This article explains how to use the web version of the Google Duo messaging app.

What to Know

  • Go to Google Duo and select a contact or recent call > select Voice or Video Call. To hang up, select End Call.Must haves: Updated web browser (Chrome preferred), fast internet, microphone and speakers, webcam.

How to Use Google Duo for the Web

Here’s how to use Google Duo on any desktop operating system that supports Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari browsers.

  • Signing in to your Duo account is as easy as signing in to Google. From your browser, go to https://duo.google.com.
  • The Duo for the web interface is sparse. You’ll see your most recent calls listed at the top of the window, with the contact’s name, picture, and the date of the call. You can select one of these to redial that individual if that’s who you’re looking for.
  • Your other contacts are listed beneath, with their picture, name, and phone number (if available). However, this list doesn’t comprise your entire contact list in Google. The list here is limited to those people who also use Duo.
  • To place a call, select the name of a recent call or contact. This displays a chat window, provided you’ve allowed Google Duo access to your microphone and webcam.
  • Select either Voice Call or Video Call, whichever you prefer.
  • When you’re ready to end the call, select End Call to hang up.
  • That’s all there is to it. You’re now able to chat over Duo using any available web browser.

Google Duo for the Web Prerequisites

To use Duo for the web, you need to have:

Signing in to your Duo account is as easy as signing in to Google. From your browser, go to https://duo.google.com.

The Duo for the web interface is sparse. You’ll see your most recent calls listed at the top of the window, with the contact’s name, picture, and the date of the call. You can select one of these to redial that individual if that’s who you’re looking for.

Your other contacts are listed beneath, with their picture, name, and phone number (if available). However, this list doesn’t comprise your entire contact list in Google. The list here is limited to those people who also use Duo.

To place a call, select the name of a recent call or contact. This displays a chat window, provided you’ve allowed Google Duo access to your microphone and webcam.

Select either Voice Call or Video Call, whichever you prefer.

When you’re ready to end the call, select End Call to hang up.

That’s all there is to it. You’re now able to chat over Duo using any available web browser.

  • A modern web browser, such as Firefox, Edge, Safari, or Internet Explorer. Of course, Google’s own Chrome browser is preferred.A fast internet connection. While you can try to use it with whatever you have available, the performance you get may be choppy and difficult to understand.A microphone and speakers. Most laptops have both of these built in, but for desktops you may need to purchase a mic.A webcam. This can be either built in or one you add via USB.

What Is Google Duo for the Web?

Duo is Google’s video-chat application. It’s a competitor to FaceTime on iOS, with the added bonus of being available on both iOS and Android devices. While there are some other Google applications (notably Hangouts) that also support video conferencing, Duo is aimed more at the casual user, providing an easy-to-use interface to quickly connect with friends and family.

Previously, there was no way to use Google Duo on a PC, but Google solved that with the introduction of Google Duo for the web, a version of Duo that runs directly within your browser. If you’re worried it won’t be as functional, don’t be; this version of Duo is just as good as its mobile app counterparts. What’s more, it doesn’t require a full installation (though you’ll need to allow it access to your webcam and microphone), and it’s available on any platform running a modern browser, including Windows, macOS, Linux, or Chrome OS, though some refer to it as Google Duo for PC or Google Duo for Mac.

Google Duo can support 12 participants in a group call as of March 26, 2020. If you need to include more people than that, use Google Hangouts instead.

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