Google Messages App Mac Desktop
- Google Messages App Mac Desktop App
- Google Messages App Mac Desktop Software
- Google Messenger On Mac
- Messages App For Desktop
If it's not already set up, you're asked to sign in when you first open the Messages app. Sign in with same Apple ID that you use with Messages on your iPhone and other devices. It's usually the same Apple ID that you use for iCloud, the iTunes Store, the App Store, and the account you created when you first set up your Mac. Google Chat is an intelligent and secure communications tool, built for teams. From direct messages to team chat rooms, Chat makes team communication easy and efficient. Currently for Google Workspace customers only. Group messaging that allows Google Workspace content sharing (Docs, Sheets, Sli.
Messages User Guide
When you’re having a conversation with someone in Messages, you can share your screen with them, or they can share theirs with you. It’s a great way to work together on a project or help a friend do something on their computer.
Share a screen
In the Messages app on your Mac, send a message to the person you want to share with, then click the Details button .
To search for contacts and content in conversations, click in the Search field in the top-left corner and enter what you’re looking for. Or, choose from the suggested contacts, links, photos, and more.
You can’t send a message to someone who’s restricted by communication limits in Screen Time.
Click the Share button , then do one of the following.
Share your screen: Choose Invite to Share My Screen.
View your friend’s screen: Choose Ask to Share Screen.
When the screen-sharing request is accepted, an audio call begins automatically (so you can talk while you work) and the Screen Sharing app opens. For information about using the Screen Sharing app, see Share the screen of another Mac.
To stop screen sharing, do one of the following:
If you’re sharing your screen: Click in the menu bar, then choose End Screen Sharing. (If you’re not ready to stop yet, choose Pause Screen Sharing; choose it again to resume sharing.)
If you’re viewing your friend’s screen: Choose Screen Sharing > Quit Screen Sharing.
Tip: Don’t want someone to send you screen-sharing invitations? When you receive an invitation from them, hold the pointer over the Decline button, click , then click Block User.
If you can’t share a screen
In the Messages app on your Mac, if the Share button is dimmed, try the following:
Make sure the person youʼre trying to share with is signed in to iCloud using the same Apple ID they used to sign in to Messages.
If they can’t sign in to iCloud and Messages using the same Apple ID, open your Contacts app , and make sure your contact card for the person includes both Apple IDs—the one they use to sign in to iCloud, and the one they use in Messages. Then try sharing again. (See Create a new contact.)
Tip: You can also share screens without using the Messages app, using macOS screen sharing. See Turn Mac screen sharing on or off.
Allow someone to control your screen
When you share your screen with someone, you can also allow them to control your screen, which gives them complete access to your computer.
WARNING: Only allow people you trust to control your screen. They can do anything you can do on your computer—open apps, create or delete documents, copy files from your computer to theirs, and so on.
On your Mac, do one of the following:
If you received an invitation to share your screen: Click Accept in the invitation. A message asks if you want to let the other person control your screen, or just observe it. Select “Control my screen,” then click Accept.
If you want to initiate screen sharing: Invite your friend to share their screen. After they accept, click in the menu bar, then choose “Allow [name] to control my screen” so there’s a checkmark next to it.
To take back control of your screen—but still let the other person view it—click in the menu bar, then choose “Allow [name] to control my screen” to remove the checkmark.
If you donʼt give someone screen control, they can still click to highlight areas on your screen.
Given a chance, I’d use only iMessage to communicate both in personal and professional life. However, that’s not possible as Apple doesn’t offer its popular messaging app on Android. And this is exactly what has led me to explore the best iMessage alternatives.
Not that there is a dearth of feature-rich messaging apps, they don’t provide the same level of security. Plus, they don’t work as seamlessly as Apple’s iMessage. However, when it comes to spicing up the messaging time, these third-party messengers for iOS can outsmart iMessage.
Would you like to get an app that can let you communicate freely across the platforms? Follow along to take a peek at the top-notch contenders and decide which one can live up to your billing!
#1. WhatsApp
No prizes for guessing, Whatsapp is by far the most popular messaging app in the world. Boasting a staggering 1.5 billion users in 180 countries, this messenger stands out from the rest as far as popularity is concerned.
You can use this app to communicate in a fun way and send/receive messages, calls, photos, videos, voice messages, and hilarious GIFs. As there is no extra charge, you can also send messages internationally.
Share your real-time location with your close friends and also set a cool status. Thanks to the WhatsApp Web, you will be able to send and receive messages even from your computer’s browser.
