Google Meet is introducing automatic room check-in for users who join meetings in Companion mode using a phone or tablet. According to Google, the new feature uses ultrasound proximity detection to identify when a user is inside a meeting room and automatically checks them into the correct space. The update will be available on both Android and iOS devices.
Companion mode allows users to join meetings without using their device’s microphone or speaker, helping prevent echo and audio issues when they are already in a conference room.
Google explained that when a user enters a meeting room and opens Google Meet on a phone or tablet, the app can detect the location. It does this by using the device’s microphone to sense an ultrasound signal from the room’s meeting system. This signal cannot be heard by people but helps Google Meet identify the room.
Once the signal is detected, the app highlights the “Use Companion mode” option even before the user joins the meeting. Companion mode is designed for participants who are already in a meeting room and want to use their personal devices for chat, polls, or screen sharing without disrupting the room’s audio setup. When users tap the highlighted option, Google Meet automatically checks them into the correct room, removing the need to manually select the meeting space.
Earlier, users had to manually choose Companion mode and select the room, which often led to confusion or audio issues. Google said the update is aimed at reducing such problems, including accidentally joining meetings with full audio while seated in a room with active microphones and speakers.
To use the feature, users must have recent versions of the Google Meet or Gmail apps. On Android, this includes Google Meet version 336.0 or Gmail version 2025.12.01 or newer. On iOS, users need Google Meet 336.0 or Gmail 6.0.251201 or later. These details can be checked in the app settings.
For administrators, proximity detection is enabled by default but can be controlled at the room level through admin settings. Regular users do not need to configure anything. If the signal is detected, Companion mode will appear automatically. If not, users can still check in manually.
The rollout started for Rapid Release domains on January 13, 2025, and for Scheduled Release domains on February 2, 2025. The feature is available to all Google Workspace customers and Workspace Individual subscribers.
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