Join a meeting using “companion mode” from Android and iOS tablets

What’s changing

Starting today, you can use companion mode on Apple iPads & Android tablets and foldable devices. Companion mode is a quick, light-weight way to participate in meetings without opening a laptop. This can be particularly useful in meeting spaces where room for a laptop is limited, or as an easy, discreet way to participate during large in-person meetings, such as all hands or town halls. 

Specifically, you can use companion mode to: 
  • Check-in to the room to be identified by name. 
  • Share an emoji reaction without interrupting the speaker. 
  • Raise your hand to indicate that you’d like to speak. 
  • Turn on captions to view subtitles as everyone speaks during a meeting. 
  • Exchange chat messages with other meeting participants. 
  • View and zoom in on presented content to easily follow along with the presenter on your own device. 
  • Use Meet in the split screen view, helping you multitask.Check-in to the room to be identified by name.
Check-in to the room to be identified by name.
Share an emoji reaction without interrupting the speaker
Share an emoji reaction without interrupting the speaker
Raise your hand to indicate that you’d like to speak
Raise your hand to indicate that you’d like to speak
Turn on captions to view subtitles as everyone speaks during a meeting
Turn on captions to view subtitles as everyone speaks during a meeting
Exchange chat messages with other meeting participants
Exchange chat messages with other meeting participants
View and zoom in on presented content to easily follow along with the presenter on your own device
View and zoom in on presented content to easily follow along with the presenter on your own device
Use Meet in the split screen view, helping you multitask
Use Meet in the split screen view, helping you multitask



Companion mode is already available for laptop and desktop devices, as well as Android and iOS mobile devices. 

Additional details 

  • Minimum Android build required: 
    • Meet: 308.0. (Android Settings > Apps > Meet > [App Info > Version]) 
    • Gmail: 2025.05.25. (Android Settings > Apps > Gmail > [App Info > Version]) 
  • Minimum iOS build required: 
    • Meet: 310.0. (Meet > Settings -> About, terms, and privacy > Version) 
    • Gmail: 6.0.250601. (Settings > About Gmail > Version) 

Getting started 

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. 
  • End users: 
    • This feature will be available by default. You can join a meeting using companion mode from the green room before your meeting. Use this Help Center article and video guide to learn more about using companion mode in Google Meet. 
    • Note: Your audio and mic will automatically be muted—we recommend using meeting room hardware for audio and video to avoid feedback. 

Rollout pace 

Android: 
iOS: 

Availability 

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts 

Resources