stay in a spot with strong Wi-Fi signal.
- Recording Compliance: Regardless of the tool you use to record meetings, you should inform participants in advance and obtain consent—this is both basic etiquette and a legal requirement.
- Post-Meeting Organization: Instead of spending an hour listening to recordings after a meeting, use Tinrec's AI summaries and action item extraction to handle meeting notes in five minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google Meet cost money on desktop?
Google Meet is free to use, with basic features including meetings for up to 100 participants and 60-minute group calls. If you need recording features or longer meeting durations, you'll need to subscribe to a Google Workspace plan.
What's the difference between PWA and the app?
The PWA is a lightweight version for computers, with features identical to the browser version. The mobile app is optimized for mobile devices, supporting push notifications and a more convenient calling experience. Which one to choose depends on the device you primarily use for meetings.
Can Tinrec be used with Google Meet?
Yes. The Tinrec desktop app records Google Meet sessions by capturing system audio, requiring no plugins or bots. You simply start your Google Meet as usual and run Tinrec simultaneously to record.
How do I quickly join a meeting after installing Google Meet?
Simply click the meeting link you receive, and Google Meet will automatically detect your device. If you've installed the PWA, it will open in a separate window by default, offering an experience similar to desktop software.
Conclusion
Installing Google Meet is actually simple—the key is choosing the right version: mobile users go to the App Store or Play Store, while computer users use the browser or PWA. But what matters most is what happens after installation—how you effectively organize meeting content is the real key to saving time.
If you have more than three meetings a week, instead of spending time after each one typing up notes, try using Tinrec alongside Google Meet. The desktop version records without bots, provides instant transcripts and summaries, and stores all meetings in your team space, so you no longer have to rely on memory to find past meeting content.
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