Open Google Meet from Gmail in 2026? 5 Steps to Join Video Calls Directly from Your Inbox

Where Is Google Meet in Gmail? A Quick Overview

Looking for Google Meet in Gmail? You don't need to install a separate app or open a new tab. Google has integrated Meet directly into the Gmail interface, both on desktop and in the mobile app, located in the sidebar and bottom navigation bar.

However, busy professionals often rush to join meetings and miss the entry point. The following 5 steps explain how to start a meeting, join one, and share links directly from Gmail, so you no longer have to jump between multiple tabs.

Step 1 | Open Gmail on Desktop and Look at the Left Sidebar

Open Gmail in your web browser and, once you're in your inbox, look at the left sidebar. You'll see items like "Mail," "Chat," "Spaces," and "Meet." Google Meet is located right there in the sidebar.

If you don't see Meet, it may be hidden by your sidebar settings. In that case, check Step 4 for customization instructions to bring Meet back.

Step 2 | To Start a New Meeting: Click "Meet" in the Sidebar, Then "New Meeting"

To start a new meeting instantly, click "Meet" in the left sidebar, then select "New Meeting." After that, you can choose:

• "Start an instant meeting": Launch a new video meeting right away.
• "Create a meeting for later": Copy the meeting link to use in the future.
• "Schedule in Google Calendar": The system will take you to Google Calendar to create an event.

Once the meeting starts, you can click "Share joining info" to copy the meeting link and phone number to share with colleagues, or simply click "Join now" to enter the meeting.

Step 3 | To Join a Meeting: Click "Join with a Code" in the Sidebar and Enter the Code

If you received a meeting code from a colleague, you don't need to go to the Meet website. Simply click "Join with a code" in the Gmail sidebar, enter the meeting code, and click "Join."

One thing to note: meeting codes expire. Before joining, it's best to confirm the code is still valid, so you don't discover at the last minute that you can't get in.

Step 4 | Can't See Meet? Enable It in "Quick Settings"

Some company Gmail accounts hide the Meet feature by default. If you don't see it in the sidebar, click the "Settings" gear icon in the top-right corner of Gmail, then select "Quick Settings."

Once there, find the "Chat and Meet" section and click "Customize." From there, you can re-enable the Meet tab or adjust how Chat and Meet are displayed. After saving, the Meet option will reappear in the sidebar.

Additionally, the first time you use Meet, your browser will ask for permission to access your camera and microphone. Be sure to click "Allow," otherwise you'll have no audio or video in the meeting.

Step 5 | Mobile Gmail: Tap the Meet Tab at the Bottom

If you often join meetings on the go, the Gmail mobile app is even more convenient. Open the Gmail app and look at the bottom navigation bar—you'll see four tabs: "Mail," "Chat," "Spaces," and "Meet."

Tap the "Meet" tab, and you'll see two main options:

• "New meeting": Start a meeting instantly, and you can choose to turn off your camera or microphone before joining.
• "Join with a code": Enter a meeting code to join a colleague's meeting directly.

Once in a meeting, you can share the meeting code and link via email, message, or phone to invite others. The biggest advantage of this design is that you don't need to install a separate Google Meet app—one Gmail app handles both email and meetings.

Useful Meet Settings Tips for Busy Professionals

Mute before joining: In a hurry to join but not ready? When starting a new meeting, you can pre-disable your microphone and camera, then turn them on once you're in.

Personal vs. work accounts: If you use a personal Google account, you can only join meetings with a code, and some meeting features are limited. Work or school accounts have full meeting management options.

Scheduling future meetings: In Gmail, you can only start or join meetings instantly. To schedule a meeting for tomorrow or next week, you'll need to create an event in Google Calendar and add the Meet link to it.

Summary: The Meet Entry Point in Gmail Is Actually Straightforward

If you can't find Google Meet, it's usually not that the feature is missing—it's just hidden in settings or you're using the wrong interface. Remember these three key points:

• Desktop: Look at the left sidebar; Meet is below Mail and Chat.
• Mobile: Look at the bottom navigation bar; the Meet tab sits alongside Mail.
• If you don't see it: Go to "Quick Settings" in the top-right corner and re-enable Chat and Meet.

Next time you're rushing to a meeting, you won't need to open a dozen browser tabs. Handle it directly in Gmail and save time for more important work.

References

• Google Meet in Gmail quick start - Google Workspace Learning Center
• G Suite Learning Center Google Meet in Gmail Quick Start
• Join meetings from Gmail - Computer - Gmail Help
• How to quickly start Google Meet video calls in Gmail
• How to Schedule a Google Meeting in Gmail