Streamlining Google Meet: Open Links in the App, Not the Browser – Workalizer.com
Navigating the Google Workspace ecosystem often involves seamless transitions between applications. However, a common point of friction arises when Google Meet links, despite having the dedicated app installed, insist on opening in a web browser. This behavior can disrupt your workflow, especially when you're geared up for a quick meeting or a collaborative session where efficient google drive file creation is key. This post, inspired by a recent Google support forum thread, explores why this happens and offers practical solutions for a smoother Google Meet experience.
The Frustration: Google Meet Links Opening in Browser
Rebecca Dorer, like many users, encountered an issue where clicking a Google Meet link consistently opened a new browser tab instead of launching the installed Google Meet application. Her original post clearly articulated the problem: "When I click a Google Meet link, it opens the browser even though I have the app installed. How do I get the link to open the app directly?"
This seemingly minor inconvenience can be a significant productivity drain. Every extra click, every moment spent navigating away from your intended application, adds up. For professionals relying on Google Workspace for daily operations, a direct launch into the Meet app is not just a preference, but a necessity for maintaining focus and efficiency.
Understanding the "Why": App vs. Browser vs. PWA
Before diving into solutions, it's helpful to understand why your system might default to opening Meet links in a browser. Often, it comes down to how your operating system (OS) handles default applications for web links. A traditional web link (URL) is usually associated with a web browser by default. While you might have a dedicated Google Meet app, the OS might not recognize it as the primary handler for meet.google.com links.
- Native App: A standalone application installed directly on your device (e.g., from an app store).
- Browser: Accessing Meet through a web page (e.g.,
meet.google.comin Chrome, Firefox, etc.). - Progressive Web App (PWA): A hybrid solution that runs in a browser but offers an app-like experience, often with its own window, desktop icon, and offline capabilities. It's not a native app, but it behaves very similarly.
The distinction between these can be crucial for troubleshooting.
Solution 1: For Android Users – Direct App Configuration
For those on Android devices, a direct solution exists to ensure Meet links open within the app. Community expert PeggyK provided clear steps:
Open Android Settings
Start by navigating to your device's main Settings menu. This is typically represented by a gear icon.
Tap Apps (or Applications)
Within Settings, find and tap on the section labeled Apps or Applications. This lists all installed applications on your device.
Locate and Tap on the Meet App
Scroll through your list of apps until you find Meet (the Google Meet app). Tap on it to open its specific settings.
Tap "Open by Default"
Look for an option like "Open by Default" or "Set as default". Tap this to manage how the app handles links.
Ensure it's Set to "In the App"
Within the "Open by Default" settings, make sure the preference is set to "In the app" or similar wording that indicates links should open directly in the Meet application.
Verify Supported Links
Finally, check the "verified links" or "supported web addresses" section to confirm that meet.google.com is listed. This confirms the app is configured to handle these specific URLs. If these settings aren't available or don't resolve the issue, a temporary workaround might be to long-press the Meet link and manually select the Meet app from the "Open with" options.
Solution 2: For Desktop Users – Embracing the Progressive Web App (PWA)
For desktop users, particularly those on Windows and using Chrome, the solution often lies in the Progressive Web App (PWA) for Google Meet. NinCoT, another product expert, initially shared this insight, and Rebecca Dorer confirmed its effectiveness:
"You know, it seems weird that the actual Google Meet app doesn't have as good of functionality as the PWA does, but I downloaded the Progressive Web App instead, and that did open up the separate app screen. So, that's a successful workaround for me!"
The PWA offers the best of both worlds: it runs within your Chrome browser's capabilities but provides a dedicated, app-like window that feels separate from your main browser tabs. This means Meet links can be configured to open in this dedicated PWA window, bypassing the need to open a new browser tab.
Installing the Google Meet PWA on Chrome
The process for installing the Google Meet PWA is straightforward and requires Google Chrome version 73 or higher:
- Open Google Meet in Chrome: Go to meet.google.com in your Google Chrome browser.
- Look for the Install Icon: In the address bar (omnibox) of Chrome, you should see a small icon that looks like a computer monitor with a downward-pointing arrow, or a plus sign within a circle. This is the "Install app" icon.
- Click to Install: Click on this icon. A prompt will appear asking if you want to install Google Meet.
- Confirm Installation: Click "Install" in the pop-up window.
- Launch the PWA: Google Meet will now open in its own dedicated window, separate from your browser. A shortcut will also be added to your desktop or applications folder, allowing you to launch it directly like any other application.
Once installed, Meet links should now open directly in this PWA, providing a much smoother and more integrated experience.
Beyond the Fix: Optimizing Your Google Workspace Workflow
While fixing how Meet links open is a specific technical solution, it's part of a larger strategy for optimizing your Google Workspace workflow. Seamless transitions between applications are critical, especially when collaborating on projects that require frequent google drive file creation or google drive file modification during live meetings.
When your Meet experience is streamlined, you can jump into calls faster, share screens more efficiently, and collaborate on documents without the friction of managing multiple browser tabs. This direct access to your meeting environment ensures that your focus remains on the discussion and the task at hand, rather than technical hurdles.
Furthermore, consider the impact on your google storage check usage. Meeting recordings, shared documents, and collaborative files all contribute to your overall storage consumption. A well-integrated workflow, including efficient Meet usage, helps you manage these digital assets more effectively, ensuring you're aware of and optimizing your storage footprint.
If you continue to experience issues or have suggestions for improving Google Meet's functionality, remember to utilize the built-in feedback mechanism within the Meet app. Your input, like Rebecca's, can directly influence future updates and improvements.
Conclusion
The frustration of Google Meet links defaulting to a browser when you have the app installed is a common one, but thankfully, there are clear solutions. Whether you're an Android user adjusting app settings or a desktop user embracing the Progressive Web App, achieving a direct launch into your meetings is well within reach. By implementing these simple fixes, you can significantly enhance your Google Meet experience, contributing to a more efficient and less interrupted Google Workspace workflow. Dive into your next meeting with confidence, knowing your links will open exactly where you want them to.
