What is Google Meet Companion Mode?
Google Meet Companion Mode is a feature that lets someone join a Google Meet call on a secondary device like a tablet or smartphone and use the room hardware to stream audio and video. Companion Mode is tailored for hybrid meetings where some attendees are in-person in a conference room, while others join remotely.
The core purpose is to enable every participant to interact with all features of the meeting, including chat, polls, Q&As, reactions, and screen sharing, irrespective of their location. Participants should be able to enable or disable their audio without causing technical disturbances during a meeting.
To prevent audio echo and feedback loops, Companion Mode devices come with audio output and microphone turned off.
Camera functionality is optional, meaning users can turn on their camera but are unable to be the ‘speaker view’ unless they turn on audio.
All interactive features, including hand-raising, chat, emoji reactions, content zoom, polls, and Q&A, can be done from the Companion device.
Best suited for hybrid meeting settings as it allows participants in the room to be individually identified and not as a collective group.
Why Should You Use Google Meet Companion Mode?
Collaboration Equity
Companion Mode ensures that all participants can actively contribute, irrespective of their location, during a Google Meet call. It enables remote and in-person users to have equal participation to avoid any participation inequity.
Preventing Audio Feedback
When microphones and speakers from several devices in the same room are active, a multitude of devices create an echo, feedback, and utter chaos. This issue is solved with Companion Mode because audio is set to mute by default.
Enhanced Engagement
Using Companion Mode, people in the room can also interact and participate as if they were located far away, providing the same level of engagement as remote participants.
Accessibility
Captions are supported during meetings so that participants who are deaf or hard of hearing can take part.
Device Flexibility
Companion Mode allows the use of a laptop, tablet or smartphone to engage in the meeting while the speaker and camera are in the room.
How Does Google Meet Companion Mode Work?
Joining via Computer
To join the meeting, open the invitation link or visit meet.google.com.
To use Companion Mode, select 'Other Joining options' before entering the meeting.
Make sure to log into your account so your name reflects correctly on the participant list during the meeting.
You will have no audio or video by default, but you will be able to interact using chat, polls, and other features.
Joining from a Mobile Device
Click on the Google Meet app icon on your mobile device, and select Use Companion Mode.
Join the meeting and check in if necessary.
Features like chat, reactions, and polls are accessible from mobile devices.
Quick Access
Users can join any scheduled meeting using the dedicated link g.co/companion. Those who wish to join through the Companion Mode may input their meeting code directly.
Settings and Troubleshooting
As always, ensure you are on the latest version of Google Meet.
If needed, please enable Companion Mode in the app settings.
If any device-related issues are detected, please restart them. Additionally, check the internet connection.
Google Meet Companion Mode's Key Features
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Chat & Messaging | Users are able to send messages to all or selective participants without disruption to the speaker. |
Emoji Reactions | Non-verbal feedback using a range of emoji reactions can be used. |
Hand Raising | Users can indicate wanting to speak in an orderly manner. |
Screen Sharing | Slide presentation and screen sharing can be done from the device. |
Polls & Q&A | Participating in interactive polls and Q&A sessions is allowed. |
Real Time Captions | Captions can be enabled to aid those with hearing difficulties. |
Content Zoom | Shared content can be zoomed in for better visibility. |
Room Check-In | Show your presence in a meeting room to provide accurate attendance logging. |
Host Controls | The host can control the co-hosts, participants, the chat, share the screen, and many more features. |
Live Stream Events | Start/stop live streams if they were scheduled to start through Google Calendar. |
Whiteboard Access | Work on a virtual whiteboard with others during brainstorming sessions. |
Breakout Rooms | Join breakout sessions for targeted conversations. |
Device Flexibility | Companion Mode is available on laptops, tablets, and phones. |
No Audio Feedback | The audio/mic is turned off by default, preventing redundancy. |
Personalized Experience | Participants can set captions, their view, and other features in the meeting to their liking. |
Attendance Tracking | Participant tracking for attendees in the meeting cell. |
Seamless Workspace Integration | Full access to Google Calendar, Drive, and Docs. |
Benefits of Google Meet Companion Mode
For Hybrid Meetings
Individual Participation - Each meeting attendee can engage as a separate individual who is perceived as “Meeting Room.”
No Disruption - Collaboration can happen easily without audio problems.
Enhanced Engagement - Strong meeting productivity improves through interactivity with the meeting tools.
For Remote Work and Education
Multitasking - Use one device to present and take notes, and join the meeting on the other device, which displays the primary screen.
Personalization - Meeting setting options provide the opportunity to fit the defined user role and needs.
