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How to Use Google Meet Companion Mode in a Conference Room

Applies toGoogle Meet, Google Workspace
2 min fix Updated 20 Jul 2026

By , 10+ years in IT support and helpdesk How these guides are checked

Quick Answer

Open the meeting link on your laptop. On the 'Ready to join?' screen, do NOT click 'Join now'. Instead, click Use Companion Mode under the 'Other joining options' section.

Checked against Microsoft Learn - Microsoft Teams client and Google Workspace Updates between 5 Aug 2026 and 12 Sep 2026. Nothing published in that period has been linked to this guide.

Estimated Time to Fix: 2 minutes

Summary ​

When you are sitting in a conference room that is already connected to a Google Meet, joining the same meeting from your personal laptop usually causes a piercing, high-pitched audio echo. "Companion Mode" solves this. It lets you join the meeting to share your screen or view the chat, while completely disabling your laptop's microphone and speakers to prevent feedback.

Before You Start ​

  • The conference room hardware (the room system) must already be joined to the Google Meet.

Instructions ​

1. Join Using the Companion Mode Button (Easiest) ​

The preview screen offers Companion mode below the main join button.

  1. Open the Google Meet link from your calendar invite on your laptop.
  2. You will arrive at the "Ready to join?" preview screen.
  3. Do not click the main "Join Now" button.
  4. Instead, look below the main button for the option that says Use Companion mode.
  5. Click it. Your laptop will enter the meeting with its microphone and speakers permanently muted. The room hardware handles the audio, while your laptop can be used for screen sharing or chat.

2. Join Using the Direct URL ​

A short URL gets you into Companion mode without the calendar invite.

If you don't have the calendar invite handy or want a shortcut:

  1. Open your web browser.
  2. Type g.co/companion into the address bar and press Enter.
  3. Type in the meeting code (the letters at the end of the Google Meet link, e.g., abc-defg-hij).
  4. You will instantly bypass the preview screen and join the meeting in Companion Mode.

3. Sharing Your Screen in Companion Mode ​

The most common use for Companion Mode is presenting a slideshow without needing an HDMI cable.

  1. Once you are in the meeting in Companion Mode, look at the bottom toolbar.
  2. Click the Present now icon (a rectangle with an up arrow).
  3. Choose whether to share a Chrome Tab, a Window, or your Entire Screen.
  4. The conference room screen (and all remote participants) will now see your laptop screen.

Troubleshooting ​

WARNING

Never unmute your microphone while in Companion Mode. Doing so will instantly create a feedback loop with the conference room's microphone, deafening everyone on the call. If you need to speak, talk normally—the room microphone will pick up your voice.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
I clicked "Join Now" by accident and caused an echoJoined normallyImmediately close the browser tab. Re-open the link and choose Use Companion mode instead.
I want to turn my camera onExpected behaviorYou can turn your personal laptop camera on while in Companion Mode. Your audio will remain muted, but people can see your face.

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Frequently asked questions

Will people be able to see my face if I use Companion Mode?
Yes. Companion mode turns on your laptop camera so remote participants get a clear view of your face, but it mutes your laptop's microphone and speakers to prevent echo.
How do I share my screen in Companion Mode?
Once you are in the meeting via Companion Mode, click the 'Present now' button (a square with an upward arrow) on the bottom toolbar. Select your screen or window, and it will appear on the main room TV for everyone.