Google Meet has become a go-to platform for secure video conferencing, especially for students and professionals. While it previously lacked some features compared to competitors like Zoom, Google has steadily improved Meet's functionality. One essential feature users often seek is the ability to view all participants simultaneously in a grid layout. Fortunately, Google Meet now supports Grid View natively on iPad, allowing you to see multiple participants during a meeting without any additional extensions or workarounds.

Here's how you can enable Grid View on your iPad and, if needed, an alternative method using Chrome Remote Desktop.

Enabling Grid View in Google Meet on iPad

Step 1: Ensure that your iPad is running the latest version of iOS and that the Google Meet app is updated to the latest version available in the App Store.

Step 2: Open the Google Meet app on your iPad and sign in with your Google account.

Step 3: Join an existing meeting or start a new one by tapping on the New Meeting button.

Step 4: Once you're in the meeting, tap on the three-dot menu icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.

Step 5: From the menu that appears, select Change layout.

Step 6: Choose the Tiled option to enable Grid View. You can now see multiple participants in a grid format on your iPad.

This native method allows you to participate in meetings effectively, seeing and interacting with all participants without any additional tools.

Using Chrome Remote Desktop to Access Grid View on iPad

If you're unable to use the native Grid View feature or need an alternative solution, you can use Chrome Remote Desktop to access Google Meet with Grid View from your iPad. This method involves setting up remote access to your computer and using it to join Google Meet meetings with the Grid View extension enabled.

Important note!
While this method allows you to see and hear everyone in the meeting, you won't be able to use your iPad's microphone or camera. You'll be essentially invisible in the meeting and unable to communicate directly through the iPad. It's recommended to use this method only if necessary.

Setting Up Chrome Remote Desktop on Your Computer

Step 1: On your computer, open Google Chrome and navigate to remotedesktop.google.com/access.

Step 2: Locate the card labeled 'Set up remote access' and click on the blue download icon inside the card.

Step 3: A new window will open to add the 'Chrome Remote Desktop' extension to Chrome. Click on the Add to Chrome button.

Add Chrome Remote Desktop Extension

Step 4: Confirm the permissions by clicking the Add extension button in the pop-up that appears.

Step 5: Once the extension is installed, a notification will appear confirming its addition to Chrome. You can close this notification.

Step 6: The website will prompt you to download the Chrome Remote Desktop host installer file, named chromeremotedesktophost.msi. Allow the download and click Keep if prompted.

Chrome keep download

Step 7: After the download completes, click the Accept & install button to begin installing the app on your computer.

Step 8: If prompted, allow Chrome to open the downloaded file by clicking Yes.

Step 9: Complete the installation, granting any necessary administrator privileges when prompted.

Step 10: On the website, you'll be asked to name your computer. Enter a name of your choice and click Next.

Step 11: Set up a secure PIN code to authorize remote connections. Enter the PIN and click Start.

Your computer is now set up for remote access using Chrome Remote Desktop.

Accessing Your Computer from iPad

Step 1: On your iPad, install the Chrome Remote Desktop app from the App Store.

Step 2: Open the app and sign in with the same Google account used on your computer.

Step 3: The app will display your available devices under the 'Remote devices' section. Tap on your computer's name to initiate a remote session.

Step 4: Enter the PIN you set earlier and tap Connect. You may choose to remember the PIN for future access.

Step 5: Your iPad will now display your computer's screen. You can control your computer remotely from your iPad.

Step 6: Use the menu button in the bottom left corner to access options such as 'Show keyboard' or switch between 'Touch mode' and 'Trackpad mode' for easier navigation.

Viewing Google Meet with Grid View via Remote Desktop

Step 1: On your computer (accessed via the iPad), open Google Chrome and join a Google Meet meeting.

Step 2: Install and enable the Grid View extension in Chrome to view all participants in a grid layout.

Step 3: Use the Chrome Remote Desktop app on your iPad to participate in the meeting, viewing the grid layout from your iPad screen.

Below is how Google Meet Grid View looks on an iPad using Chrome Remote Desktop:

While the native Grid View feature in Google Meet on iPad should suffice for most users, the Chrome Remote Desktop method is available if needed. However, using it means you cannot communicate using your iPad's microphone or camera, which may limit your interaction during meetings. It's advisable to use the native options whenever possible for a better experience.