Increased Productivity - Immediate collaboration enhances project and decision processes.
For Accessibility
Captions and Chat: Enhances hearing inclusivity for users requiring hearing aids.
Device Flexibility: Participation is not limited to specific hardware. Any device will do.
For IT and Admins
Simplified Management: Easy tracking of attendance and participation.
Reduced Support Issues: Fewer technical interruptions and improved audio feedback issues.
Google Meet Companion Mode vs. Standard Mode
tFeature | Standard Mode | Companion Mode |
Audio/Microphone | Enabled | Disabled by default (prevents echo) |
Video | Enabled | Optional; not active speaker |
Chat, Polls, Q&A | Accessible | Fully accessible |
Screen Sharing | Yes | Yes |
Device Flexibility | One device per participant | Multiple devices per participant |
In-room Participation | Shared identity (e.g., “Room 1”) | Individual identity for each user |
Best Use Case | Remote or single-user meetings | Hybrid/in-room meetings |
Key Takeaway:
Companion Mode is a must for in-person meetings where participants wish to speak and be heard separately, but Standard Mode is ideal for remote or single-user meetings.
Google Meet Companion Mode: Description and Comparisons
Feature | Google Meet Companion Mode | Microsoft Teams Companion Mode | Zoom (Dual Device) |
Individual In-Room Participation | Yes | Yes | Limited (requires workarounds) |
Audio Feedback Prevention | Yes (audio muted) | Yes (audio muted) | Partially (manual mute) |
Chat, Polls, Q&A | Fully Accessible | Accessible | Accessible |
Device Flexibility | High | High | Moderate |
Google Workspace Integration | Native | No | No |
Google Meet’s Companion Mode integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace, which focuses ever more on collaboration equity. This means it caters best for companies that use Google’s productivity tools.
Best Practices for Using Google Meet Companion Mode
Always mute audio on secondary devices to avoid feedback.
If you’re sharing a room, use Companion Mode for reactions and chat.
Present your Companion device to maintain the main meeting feed.
Check attendance for the meeting room check-in.
Enable captions for better understanding and accessibility.
Change devices when lag or syncing delays occur.
Use desktop chat and reactions to mute activation without silencing the microphones.
Quick access to Companion Mode can be done using g.co/companion link.
Use Cases: Practical Illustrations
The following are use cases for Google Meet Companion Modes in 2025:
Hybrid Team Meetings
Companion Mode allows in-room participants to chat, ask questions, and vote through their laptops and tablets while the main room device manages audio and video for the group.
Large Town Halls or All-Hands
Employees in an auditorium are able to use Companion Mode to raise hands, react, and submit questions, ensuring that their participation does not disrupt the speaker.
Classrooms and Education
Students in a classroom use Companion Mode to answer quizzes and polls as well as ask questions while the teacher takes control of the main device and manages the session.
Workshops and Training Sessions
While presenting from a laptop, facilitators can utilize Companion Mode on a tablet to track chat and Q&A, thus better managing the session.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Companion chat and live captions enable participants with hearing impairments to actively follow and contribute.
Troubleshooting and Tips
Is your audio/video not working?
Restart your browser/device or try a different one.
Can't connect using Companion Mode?
Ensure your internet is working, the app is up to date, and you are logged into a Google Account. If not, you will need to be approved by the host to join.
Echo feedback issues?
Kindly ensure that only one audio output is activated in the room.
Syncing problems?
Make certain that both the account as well as the network used are the same; exiting and rejoining the meeting might help too.
Want to Meet Google compatibilty?
Use the latest version of Google Meet on Androids, iOS, and Chrome platforms as they are the only supported devices.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Google Meet Companion Mode?
Allow connectivity to a Google Meet call using a second device for more interactive features. Users should mute their audio to prevent feedback.
Who should use Companion Mode?
Anyone sitting in a unified Zoom Meeting room and want to interact privately through text messages, vote in polls, or participate in the Q&A section.
Are mobile devices able to add Companion Mode?
Yes, it works on both handheld as well as mobile device interfaces.
Is a Google account compulsory to enable Companion Mode?
To access this feature, yes, you must be logged in. Guests need host approval to access the meeting.
Does Companion Mode consume participant spaces?
Yes, every mark added with companion mode is added as a user.
Can I enable video during the companion while audio is off?
Video is optional for participants to customize, while audio is set to off by default and will not be the primary speaker.
How do I present or share my screen in Companion Mode?
Select Share Screen on the separate companion device.
Does Companion Mode work with all Google Workspace editions?
