Need Help Getting Started?
Requirements for Remote Sessions:
Gmail account: The main requirement for Google Meet is that you have a Google account to use to connect.
Hardware: The ideal device would be a desktop or laptop computer with a front facing camera or webcam. However, you may use a tablet or your phone as well; it just needs to be able to run the Google Meet app. Depending on the device, you will either access Meet from a browser or an app.
Network: You need a reliable WiFi connection or data plan if you plan on using a mobile device to attend the virtual group meetings. Sometimes your internet speed will fluctuate and this can cause connectivity issues.
Environment: Quiet and private place to prevent any distractions during group. This protects the information being shared during group, and maintains anonymity of each member of Laura’s Group. The audio of the group session is much clearer when everyone is in a quiet spot.
Make a Test Call
If this is your first time attending Laura’s Group online you may be asked to participate in a test call with a group leader to ensure familiarity with the website/app and prevent any issues on your first group meeting.
Troubleshooting tips
Please bear the following in mind as we hold our virtual meetings:
Make sure you do not have too many programs running at the same time as this can slow down the operating speed of your machine or device.
Be patient and give your self extra time (10-15 minutes) at the beginning of meetings to negate any of these issues.
Technical issues will happen and most of the time these can be solved with simple troubleshooting steps:
Begin with jumping out of the call then jumping back in
Try logging out and logging back in
Repeat log out and then fully close/quit the app on your phone, tablet, or desktop and reopen and sign in again.
Restart your machine or device completely, reopen Gmail or the apps being used on the devices and sign back in.
If you are having any issues signing in or accessing the Meet after these troubleshooting steps please feel free to reach out to Robert R (Assistant organizer) or Elizabeth W (Organizer) through the Facebook group for further assistance.
Creating your Google Account
It is entirely up to your discretion how you set up your account. You are welcome to use a personal Gmail account, or you can create an anonymous account that has just your first name or your initials with numbers behind it.
If you don’t already have a Gmail account or would like to create a new one just for this purpose click the hyperlink “Create account!” to begin.
Fill out the form with a First and Last Name (you do not have to give a full last name, and initial will suffice for the login process and click next.
You will be prompted for a phone number for security and recovery purposes once entered you will receive a text message with a 6 digit code. Enter the code and click next.
If you wish you can enter a recovery email address and then enter a birthdate that makes you at least 18 years of age or older and click next.
You can, if you prefer, skip the step of adding a phone number to this account since all that is required for Google Meet is your email account.
Read and agree to the terms and conditions and your gmail account will now be created.
Using Google Meet
Accessing the Google Meets session will differ slightly depending on the device you are using. As long as you have a Gmail account set up it is very easy.
Desktop/Laptop/Chromebook/Surface Pro:
Open your gmail account that you want to use for group.
In a separate window (or the app) open and sign into your Facebook account.
At the top of the page under “Events” you should see your upcoming event for that day. Click the title and you will be taken to the event page.
Scroll down and on the right side of the window you will see under “Online” the link for the Google Meet.
Click this link, you will be asked to continue to leave the Meetup page.
After clicking continue a you will be redirected to the Google Meet call (make sure you have allowed access to your camera and microphone for the event).
At the top of the window click “join hangout” to join.
Mobile Device (iPad, iPhone, Tablet):
For these devices you will need to have the Facebook app and Google Meet app downloaded on your device. Both are available for download for Apple and Android devices.
Ensure you have downloaded and signed into the Meet app:
Open up the Meet app and make sure you have signed in with your gmail account that you want to use for group. (If this is your first time using this app click “Get Started”)
Add your gmail account as a user by clicking “Add another account.”
Follow the steps to enter your email and password and your account to finish the set up then click the check in the top right-hand corner.
How to join the meeting:
Open and sign into your Facebook app.
Under the group’s “Events” you will all the upcoming events.
Click the event title you want to attend to go to the event page.
Click the link next to “Online” to open up the Google Meet in the Meets app.
If you have multiple gmail accounts signed into your app you will need to select the account you want to use to join the hangout (If this is your first time using the Meet app on this device you will need to grant access to your camera and microphone)
Click “Join” to join the call and the app will open up your video.
If you are having any issues signing in or accessing the Meet app after these troubleshooting steps please feel free to reach out to Robert R (Assistant Organizer) or Elizabeth W (Organizer) through the Facebook app for further assistance.
We are happy to answer questions about our group. Send us an email and we’ll respond ASAP.