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How to Set Up Group Chats with External Partners in Google Chat
Hook: Ever tried to schedule a project update with a freelance designer, a client, and a teammate at the same time, only to shuffle between emails and separate chats? A single, shared conversation that brings everyone together can save you hours each week.
Getting started
- Open Google Chat – the instant‑messaging tool built into Google Workspace (think of it as the chat‑side of Gmail).
- Start a new conversation – click the “+” button next to Chat in the left‑hand menu and choose Start a group conversation.
- Add participants – type in the email addresses of the people you want to include. If the address belongs to a domain that isn’t part of your organisation, Google will treat them as an external collaborator (someone outside your Google Workspace).
- Send the first message – once all names appear, hit Send. The chat thread is created instantly; no extra settings or admin approvals are needed.
Tip: If you see a warning that the user is external, simply confirm you want to invite them. Google Chat now allows up to 25 participants in a single group, mixing internal staff and external partners freely.
Quick UI checklist
| Step | What you click | What you type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chat → + New chat | – |
| 2 | Start a group conversation | – |
| 3 | Add email addresses | e.g., [email protected] |
| 4 | Send | Your opening line |
A few practical ways to use it
- Project kick‑offs: Bring your internal team, a client, and any contractors into one thread. Share files, set deadlines, and keep everyone on the same page without chasing emails.
- Study groups: If you’re collaborating on a research paper with classmates from another university, create a single chat where you can discuss drafts, exchange PDFs, and schedule video calls.
- Event planning: Organise a community workshop by inviting venue staff, speakers, and volunteers together. Quick polls (e.g., “Which date works?”) can be done directly in the chat.
Wrap‑up
Group conversations that include external collaborators turn scattered messages into a single, searchable thread. By following the simple four‑step process, you can bring anyone—inside or outside your organisation—into the same chat, streamlining projects, studies, or personal plans. Try it today: open Google Chat, start a new group, add a friend’s non‑company email, and watch how much smoother your coordination becomes.