Introduction
If virtual interviews have ever felt awkward, laggy, or like you're juggling devices, Companion Mode in Google Meet can be the simple change that steadies the experience. Companion Mode in Google Meet reduces audio echo, gives you a second device for captions or chat, and helps you manage screen sharing and notes without exposing them to interviewers. In the first 100 words, this feature addresses the three most common virtual-interview pain points: clear audio, uninterrupted camera presence, and discreet access to prompts or slides.
Companion Mode is worth learning before your next interview because it turns two devices into a single, coordinated setup that looks professional and keeps your focus where it matters. Takeaway: mastering Companion Mode improves audio, preserves camera framing, and helps you stay composed.
What is Companion Mode in Google Meet and why does it matter for interviews?
Companion Mode in Google Meet lets you join the same meeting from a second device without causing audio or video feedback.
Companion Mode joins a meeting as a secondary presence—no camera or mic by default—so you can use one device for your main camera and mic and the other for captions, chat, polls, or private notes. It’s specifically designed for multi-device meeting flows and is documented by Google as a way to add functionality without disrupting the main feed (Google Support). For interviews, this matters because you can monitor the interviewer’s body language on one screen while keeping your primary camera steady on another.
Takeaway: use Companion Mode to split responsibilities across devices so your main camera and audio stay stable and distraction-free.
How does Companion Mode in Google Meet improve audio, video, and focus during interviews?
Companion Mode prevents echo and frees a second device to handle captions, chat, or presentation controls.
When you join from two devices normally, the microphone and speaker from each can create feedback loops. Companion Mode suppresses audio and video output from the secondary device and avoids duplicate-feed issues, which eliminates echo and unexpected camera switches. Third-party writeups explain how this creates a cleaner multi-device setup for presenters and participants (Krisp blog). For interviewees, the practical benefits include being able to view captions or interviewer chat on a phone while the laptop maintains eye contact with the camera.
Takeaway: Companion Mode keeps audio and video clean so you look and sound professional without technical distractions.
How to enable and use Companion Mode in Google Meet for interviews
You can join a meeting in Companion Mode by selecting the Companion Mode option when joining from a second device or by app settings if available.
To set up: open the Google Meet link on the first device and join normally with camera and mic. On your second device (phone, tablet, or another laptop), open the same meeting link and choose “Join in Companion Mode” if prompted; otherwise, go to the device’s Meet app options and select Companion Mode. Companion Mode will typically disable camera and mic on the second device and give you access to chat, captions, Q&A, polls, and screen controls (Google Support; see walkthroughs in community posts and guides for device-specific tips Gecko Tech guide). Use the second device to view captions, advance slides, or run notes privately—never share the companion device’s screen as your main presentation unless you intend to.
Takeaway: practice joining in Companion Mode from both devices before the interview so your devices behave predictably.
Common troubleshooting tips for Companion Mode in Google Meet
Companion Mode usually prevents echo, but device permissions, network issues, and outdated apps can still cause problems.
If you hear echo, check that the second device is truly in Companion Mode (muted with camera off) and that no other tab is using your mic or speakers. Ensure the Meet app or browser is updated and that microphone and camera permissions are correct. If captions don’t appear, enable live captions on the companion device and confirm language settings. Community troubleshooting notes explain device-specific quirks and fixes (Seibert answers; Krisp blog). If network latency affects video, close background apps on both devices to free bandwidth.
Takeaway: verify permissions, update apps, and test both devices on the same meeting link before the live interview.
Privacy, etiquette, and accessibility: why Companion Mode in Google Meet helps you present the right way
Companion Mode allows private note-taking, clearer captions, and better accessibility without broadcasting your personal workspace.
Using a secondary device for notes keeps your primary camera fixed and avoids the temptation to look away to check hidden prompts. Companion Mode supports captions and external assistive technology more cleanly, helping neurodiverse candidates and those who rely on visual captions (Sembly explainer). Etiquette-wise, tell interviewers at the start that you joined with two devices for captions or slide control—this transparency avoids the impression you’re distracted. For privacy, avoid keeping personal tabs visible on the companion device’s shared screen and disable automatic screen sharing.
Takeaway: Companion Mode supports accessibility and privacy while keeping your visual presence stable and professional.
Best interview workflows using Companion Mode in Google Meet
Use Companion Mode to keep your camera on the primary device and run notes, captions, or slide controls on the companion device.
A reliable workflow is: (1) laptop as the main camera and microphone with a stable tripod or elevated position to maintain eye-line; (2) phone in Companion Mode showing captions and chat so you can discreetly follow prompts; (3) a second laptop only if you need to share slides from a separate machine—share from the device intended for presentation and keep Companion Mode on the observer device. For technical interviews where coding or screen-sharing matters, use the companion device to monitor chat while the primary shares your code editor. Video guides and technical explainers show use cases for classroom and meeting setups that translate well to interviews (YouTube walkthrough; Gecko Tech guide).
Takeaway: design a clear, repeatable two-device workflow to manage notes, captions, and shared content without losing camera presence.
Technical Fundamentals
Companion Mode relies on browser/app settings and Google’s meeting server logic to suppress duplicate streams and enable secondary features.
Ensure both devices run supported browsers or the latest Google Meet app, and sign into the same Google account if required by your organization. If your account is managed (enterprise or education), Companion Mode availability can depend on admin settings; consult Google’s admin docs for restrictions (Google Support). Test with a friend or rehearsal meeting at least 15 minutes before the interview to confirm behavior.
Takeaway: basic compatibility checks prevent last-minute surprises and make Companion Mode dependable for interviews.
When not to use Companion Mode and safer alternatives
Companion Mode is not necessary for single-device setups or if your secondary device has unreliable connectivity.
If you only have one reliable device, focus on optimizing lighting, background, and mic quality instead of forcing a second device. If your network is weak, a second device can add instability. Safer alternatives include using an external webcam or dedicated USB mic and practicing camera framing and screen sharing on a single machine before the interview (Virtual interview tips). Reserve Companion Mode for cases where captions, private notes, or slide control require a second screen.
Takeaway: choose Companion Mode only when it improves clarity or accessibility; otherwise, optimize your single-device setup.
How Verve AI Interview Copilot Can Help You With This
Verve AI Interview Copilot guides you in structuring answers and staying calm while you use Companion Mode to manage notes or captions. It offers real-time cues on phrasing, timing, and follow-ups so you can respond confidently while glancing at a companion device for prompts. Use Verve AI Interview Copilot to rehearse multi-device workflows and get adaptive feedback on pacing and clarity. Pairing a practiced Companion Mode setup with Verve AI Interview Copilot reduces stress and helps maintain professional presence.
What Are the Most Common Questions About This Topic
Q: Is Companion Mode in Google Meet available on mobile?
A: Yes. Companion Mode works in Meet apps and browsers on many phones and tablets.
Q: Will Companion Mode mute my secondary device automatically?
A: Yes. Companion Mode typically suppresses camera and mic from the companion device.
Q: Do I need the same Google account for both devices?
A: Not always, but using the same account can simplify access and permissions.
Q: Can I display captions on the companion device?
A: Yes. Captions can be enabled on the companion device for real-time transcription.
Q: Should I tell interviewers I’m using Companion Mode?
A: Yes. A brief mention prevents confusion and shows professional intent.
Conclusion
Companion Mode in Google Meet gives interviewees a practical way to improve audio quality, maintain camera presence, and access captions or notes discreetly—key factors for virtual interview success. Practicing a two-device workflow, checking permissions, and rehearsing with the same setup will increase your confidence, structure, and clarity during live interviews. Try Verve AI Interview Copilot to feel confident and prepared for every interview.