Price: Free
Download
#2. Messenger
Facebook Messenger is probably the most feature-rich messaging app. From a huge library of GIFs to a mammoth collection of stickers, the app has got you fully covered. Besides, you can do audio, video calling, send photos, videos and even play with your friends.
Suddenly your wallet runs out of cash? No problem, ask your friend to send some cash to you. What’s more, you can also connect with your favorite businesses to solve problems or get immediate help.
Price: Free
Download
#3. Kik
Stay in sync with your friends and loved ones. Kik can let you express all the colors of your emotions due mainly to the large collection of emojis, GIFs and stickers. Plus, you will also start a group to remain connected with your clients or funny buddies.
Capture every special moment and share it with your dear ones. Also, make the most of video calling feature to stay close to the people who matter a lot to you. And oh, the app can also help you meet new people with a similar interest.
Price: Free
Download
#4. Signal
“Signal” pitches itself as a private messenger. And if you want to offer a bit more privacy to your personal information, this one can be a reasonable option.
The app doesn’t store any of your data and provides end-to-end encryption to keep it safeguarded. Aside from the reliable security, it allows you to communicate through video, audio, and text. Plus, it also has an option to send disappearing messages that are great for secret conversation.
Price: Free
Download
#5. Telegram Messenger
What makes “Telegram Messenger” a worthy contender is the ability to provide a trusted safeguard to your personal information. All of your data is protected with the advanced 256-bit symmetric AES encryption along with 2048-bit RSA encryption and Diffie–Hellman secure key exchange.
It works pretty fast and also keeps your messages shielded. One notable feature of this messenger is the synced functionality. That means, you can start typing on your iPhone and pick it up from you left off on your iPad.
Even better, you can make a group chat with up to 200,000 members to remain in touch with everyone who matters to you.
Price: Free
Download
Google Messages App Mac Desktop App
#6. WeChat
“WeChat” is enormously popular in China and has over one billion active users across the world. What stands out for this messaging app is the option to make group chats with up to 500. So, whether you want to stay connected with your clients or a number of friends, it can stand up to your demand really well.
It lets you make group video calls with up to 9 people. Record a short video and share it with your besties in your Time Capsule. The clip will automatically disappear after 24 hours. Besides, get the most out of custom stickers to liven up your conversation.
Price: Free
Download
#7. Viber Messenger
“Viber” has got all sorts of ingredients to light up your conversation. With over 1 billion users worldwide, it’s not far behind WhatsApp when it comes popularity.
This app promises end-to-end encryption to offer the desired safeguard to your personal messages. Create a group chat for up to 250 friends and stay in touch with them–whenever and wherever.
Take advantage of the self-destructing feature to delete an accidentally sent messages. That’s not all, you can also start a Viber community to interact with the like-minded people.
Price: Free
Download
#8. Skype
If video-calling is your main priority, go for Skype. You can use this app to enjoy one-on-one or group video chat with up to 24 friends at a time.
Just in case, you don’t want to chat face-to-face, use the audio calling feature. Besides, you will also send nice pics and clips to your besties. That’s not all, you can annotate your images and also share some of the most fascinating GIFs to keep the mood of the conversation alive.
Price: Free
Download for iPhone | Download for iPad
Google Messages App Mac Desktop Software
#9. LINE
“LINE” may be less popular than most of its counterparts but it can give them a long run for their money. It has deservedly over 600 million users worldwide.
You can use this app to make group calls with up to 200 people. It lets you store your favorite pics, videos and even message to share them with your friends. The option to make both voice and video calls ensure you have all the essential tools to communicate.
Furthermore, it also has a social networking service to let you post awesome photos on your timeline and comment on the pics shared by your friends.
Price: Free
Download
#10. KakaoTalk
I’ve found KakaoTalk more than a decent messaging app. The user-friendly interface coupled with all the essential tools means your communication will remain free-wheeling.
Whether you want to go one-on-one with your close pal or want to bring multiple friends onboard, the video call feature will live up to your expectation. Schedule appointments and get timely reminders to never forget them. Check out the option to filter your voice calls for fun.
Price: Free
Download
That’s pretty much it! So, these are my all time favorite iMessage Alternatives.
Your top bet?
Agreed, these apps can’t replace iMessage nor can they offer the same level of security and experience. However, they’ve got enough to let you communicate with aplomb. And this is what makes them worth a chance.
Google Messenger On Mac
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Which is your favorite messaging app and why? Share your thoughts down below.
The founder of iGeeksBlog, Dhvanesh, is an Apple aficionado, who cannot stand even a slight innuendo about Apple products. He dons the cap of editor-in-chief to make sure that articles match the quality standard before they are published.
Messages App For Desktop
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