Google Chat connects through OnlineHours Connector on a computer. Once your connection is running, the server handles activity during your hours, including while your laptop is closed. Availability is limited to compatible Google sessions; your organization’s policies still apply.
- Install OnlineHours Connector version 0.6.8 or later from the download page. Check the version in Chrome → Extensions. If the store still shows an older version, use the temporary installation steps below.
- Open Google Chat in Chrome and sign in to the account you want to connect. Use the standalone Chat tab, not Gmail.
- Click OnlineHours in Chrome’s extensions menu. Enter that Google account’s email and choose Create connection code. Grant the requested Google site access only if you agree to share the session.
- Copy the code. Open Google Chat in your dashboard and paste it within ten minutes. Choose Allow & connect. A new connection starts paused.
- Set your time zone and hours, then switch the connection on. Wait for a confirmed Online status. The trial covers one selected app and starts after successful activation.
If Chrome Web Store still has an older version
Google Chat needs Connector 0.6.8 or later. Until that store update is available, you can install our packaged version manually on a computer.
- Download OnlineHours Connector 0.6.8 (ZIP) and extract it to a folder you will keep.
- Open chrome://extensions in Chrome and turn on Developer mode. Choose Load unpacked and select the extracted folder containing manifest.json.
- Disable the older OnlineHours Connector while using this version, then return to your Google Chat tab and follow the connection steps above.
When the Chrome Web Store version includes Google Chat, remove the unpacked copy and enable or install the store version. Your saved OnlineHours connection stays in your dashboard.
Private connection
Your connection is encrypted. We use it to manage your online status. Keep your code private.
What you share
The code carries Google session credentials, not a status-only permission. OnlineHours uses them for your own identity and presence on Google Chat; it does not read chats, Gmail or Drive. See how sessions are handled.
Stop or reconnect
Stop ends OnlineHours activity; it does not sign you out of Google or force your other devices offline. Google Chat may take time to update its visible status. Do not disturb and disabled presence sharing take priority. If Google expires or rejects the session, open Chat and replace the code in the dashboard. There is no guaranteed session lifetime. Disconnect removes the saved connection.
Contact
For OnlineHours support, billing or privacy questions, email support@onlinehours.app or leave a message.