How to use Google Meet to take part in remote research

Google Meet is an online tool used to connect with people online via audio or video. Whether you’re new to Google Meet or want to check instructions before your session with us, here is your complete guide for taking part in remote research using Google Meet.

💻 For laptop and PC users (web browser)

Download Google Meet

To use Google Meet on a laptop or PC, you will need to have the following to take part in a research session:

• A webcam
• A speaker
• A microphone

If you’re using Google Meet on a laptop or PC, there is no app to download. You can join a research session on Google Meet by clicking on the link that has been sent to you by the Project Manager. This will open up in a web browser.

Want to check that your web browser is compatible with Google Meet? Click here.

Log in

Go to https://meet.google.com and log in with your Google username and password.

Please note: Google Meet is part of Google, so you will need a Google account in order to use it.

How to use Google Meet in your research session

Please note: the following instructions are for laptop/PC users only. If you’re using the mobile app, you can find these instructions further below too – just keep scrolling!

1. Log into your Google account on your browser at least 10 minutes before your session.
2. Check your camera and microphone are properly working. Click on the settings icon in the top right-hand corner of your screen and test your audio, video and microphone before the research begins.
3. Click on the meeting invite link you were emailed by the Project Manager before the session. The meeting will automatically open in either the Google Meet app or on your desktop.
4. Start the session. Wait for the researcher to join the call and complete the session.

How to share your screen on Google Meet

In some research sessions, you will be testing a website or a prototype on your desktop/laptop. In this instance, the researcher will ask you to share your screen via Google Meet so they can see you using it. Here’s instructions on how to do this:

1. Click the ‘Share content’ icon on the menu at the bottom of your screen (see image below).
2. Choose a suitable option for sharing your screen. The option you select will depend on what’s required during your session (e.g. if you’re changing between multiple websites or apps). You will be advised on this during the session.

• Entire screen – this will show you all the current applications you have open on your laptop/computer. This is best to use if you’re changing between different websites or apps during the session, so the researcher can see more than one window open.
• Window – this will record only the window (e.g. your web browser) that you select. This is best if you’re testing inside one app/web browser – it helps to keep the view clutter-free for the researcher, if this view is all that’s required.
• Tab – this will show you all of the tabs that are currently active in your browser. You can then select the individual tab you wish to share (see below).

The researcher can help you with this if you are struggling to choose the right option, so don’t worry too much about it before!

Compatibility requirements (web browser)

To use Google Meet on your laptop/PC, you will need to use one of the following browsers to ensure it is compatible:

• Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Microsoft Edge
• Apple Safari

Please note: if your device does not have one of the following browsers, then you will not be able to use Google Meet on your desktop/laptop.

📱 For mobile app users (app version)

Download Google Meet app on your mobile

Want to check that your phone is compatible with the Google Meet app? Click here.

1. Download the app. Go to the app store on your phone (e.g. Apple Store or Google Play) and download the Google Meet app for free.
2. Log in to Google Meet. Click on the app and log in with your Google username and password and complete the set up. Please note: Google Meet is a part of Google, so you will need a Google account in order to use it.

How to join your research session on your mobile

1. Log in to Google Meet at least 10 minutes before your session.
2. Access the session via your invite link. Find the invite email sent to you by one of our team members on your phone and click on the link to your research session. This will now open in your Google Meet app. Alternatively, you may have received a code to join the meeting instead of a link. In this case, you can click 'Join' in the Google Meet app and enter the code. Once you hit the button to join, you will automatically enter the meeting.
3. Start the session. Wait for the researcher to join the call and complete the session. Please make sure your camera, microphone and audio are all turned on.

Compatibility requirements (mobile app)

To download the Google Meet app, your phone needs a certain operating system. Supported operating systems include:

• iPhone: iOS 15.0 or higher
• Android: 5.0x or higher

If your device does not have one of the following operating systems, then you will not be able to use the Google Meet app.

Having problems?

Taking part in remote research using Google Meet should be a quick and easy experience! If you have any issues at all, please contact the PFR team member who invited you to the study and they will be able to assist you with more instructions. Alternatively, you can email support@peopleforresearch.co.uk.

For urgent assistance before your session, you can also ring our team on 0117 921 0008.

If you have a non-urgent technical problem that’s not been covered above, you can find more info here – Google Meet Help Centre.