How to Set Your Status in Google Chat

Google Chat, the instant message service available in Gmail, now allows you to set your status to let others know your availability. The service offers a selection of default statuses and the ability to customize your status as needed.

Default Settings:

You can find the status drop-down menu at the top of the window in either your Gmail inbox or the Google Chat app:

Gmail:

 

Google Chat App:

 

Click the arrow in the drop-down menu (next to the dot), select from the following default options:

 

Definitions of each status:

If you select “Do not disturb,” you can choose how long you would like to keep that status:

 

Add a status:

You can add a custom status to display a specific case (working from home, out sick, etc.)

How to add a customized status:

1. Click “Add a status” from the drop-down:                                                                                                                                                  
2. You can then add your status:                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
3. And choose when you’d like that status to expire:                                                                                                                                                               
4. That’s it. You’ve customized and set your Google Chat status!

Last Updated on May 10, 2025