How to Send a Direct Message in Google Chat

Need to have a private conversation with a colleague or friend on Google Chat? Direct messages (DM) are the way to go! Whether they’re already on your chat list or they’re a new contact, sending a DM is quick and easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the art of private messaging in Google Chat.

There are two main ways to send a direct message (DM) in Google Chat:

1. Sending a DM to someone already in your chat list:* Open Google Chat https://chat.google.com/.
* In the chat list on the left side of the screen, click on the name of the person you want to send a direct message to.
* This will open a chat window specifically for you and that person.
* Type your message in the chat box at the bottom of the window and press Enter or click the send button (looks like an arrow) to send your message.

2. Send a DM to someone not in your chat list:* Open Google Chat https://chat.google.com/.
* Click the “New Chat” button in the lower left corner (it looks like a plus sign in a circle).
* In the “To” field, enter the email address of the person you want to send a message to. You can also add multiple email addresses to create a group chat.
* Once you have entered the email address(es), you can optionally add a name for the chat in the “Name” field (this will not be visible to the recipient).
* Type your message in the chat box at the bottom of the window and press Enter or click the Send button to send your message.

Here are a few additional things to keep in mind:* You can only send direct messages to people who also have a Google Workspace account (like Gmail for work or school).
* Once you start a direct message with someone, they will appear in your chat list for future conversations.