New discoverable space setting in Google Chat

Space settings showing three access types

Google Chat is expanding how users can find and join spaces by adding a third access option called “Discoverable.”

Previously, spaces were either private (invite-only) or open (anyone in the organization can find and join). Discoverable spaces provide a new option between the two: they appear when users browse for spaces within their organization, but the conversation history and messages remain private until an owner or manager approves a user’s request to join.

This update helps organization leaders and community managers build groups that are easy to find without sacrificing data privacy. For instance, this setup is ideal for employee resource groups, specialized internal committees, or project teams that want to maintain an organization-facing presence but require membership vetting before sharing ongoing discussions.

Additionally, for customers that allow sharing spaces with multiple groups of users, advanced settings can be used to mix and match different groups of users for who can find and join the space.

Note: Space access types are only in space settings for now, but we will also extend them to space creation in the future.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: Space owners and managers can update this option by navigating to their existing space settings. Visit the Help Center to learn more about changing space access levels.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on June 15, 2026

API and mobile support will follow within the next month. Stay tuned to API release notes.

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Optimize spaces for your organization
Google Chat Help: Manage space settings
Google Chat Help: Change the space access level

New discoverable space setting in Google Chat

Google Chat offers a “Discoverable” access setting for spaces. This option bridges the gap between private and open spaces by allowing users to find the space when browsing, while keeping the conversation history and messages hidden until an owner or manager approves their request to join. [1]

Key Features

Visibility: Spaces appear in organization search results, making them easy to find for community building.
Privacy: Message history and content remain private until joining is approved.
Ideal Use Cases: Perfect for employee resource groups, internal committees, or vetted project teams. [1]

How to set a space as Discoverable

If you are a space owner or manager, you can update this via the Google Chat Help guide: [1, 2]

Open Google Chat or Gmail with Chat enabled.
Select the space and click the space name at the top.
Click Space settings.
Under the “Access” section, select Discoverable.
Click Save. [1, 2]

How users join Discoverable spaces

Users can find and request to join discoverable spaces through the following steps: [1]

In the chat navigation, select New chat and click Browse spaces.
Search for the space and select it.
Submit a request to join.
Space owners or managers will then receive a request to approve or deny the incoming membership. [1, 2]