Join Methods
GoTo Connect lets you join sessions from anywhere, no matter what kind of device you're using. You can join using the desktop app, the web app or your mobile device. The features and tools available to you will vary depending on various things (like your operating system or web browser type). See below to learn more about the different join methods and their differences.
Browser
With this join method, no download is required so it's quick and easy to get into a session. However, this experience is only available on Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browsers. If you are on Mozilla Firefox or another browser, you will need to use the desktop app. Note that the launch and session experience may vary based on your operating system and web browser of choice.
- Join session from this method
- Learn more about general system requirements
- Compare your experience based on your browser
- Learn how to connect to the session using your computer or phone audio
Desktop app
Though you will need to download the software onto your Mac or Windows computer, this join method gives you access to the full suite of our features and tools, including the Control Panel which helps hosts better facilitate the sessions. This experience is only available on Windows 7 or newer as well as Mac OS X 10.9 or newer. If you are running an unsupported OS, you will automatically be launched in a browser instead.
Mobile app
Like the desktop app, you will need to download the software onto your phone or tablet. This join method is great for joining sessions on the go. If you are using an iPad, you can even present content using a virtual background.
Feature Comparison Chart Based on Join Method
As mentioned above, the features available to you will vary depending on how you join, as well as the web browser, device, or operating system you are using.
Feature Category | Specific Features | Desktop app | Web browser | Mobile app |
---|---|---|---|---|
Join/host | Join a session (attendee) | Yes | Varies by browser | Yes |
Host a session (organizer) | Yes | No | No | |
Be promoted to co-organizer | Yes | No | No | |
Audio | Connect via mic and speakers (VoIP) | Yes | Varies by browser | Yes |
Connect via telephone (PSTN) | Yes | Yes | Cellular plan required | |
Be muted upon joining | Yes | No | Yes | |
Screen & content sharing | View the Presenter's screen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Share your screen | Yes | Varies by browser |
Varies by device | |
Share multiple screens | Yes | No | No | |
Share screen in "screen clean" mode | Yes | No | No | |
Share an application | Yes | Varies by browser |
No | |
Share a video | Yes | No | No | |
Share a real whiteboard | Yes | No | No | |
Share content from a virtual whiteboard | No | No | Varies by device | |
Share content from the cloud | No | No | Varies by device | |
Cameras | Share your own webcam | Yes | Varies by browser |
Varies by device |
View shared webcams | Yes | Varies by browser |
Varies by device | |
Hide webcams | Yes | Yes | Varies by device | |
Features & tools | Join activities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Join activities with breakouts | Yes | Yes | No | |
Chat with others | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Take keyboard and mouse control | Yes | No | No | |
Use drawing tools | Varies by operating system | No | No | |
Raise your hand | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Download materials | Yes | No | No | |
Take polls | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Take tests | Yes | Yes | Yes |