How to Enable the Chat Feature on a Gmail Account

Gmail's chat feature allows users to chat with anyone who uses Gmail, Gtalk Network or any service that supports open server-to-server federation. If you have a Gmail account, you can chat without leaving your email account. Gmail chat has a lot of built in features that make it easy to use and convenient. Most importantly, enabling the chat feature in Gmail is virtually effortless.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Invite Friends to Chat

1. Log into your Gmail account by entering your User Identification and Password on the Gmail home page.
2. Find the "Contacts" window on the left side of the screen. Run your mouse over the person's name you want to chat with. Their profile card appears when you hover over their name with the mouse. Click the "Invite to chat" button on their profile card.
3. Locate the name of the person you want to chat with on your "Quick
   contacts" list. When someone is online, a green, yellow or red ball appears next to their name. Green means they are online. Yellow means they are idle or away. Red means they are busy. Click the person's name and a chat window appears.
4. Enter your friend's name in the box at the top of the "Quick contacts" section. Once the person's profile box appears, select "Invite to chat."

Chat With Friends

5. Locate the name of the person you want to chat with on your "Quick
   contacts" list.
6. Click their name and type the message you want to send them in the text box that appears. Push "Enter" when you are finished. Wait for your friend to respond.
7. Try another option by using your "Contact list" to search for the person you want to chat with. Move over your friend's name. Choose the "Chat with" button that appears in the profile box.
8. Enter the message you want to send in the text box. Hit "Enter" in order to send the message. Wait for a response.

Tips & Warnings

• The person you want to chat with must have a colored ball next to their name. This indicates they have the Gmail chat service. If the person does not have a ball next to their name, they are not signed up for Gmail Chat and can not be contacted via this chat service.