Google Chat - Read Messages

Overview

Read, send, and manage messages in Google Chat (chat.google.com). Includes space navigation, message reading, replying, and attachment download workflows.

URLs

Critical Constraints

• Authentication Required: Must be logged into Google account
• Workspace vs Personal: Interface differs between Google Workspace and personal accounts
• Dynamic Loading: Messages load dynamically - wait for content after navigation
• Unread Indicators: Shown as notification badges on spaces in sidebar
• Thread Expansion: Threads are collapsed by default - click to expand

Workflow: Read Messages

1. Navigate to Chat

Navigate to https://chat.google.com

2. Check Unread Messages

Look for unread indicators in the left sidebar:

• Spaces with unread messages show notification badges
• Bold text indicates unread content
• Numbers show unread message count

3. Select Space or Conversation

1. Find the space or direct message in the left sidebar
2. Click on the space name to open it
3. Wait for messages to load in the main content area

4. Read Message Content

Messages appear in the main content area with:

• Sender name and profile picture
• Message timestamp
• Message body text
• Attachments (if any)

Own messages: Displayed with "yourself" or your name as sender label.

Workflow: Navigate Spaces

1. View Spaces List

The left sidebar shows all available spaces:

• Direct messages at the top
• Spaces below, grouped by category
• Starred spaces may appear separately

2. Switch Between Spaces

Click on any space name in the sidebar to switch. The main content area updates to show that space's messages.

3. Search for Spaces

1. Click the search icon or use the search bar
2. Type space name or keywords
3. Select from search results

Workflow: View Threads

1. Identify Threads

Threads show a reply count indicator (e.g., "3 replies").

2. Expand Thread

1. Click on the thread message or reply indicator
2. Thread expands to show all replies
3. Reply input field appears at the bottom

3. Collapse Thread

Click outside the thread or on the collapse control to close.

Workflow: Send Message

1. Open Destination

Navigate to the space or direct message where you want to send.

2. Find Message Input

The message input field is located at the bottom of the chat area.

3. Compose Message

1. Click on the message input field
2. Type your message
3. Use formatting options if needed (bold, italic, etc.)

4. Send Message

Press Enter or click the send button to send the message.

5. Verify Message Sent

After sending, confirm delivery:

• Your message appears in the conversation
• Timestamp shows recent time (e.g., "just now")
• Reply count increases if replying to a thread

Workflow: Reply to Thread

1. Open Thread

Click on the thread you want to reply to.

2. Find Reply Input

The reply input field appears at the bottom of the expanded thread.

3. Send Reply

1. Type your reply in the input field
2. Press Enter or click send
3. Reply appears in the thread with updated reply count

Workflow: Download Attachment

1. Locate Attachment

Attachments appear in messages as:

• File cards with name and size
• Image previews for image files
• Document icons for other file types

2. Open Attachment Preview

Click on the attachment to open a preview.

3. Download File

1. In the preview, click the download button (download icon)
2. File downloads to your default download location
3. For images, right-click may offer "Save image as" option

Page Structure Reference

Sidebar Elements

Chat Area Elements

Message Elements

Keyboard Shortcuts

Troubleshooting

Notes

• Google Chat is part of Google Workspace - some features may require Workspace account
• Spaces can be organized into categories for easier navigation
• Message history is searchable across all spaces
• External users in spaces are marked with an indicator
• Messages can include @mentions to notify specific users
• Emoji reactions are available on all messages