Yes, all Google Workspace users have access to this feature.
Can I use Companion Mode for live streaming?
You can start and stop live streams in Companion Mode, but you must set it up through Google Calendar first.
What interactive tools are available in Companion Mode?
Users can interact through various tools, including Chat, emoji reactions, hand raising, polls, Q&A, as well as use captions and content zoom.
Can I join a meeting with both my laptop and phone?
Certainly, one can serve as a primary device while the other is in Companion Mode for secondary multitasking.
How do I check into a meeting room?
Mark your attendance by using the check-in option during Companion Mode.
Will my name appear twice if I join in Companion Mode?
You’ll appear as yourself with a Companion tag and may appear as two if presenting.
Can I use Companion Mode for educational settings?
Companion Mode is perfect for children sharing a classroom while individually attending the lesson.
How do I enable Companion Mode?
Choose “Use Companion Mode” prior to entering the meeting or adjust settings to enable it.
Are there additional fees related to the usage of Companion Mode?
No, it is covered under Google Meet without any additional fees.
What happens if I do not leave a meeting in Companion Mode and forget to log off?
The host can conclude the meeting for all, which removes every participant.
Is Companion Mode accessible without being in a meeting room?
Yes, it aids multitaskers and those with several devices, even if they are not in the office.
Can Companion Mode access groups and whiteboards?
Yes, you may access virtual whiteboards and participate in breakout rooms from your companion gadget.
What steps can I take to fix my issues regarding Companion Mode?
Ensure your internet, device, and application are updated as well as restarted or reach out to Google customer service if the issue continues.
Conclusion - Our Verdict
The Google Meet Companion Mode is a remarkable feature that enables seamless hybrid and virtual meetings. It unites in-room attendees and remote participants, allowing every attendee to actively participate without technical glitches in all meeting functions…chatting, polls, Q&As, giving reactions, and much more. Companion Mode provides unprecedented ease and active participation essential for teamwork in today's environment, regardless of whether you are managing a hybrid team, teaching, hosting a virtual event, or simply trying to optimize interactivity and productivity. modern collaboration requires.
Using Google Meet's Companion Mode, you enable every participant to speak, work, and participate, regardless of their location. As hybrid working and learning continue to develop, mastering Companion Mode will be vital in ensuring productivity and equity in collaboration.
Table of Contents
What is Google Meet Companion Mode?
Google Meet Companion Mode is a feature that lets someone join a Google Meet call on a secondary device like a tablet or smartphone and use the room hardware to stream audio and video. Companion Mode is tailored for hybrid meetings where some attendees are in-person in a conference room, while others join remotely.
The core purpose is to enable every participant to interact with all features of the meeting, including chat, polls, Q&As, reactions, and screen sharing, irrespective of their location. Participants should be able to enable or disable their audio without causing technical disturbances during a meeting.
To prevent audio echo and feedback loops, Companion Mode devices come with audio output and microphone turned off.
Camera functionality is optional, meaning users can turn on their camera but are unable to be the ‘speaker view’ unless they turn on audio.
All interactive features, including hand-raising, chat, emoji reactions, content zoom, polls, and Q&A, can be done from the Companion device.
Best suited for hybrid meeting settings as it allows participants in the room to be individually identified and not as a collective group.
Why Should You Use Google Meet Companion Mode?
Collaboration Equity
Companion Mode ensures that all participants can actively contribute, irrespective of their location, during a Google Meet call. It enables remote and in-person users to have equal participation to avoid any participation inequity.
Preventing Audio Feedback
When microphones and speakers from several devices in the same room are active, a multitude of devices create an echo, feedback, and utter chaos. This issue is solved with Companion Mode because audio is set to mute by default.
Enhanced Engagement
Using Companion Mode, people in the room can also interact and participate as if they were located far away, providing the same level of engagement as remote participants.
Accessibility
Captions are supported during meetings so that participants who are deaf or hard of hearing can take part.
Device Flexibility
Companion Mode allows the use of a laptop, tablet or smartphone to engage in the meeting while the speaker and camera are in the room.
How Does Google Meet Companion Mode Work?
Joining via Computer
To join the meeting, open the invitation link or visit meet.google.com.
To use Companion Mode, select 'Other Joining options' before entering the meeting.
Make sure to log into your account so your name reflects correctly on the participant list during the meeting.
You will have no audio or video by default, but you will be able to interact using chat, polls, and other features.
Joining from a Mobile Device
Click on the Google Meet app icon on your mobile device, and select Use Companion Mode.
Join the meeting and check in if necessary.
Features like chat, reactions, and polls are accessible from mobile devices.
