How to Disable Google Chat in Gmail on Web and Mobile Devices

Last year, Google renamed G Suite to Google Workspace for corporate, nonprofit, educational institutions, and more. Recently, Google announced Google Workspace for all 3 billion users who use its products and services. As part of this plan, Google is squeezing Google Chat (formerly known as Hangout Chat), Rooms, and Meet directly into Gmail. Read on to learn how to disable Google Chat from Gmail web and mobile apps.

With the latest announcement and changes, Google is playing dangerously with the core interface of Gmail, one of its all-time favorite products. You’ll soon see Google Chat, Rooms (renamed Spaces), and Meet integration into your Gmail web and mobile device.

These products indirectly compete with other products on the market. If you’re already using these competing services, there’s no point in using Google’s half-baked products in the Gmail interface.

Instead of keeping it separate, Google integrates everything into the Gmail homepage. This can be overwhelming for someone who only uses Gmail for email. If you are among them, follow the steps below to remove any chat add-on from the Gmail app.

Disable Google Chat from Gmail Web

Fortunately, Google has added an option to completely disable Google Chat on the web. Go through the steps below.

Stage 1: Visit Gmail on the web.

Step 2: Sign in using Google account credentials.

Stage 3: Those using the new Gmail interface will see Google Chat, Rooms, and Google Meet in the left sidebar.

Step 4: Click the Settings icon in the upper right corner.

Step 5: Select See All Settings from the menu below.

Step 6: Go to the Chat and Dating menu.

Step 7: You can revert to classic Hangouts or turn off Google Chat entirely.

From the same menu, you can also change the Google Chat location from left to right. Don’t forget to hit the Save Changes button at the bottom before leaving the interface. Otherwise, you won’t be able to see the changes applied in Gmail.

This much. You have successfully disabled Google Chat from Gmail on the web.

Turn off Google Chat from Gmail Mobile

The above changes only apply to the Gmail web app. There are separate settings for disabling Google Chat on Android and iPhone.

Gmail Android App

As expected, Google has also integrated Google Chat into the Gmail Android and iPhone app. Follow the steps below to disable it on Android.

Stage 1: Open the Gmail app on your Android phone.

Step 2: Tap on the hamburger menu and go to Settings.

Stage 3: Select the Google account.

Step 4: Disable the Chat option from the General tab and you’re ready.

Gmail iOS App

The steps to disable Google Chat on iPhone are more or less similar to its Android counterpart.

Stage 1: Open the Gmail app and go to Settings.

Step 2: Select the Gmail ID for which you want to disable Google Chat.

Stage 3: Under the General menu you will find Chat. Disable the toggle and enjoy a smooth Gmail experience on mobile.

Uninstall Google Meet from Gmail

Google already offers a dedicated Google Meet web app to enjoy group video calling between friends, family and colleagues.

Google has also added Google Meet to Gmail to get things done from a single interface. For someone who relies on Zoom or Microsoft Teams for their video calling needs, it may be an irrelevant add-on. Read on to learn how to remove Google Meet from Gmail.

Stage 1: Visit Gmail on the web.

Step 2: Sign in using Google account credentials.

Stage 3: Click the Settings icon in the upper right corner.

Step 4: Select See All Settings from the menu below.

Step 5: Go to the Chat and Dating menu.

Step 6: In the main menu option, select Hide the Meet section.

Step 7: Hit Save Changes at the bottom and you’ll see Google Meet disappear from the Gmail homepage.

Simplify the Gmail Experience

Gmail is the primary email service for millions of people. If you’re looking for a simple interface, Google Chat, Rooms, and Meet can leave a bloated experience inside. Follow the steps above and completely remove Google Chat and Google Meet from Gmail web and mobile.

Next: Do you have another email id in the Outlook service? Read the post below to learn how to sync your Outlook account with Gmail.