Google Meet on the web has just received a useful update: iPhone and iPad users can now join meetings directly from their Safari browser without installing a dedicated app. This change removes a barrier that previously required iOS users to download either the Google Meet app or the Gmail app in order to participate in calls from their mobile devices.
Many video conferencing services already allow users to join meetings via a browser link, which is especially helpful for people who only need to attend an occasional call and prefer not to install multiple conferencing apps. Until now, Google Meet relied on its mobile applications to provide full functionality on iOS, preventing web-only access for Apple device owners.
With this update, Google Meet supports joining meetings through Safari on iPhone and iPad, and since other iOS browsers are built on the same WebKit engine, the experience extends to them as well. The company has explained that iOS users who do not have the Gmail or Meet apps installed can now join meetings through their browser simply by following a meeting link.
Prior to this update, iOS users without the Gmail or Meet apps were unable to participate in Google Meet sessions on their mobile devices. Now, iOS mobile device users can join meetings directly through Safari, without needing to install an app. The process is now seamless; individuals without a Google account can simply provide their name to request entry into the call.
The rollout begins today, though it may take some time for the feature to reach all users. If you try to open a Meet link on an iPhone that still has the Meet or Gmail app installed, the device may continue to prompt you to use the app. However, on devices where neither app is present, the Meet web option should appear and allow you to join without installing anything.
Joining Meet from the browser is designed to be straightforward. People who don’t have a Google account can still enter a meeting by supplying their name and requesting access, which the meeting host can approve. This lowers the friction for guests, clients, and participants who only need to join a single call or who prefer not to sign in to a Google account.
From a practical standpoint, web-based joining improves accessibility and convenience. It reduces the need to manage app permissions, frees up device storage, and streamlines ad-hoc collaboration. For organizations and individuals who frequently invite external guests, this change simplifies the attendee experience and can reduce support requests related to app installation or account sign-in.
That said, some advanced features may still be limited in the browser version compared to the native apps. Users who rely on specific mobile-only capabilities may still prefer the dedicated Meet or Gmail apps. For general meeting participation—audio, video, screen sharing (as supported by iOS browsers), and chat—the web-based approach should meet most needs.
More on Google Meet:
- Google Meet for Android Auto now rolling out widely
- Gemini 3.5 Live Translate rolling out to Google Meet & Translate with new ‘listening mode’
- Google Meet adding in-person ‘Take Notes for me’ and Drive ‘projects’
If you plan to use Meet in Safari on iOS, ensure your device and browser are up to date for the best compatibility. Expect the experience to become progressively available across accounts and regions as the rollout completes over the coming days and weeks.