Quick Access
Users can join any scheduled meeting using the dedicated link g.co/companion. Those who wish to join through the Companion Mode may input their meeting code directly.
Settings and Troubleshooting
As always, ensure you are on the latest version of Google Meet.
If needed, please enable Companion Mode in the app settings.
If any device-related issues are detected, please restart them. Additionally, check the internet connection.
Google Meet Companion Mode's Key Features
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Chat & Messaging | Users are able to send messages to all or selective participants without disruption to the speaker. |
Emoji Reactions | Non-verbal feedback using a range of emoji reactions can be used. |
Hand Raising | Users can indicate wanting to speak in an orderly manner. |
Screen Sharing | Slide presentation and screen sharing can be done from the device. |
Polls & Q&A | Participating in interactive polls and Q&A sessions is allowed. |
Real Time Captions | Captions can be enabled to aid those with hearing difficulties. |
Content Zoom | Shared content can be zoomed in for better visibility. |
Room Check-In | Show your presence in a meeting room to provide accurate attendance logging. |
Host Controls | The host can control the co-hosts, participants, the chat, share the screen, and many more features. |
Live Stream Events | Start/stop live streams if they were scheduled to start through Google Calendar. |
Whiteboard Access | Work on a virtual whiteboard with others during brainstorming sessions. |
Breakout Rooms | Join breakout sessions for targeted conversations. |
Device Flexibility | Companion Mode is available on laptops, tablets, and phones. |
No Audio Feedback | The audio/mic is turned off by default, preventing redundancy. |
Personalized Experience | Participants can set captions, their view, and other features in the meeting to their liking. |
Attendance Tracking | Participant tracking for attendees in the meeting cell. |
Seamless Workspace Integration | Full access to Google Calendar, Drive, and Docs. |
Benefits of Google Meet Companion Mode
For Hybrid Meetings
Individual Participation - Each meeting attendee can engage as a separate individual who is perceived as “Meeting Room.”
No Disruption - Collaboration can happen easily without audio problems.
Enhanced Engagement - Strong meeting productivity improves through interactivity with the meeting tools.
For Remote Work and Education
Multitasking - Use one device to present and take notes, and join the meeting on the other device, which displays the primary screen.
Personalization - Meeting setting options provide the opportunity to fit the defined user role and needs.
Increased Productivity - Immediate collaboration enhances project and decision processes.
For Accessibility
Captions and Chat: Enhances hearing inclusivity for users requiring hearing aids.
Device Flexibility: Participation is not limited to specific hardware. Any device will do.
For IT and Admins
Simplified Management: Easy tracking of attendance and participation.
Reduced Support Issues: Fewer technical interruptions and improved audio feedback issues.
Google Meet Companion Mode vs. Standard Mode
tFeature | Standard Mode | Companion Mode |
Audio/Microphone | Enabled | Disabled by default (prevents echo) |
Video | Enabled | Optional; not active speaker |
Chat, Polls, Q&A | Accessible | Fully accessible |
Screen Sharing | Yes | Yes |
Device Flexibility | One device per participant | Multiple devices per participant |
In-room Participation | Shared identity (e.g., “Room 1”) | Individual identity for each user |
Best Use Case | Remote or single-user meetings | Hybrid/in-room meetings |
Key Takeaway:
Companion Mode is a must for in-person meetings where participants wish to speak and be heard separately, but Standard Mode is ideal for remote or single-user meetings.
Google Meet Companion Mode: Description and Comparisons
Feature | Google Meet Companion Mode | Microsoft Teams Companion Mode | Zoom (Dual Device) |
Individual In-Room Participation | Yes | Yes | Limited (requires workarounds) |
Audio Feedback Prevention | Yes (audio muted) | Yes (audio muted) | Partially (manual mute) |
Chat, Polls, Q&A | Fully Accessible | Accessible | Accessible |
Device Flexibility | High | High | Moderate |
Google Workspace Integration | Native | No | No |
Google Meet’s Companion Mode integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace, which focuses ever more on collaboration equity. This means it caters best for companies that use Google’s productivity tools.
Best Practices for Using Google Meet Companion Mode
Always mute audio on secondary devices to avoid feedback.
If you’re sharing a room, use Companion Mode for reactions and chat.
Present your Companion device to maintain the main meeting feed.
Check attendance for the meeting room check-in.
Enable captions for better understanding and accessibility.
Change devices when lag or syncing delays occur.
Use desktop chat and reactions to mute activation without silencing the microphones.
Quick access to Companion Mode can be done using g.co/companion link.
