How to Install & Use the RingCentral Chrome Extension in 5 Steps

RingCentral for Google is a downloadable extension for your Chrome browser. It’s a handy tool that lets you dial contacts, schedule meetings, and listen to voicemail without ever needing to leave your web browser, saving you time and making work more efficient. Best of all, RingCentral’s Chrome extension can be installed for free in a matter of minutes.

While the extension is free to download, you must be a RingCentral customer to take advantage of the extension’s multiple benefits for Chrome users. If you are not an existing customer, but are in the market for a full-featured business phone system, consider checking out our article on RingCentral to learn more about the service’s plans and other benefits.

If you are a RingCentral user, follow these steps to start using the Chrome extension:

1. Download & Install the RingCentral Extension

First things first: Ensure that you’re using the Chrome browser. Google extensions can be accessed through Chrome by visiting the Chrome Web Store. The top left-hand side of your browser contains a built-in favorite called Apps. Click on it and choose Web Store.

Once you’ve opened the Web Store page, use the search bar on the top left to type the word “RingCentral.” The extension RingCentral for Google should be the first option that pops up. Then all you need to do is click the blue button that says “Add to Chrome.”

You will be prompted with a text box asking you if you’re sure you want to download, so click “Add extension.” It might take a minute to download, but once it does, the extension tool will appear in the top right-hand side of your URL bar as an image of the RingCentral logo.

RingCentral extension icon as it appears in a browser bar

2. Login to RingCentral

Click on the RingCentral logo icon. You will be asked for your RingCentral login credentials. If you don’t see an application open on the right-hand side of your screen that looks much like the softphone call controller found in RingCentral’s desktop application, there may be another browser setting interfering with the extension (such as a pop-up blocker). If this happens, you may need to contact RingCentral’s technical support to help diagnose your specific issue.

RingCentral call controller application

3. Authorize the Connection With Google

You need to authorize RingCentral to work with Google. This allows the two programs to sync settings. To do this, click on the three horizontal bars located in the RingCentral call controller application and select “settings.” Click “authorize” and sign in using your Google or G Suite account username and password. Click the “allow” button to finish connecting RingCentral to Google.

4. Start Using the Extension

Once RingCentral’s business phone system is connected to Google apps, data between the two programs will sync together. This means you can start using it with tools like Calendar and Contacts, allowing you to schedule meetings and make phone calls without having to switch between applications.

Examples of how you can start using the extension include:

Access Google Calendar

Scheduling a meeting with a RingCentral contact is easy within Google Calendar. Once you’ve chosen a date and time that you’d like to meet, simply choose the “Schedule with Google Calendar” option within the RingCentral extension.

This will send a meeting invitation through Google to remind you and your colleagues to meet with RingCentral. A convenient feature is that you don’t have to leave the Calendar page; if you’re in the middle of a task, you don’t have to stop your work to use RingCentral.

Chrome browser featuring the RingCentral extension installed.
Source: RingCentral

Listen to Voicemails

When you’ve added the RingCentral extension to your browser, you can keep working on what you’re working on while listening to your voicemails at the same time. Listen to all messages on your own time and from whatever device you choose without ever needing to leave the current page.

Click-to-Dial Functions

If you don’t know a phone number and need to use Google to look it up, RingCentral eliminates the need to write it down or pull out your phone on the spot. Click-to-dial within the extension means that for any telephone number that you see on Chrome, one click lets you call or SMS the phone number.

With the built-in messaging function within the extension, any SMS text message is sent from your RingCentral phone number. It’s fast and efficient, allowing you the freedom to communicate without needing excess equipment.

5. Take Advantage of Lesser-known Benefits

Though RingCentral’s Chrome extension is best for easily managing your calls, it includes other features that can improve your workflow. They include:

• Availability settings in calls: You can set your current status within the app to Available, Busy, Do Not Disturb, and Invisible. This shows your colleagues what you’re up to in case they want to contact you or leave a message.
• Inbound call notifications: These are little pop-up boxes that show up on the top right corner of your current webpage. They inform you that someone is calling and what their telephone number is.
• Built-in messaging: This means that you can contact your clients and your coworkers without needing to pull out your cell phone.

How RingCentral for Google Works

If you’re unfamiliar with what a Google extension is, it is basically a mini-app built into your internet browser. An extension can be a smaller version of an existing desktop or mobile app, providing many of the same services that you’re used to already.

RingCentral’s Chrome extension gives users access to much of the standard functionality found in its robust mobile and desktop apps in a tool that can be accessed, once installed, by clicking on the RingCentral icon located at the upper right-hand corner of your browser window. This means that professionals who are using both RingCentral and Chrome have the ability to seamlessly manage calls in the same tool they do most of their prospecting on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are RingCentral extensions free?

Yes. Whether you’re downloading the Office 365 or Google extension, RingCentral’s extensions are free to download. The only money that you spend is on the RingCentral package that you purchase.

Is the Outlook extension very different from the RingCentral extension?

Many of the functionalities are similar, but it’s true that the two are very different systems. Check out RingCentral’s YouTube page to learn more about the similarities and differences if you’re interested in integrating the Microsoft Office suite with RingCentral.

Can I host a video conference from the extension?

Although you can text message your clients and your colleagues from the extension, you cannot video chat within it at this time. Google Hangouts is the best option that offers video chat, and you can access it within the Chrome extension.

Bottom Line

There is plenty to love about the RingCentral for Chrome extension. By giving you the freedom to continue to work on whatever page you’re on, you can also manage calls, save new contacts, and create meetings or conferences. All of these functions are available on any webpage within the Google domain to manage your calls on your terms.

With the RingCentral Chrome extension, you are more connected than ever thanks to never needing to leave your current webpage. Offering functionalities like editing existing meetings and creating new ones, informing colleagues of your current status, and clicking to dial phone numbers, it’s easy to stay connected at all times. If you aren’t already familiar with the business phone system provider, check out their website to learn more.

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