Google Chat is deeply integrated into Google Workspace and Gmail, providing a seamless way for colleagues and friends to communicate. By default, Google Chat broadcasts your presence to your contacts. A green dot appears next to your name when you are active, allowing others to know you are available to receive messages. However, if you are focusing on a complex task, presenting in a meeting, or simply do not wish to be disturbed, you can easily hide your online status.
How to Change Your Status to “Do Not Disturb”
If you want people to know you are technically at your desk but unavailable for casual conversation, the “Do Not Disturb” setting is the most professional option. This mutes all incoming Google Chat notifications and displays a red icon next to your name.
- Open Google Chat (either via chat.google.com, the standalone app, or the sidebar in Gmail).
- In the top right corner of the interface (or the top left if using the Gmail sidebar), click on the status indicator. It usually displays a green dot with the word “Active.”
- From the drop-down menu, select Do not disturb.
- A secondary menu will appear asking you to specify a duration. You can choose a pre-set time (e.g., 1 hour, 4 hours) or set a custom time when your status will automatically revert to Active.
How to Completely Hide Your Status (Appear Offline)
If you prefer complete privacy and do not want anyone to know whether you are actively sitting at your computer or not, you can set your status to “Away.” This removes the green dot entirely, making you appear offline, while still allowing you to read and send messages.
- Click on your status indicator (the green “Active” dot) as described above.
- Select Set as away from the drop-down menu.
Your icon will immediately change to an empty grey circle. To your contacts, it will look exactly as though you have closed the application or stepped away from your keyboard. Your status will remain as “Away” until you manually click the indicator again and switch it back to “Active”.