How to Use Google Duo for Group Video Calls (2024)

Your first step should be to set up Google Duo. Any Android device that has access to the Google Play Store should already have Duo installed. If the app isn’t on your device, download it fromGoogle Play. For iPhone or iPad users, download the app from theApp Store.

Open Duo on your mobile device and give the app access to your microphone, camera, and contacts. You should also allow the app to send you notifications if you expect to receive call invitations.

You then need to verify your mobile phone number by entering the verification code you receive in a text message. Setting up the app will sync your contacts so you can access them across devices and on the web.

Once a video call has begun, you can control the meeting by tapping the screen to view the toolbar. Duo gives you options to turn the video and audio on and off. You can also swap the video feed between the front and rear cameras on your device. Tap the smaller thumbnail image to swap the main video feed between you or the other person.

If you tap the three-dot menu icon, there are even more options. Tap the Bluetooth icon to attach a Bluetooth headset for the call. If your video is suffering under low-light conditions, tap the Low Light icon to add additional light to your video and improve the picture quality. You can also blur the background of your video feed by tapping the Portrait icon.

Tap the round gray button above the three-dot menu to take snapshots of the screen during your Duo call. When you’re finished with a call, tap the red button in the middle to hang up.

At the group screen, you have two options. Tap the Message icon to record and send a message to all the group members. Otherwise, tap the Start icon to kick off the video call. Each person taps the Join button to join the call. When all the participants have joined, you’ll see each person’s video feed on the screen.

Tap the screen to display different options for your call. There are fewer actions available than in one-on-one video calls. You can turn off your microphone and change the camera, but there are no tools for shutting off video, connecting Bluetooth headsets, or capturing screenshots. If you tap the group name icon, you can view a list of members.

When finished, tap the Hangup icon to end the call. Each person then has to tap the Hangup icon to end the call on their end.

Using the toolbar at the top, you can mute the sound or stop the video feed. The video can also be made full-screen. Press the Esc key to exit full-screen mode. Tap the Show settings icon to control the settings for your camera, microphone, and audio. Click the End call button to end the call.

At this point, group calling is not available with Google Duo on the web. However, Google plans to add this feature and other improvements down the road.

COVID-19 lockdowns mean many of us are working from home and swapping in-person meetings for video chats. Here's how to make sure you look your best while on camera.