Use Cases: Practical Illustrations
The following are use cases for Google Meet Companion Modes in 2025:
Hybrid Team Meetings
Companion Mode allows in-room participants to chat, ask questions, and vote through their laptops and tablets while the main room device manages audio and video for the group.
Large Town Halls or All-Hands
Employees in an auditorium are able to use Companion Mode to raise hands, react, and submit questions, ensuring that their participation does not disrupt the speaker.
Classrooms and Education
Students in a classroom use Companion Mode to answer quizzes and polls as well as ask questions while the teacher takes control of the main device and manages the session.
Workshops and Training Sessions
While presenting from a laptop, facilitators can utilize Companion Mode on a tablet to track chat and Q&A, thus better managing the session.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Companion chat and live captions enable participants with hearing impairments to actively follow and contribute.
Troubleshooting and Tips
Is your audio/video not working?
Restart your browser/device or try a different one.
Can't connect using Companion Mode?
Ensure your internet is working, the app is up to date, and you are logged into a Google Account. If not, you will need to be approved by the host to join.
Echo feedback issues?
Kindly ensure that only one audio output is activated in the room.
Syncing problems?
Make certain that both the account as well as the network used are the same; exiting and rejoining the meeting might help too.
Want to Meet Google compatibilty?
Use the latest version of Google Meet on Androids, iOS, and Chrome platforms as they are the only supported devices.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Google Meet Companion Mode?
Allow connectivity to a Google Meet call using a second device for more interactive features. Users should mute their audio to prevent feedback.
Who should use Companion Mode?
Anyone sitting in a unified Zoom Meeting room and want to interact privately through text messages, vote in polls, or participate in the Q&A section.
Are mobile devices able to add Companion Mode?
Yes, it works on both handheld as well as mobile device interfaces.
Is a Google account compulsory to enable Companion Mode?
To access this feature, yes, you must be logged in. Guests need host approval to access the meeting.
Does Companion Mode consume participant spaces?
Yes, every mark added with companion mode is added as a user.
Can I enable video during the companion while audio is off?
Video is optional for participants to customize, while audio is set to off by default and will not be the primary speaker.
How do I present or share my screen in Companion Mode?
Select Share Screen on the separate companion device.
Does Companion Mode work with all Google Workspace editions?
Yes, all Google Workspace users have access to this feature.
Can I use Companion Mode for live streaming?
You can start and stop live streams in Companion Mode, but you must set it up through Google Calendar first.
What interactive tools are available in Companion Mode?
Users can interact through various tools, including Chat, emoji reactions, hand raising, polls, Q&A, as well as use captions and content zoom.
Can I join a meeting with both my laptop and phone?
Certainly, one can serve as a primary device while the other is in Companion Mode for secondary multitasking.
How do I check into a meeting room?
Mark your attendance by using the check-in option during Companion Mode.
Will my name appear twice if I join in Companion Mode?
You’ll appear as yourself with a Companion tag and may appear as two if presenting.
Can I use Companion Mode for educational settings?
Companion Mode is perfect for children sharing a classroom while individually attending the lesson.
How do I enable Companion Mode?
Choose “Use Companion Mode” prior to entering the meeting or adjust settings to enable it.
Are there additional fees related to the usage of Companion Mode?
No, it is covered under Google Meet without any additional fees.
What happens if I do not leave a meeting in Companion Mode and forget to log off?
The host can conclude the meeting for all, which removes every participant.
Is Companion Mode accessible without being in a meeting room?
Yes, it aids multitaskers and those with several devices, even if they are not in the office.
Can Companion Mode access groups and whiteboards?
Yes, you may access virtual whiteboards and participate in breakout rooms from your companion gadget.
What steps can I take to fix my issues regarding Companion Mode?
Ensure your internet, device, and application are updated as well as restarted or reach out to Google customer service if the issue continues.
Conclusion - Our Verdict
The Google Meet Companion Mode is a remarkable feature that enables seamless hybrid and virtual meetings. It unites in-room attendees and remote participants, allowing every attendee to actively participate without technical glitches in all meeting functions…chatting, polls, Q&As, giving reactions, and much more. Companion Mode provides unprecedented ease and active participation essential for teamwork in today's environment, regardless of whether you are managing a hybrid team, teaching, hosting a virtual event, or simply trying to optimize interactivity and productivity. modern collaboration requires.
Using Google Meet's Companion Mode, you enable every participant to speak, work, and participate, regardless of their location. As hybrid working and learning continue to develop, mastering Companion Mode will be vital in ensuring productivity and equity in collaboration.