While virtual meetings and video conferences are a part of the usual routine now, platforms like Google Meet make the process smoother. Now for users who seek additional interactivity and control, it offers a Companion mode that allows a second instance of the meeting to be started for projection or whiteboarding. While it serves as a needful tool for scenarios where shared content is important, it can be a bit of a distraction when not in use. Well, why let it hold its place then? In today’s guide, we will show you how to turn off the Companion Mode on Google Meet, on a web version on a PC and Android smartphone.
What is Companion Mode in Google Meet & How to Turn it Off?
Companion Mode in Google Meet allows you to join a meeting with a second screen, where you can share the device screen, chat, participate in polls, conduct Q&A, and use host controls. It is helpful for users who use multiple devices to join a meeting. For example, you can join the meeting via your Android smartphone because it is more portable and you can access both audio and video on the go. At the same time, you can join via your PC in the Companion Mode to type out notes on it and chat with other participants simultaneously.
As your microphone and video are turned off to prevent any audio feedback, it is more helpful if you have joined the meeting from a conference room equipped with in-room gear. Participants can participate in the conversation independently, even if they are in the same room as other people or are in a hybrid meeting.
Do note that the companion mode is only accessible via the web version on PC and not on Android smartphones.
Anyway, if you want to turn off the Companion Mode, here is how you can do it.
Method 1: End Call
There’s no direct option to disable or turn off the Companion Mode in Google Meet. Rather you would have to end the call on the device.
1. Click on the red hang-call icon at the bottom of the meeting page.
2. Select the Just leave the call option in the pop-up menu if it appears.
Method 2: Switch to Normal Mode
If you do not want to leave the call but turn off Companion Mode, you can alternatively switch to the normal mode that will turn on the audio feedback. Follow the steps below:
1. Click on the Meeting ID in the bottom-left corner.
2. Select Leave and rejoin to use your audio.
Also Read: Is There a Time Limit on Google Meet?
How to Turn On and Use Companion Mode in Google Meet
Companion Mode makes collaboration and interaction a lot easier. Now if you again want to join a meeting in that mode, you can do that. All you need is to follow the under-mentioned methods:
Method 1: Join via Meeting Link
If you’ve received the meeting invite link, you can use it to directly join a session in the Companion Mode. Follow the steps below:
1. On the PC, click on the meeting link.
2. In the Google Meet joining page, click on Use Companion Mode under Other joining options.
Method 2: Join via Invite Code
As you know every meeting has an invite code. You can use it as well to join any meeting on Google Meet in the companion mode. Follow the steps below:
1. Open the web browser on your PC and enter the Google Meet Companion Mode link- g.co/companion in the address bar.
2. In the Enter a code or link text field, enter the meeting invite code or link.
3. Click on the Start Companion button.
To join the call in companion mode, you must sign in using the same Google account invited to the meeting or obtain permission from the host.
Also Read: How to Use Snap Camera on Google Meet
What are the Features of Companion Mode?
Companion Mode allows users to join a meeting in Google Meet using two devices simultaneously, while one is used for audio and video feedback, the other one can be used for multiple functionalities such as:
- In-call messages with participants
- Screen sharing and view presentations
- Conduct polls and Q&As
- Limited active participation
- Participant tiles
- Collaborate on ideas using a virtual whiteboard
What Features are Not Available in Companion Mode?
While the Companion Mode is very helpful for participants, especially in hybrid meeting sessions, there are some features that it still lacks. Some of them are:
- Mic and video are turned off by default
- Unavailable on smartphones
- Self-view only shows on Google Meet hardware devices when you raise your hand and when checked in
- Participants grid is hidden
- Notifies all participants when one joins and leaves the session in this mode.
Also Read: What are Google Meet Codes?
What is the Difference Between Companion Mode and Participant Mode?
While Companion Mode works best in hybrid workspaces, where multiple people join a meeting from a conference room, the Participant Mode is designed for individual users.
However, there are some notable differences between both the modes that you should know about:
Companion Mode:
- Users can join a session from two devices
- Provides access to features like chat, screen sharing, etc
- Ideal for remote participants who may not have access to a second screen
- Reduces distractions during meetings
- Not available on mobile devices
- Closed captions feature
- Reaction through Emojis option
Participant Mode:
- Users can use only one device
- Mic and video are turned on by default
- You can join from mobile devices
- Participant tiles are visible
Why is Google Meet in Companion Mode?
The reason why your Google Meet might show Companion Mode is that you or any other participant in the meeting may have joined a session on their primary device for audio and video and on the secondary device in the Companion Mode. In this mode, your audio and microphone are disabled by default to prevent audio echoes for you and other participants.
Also Read: How to Make Zoom Meeting Unlimited Time for Free
Will Others Know If I Use Companion Mode?
Yes, when you join a meeting using Companion mode, a label will appear under your name through which other participants can identify you. Moreover, whenever you join or leave, all other participants are notified about it.
Moreover, when you raise your hand in Companion Mode, Google Meet will display your name followed by (Companion) to others. However, the tile is usually hidden to make room for other video feeds.
We hope our guide helped you turn off Companion Mode in Google Meet. If you have any queries or suggestions for us, do let us know in the comments box below. Stay tuned to TechCult for more such tech-related guides.
