Why can’t I join a Google Chat Space I’ve been invited to?

If you’ve received an invitation like this:

Alastair Wallace (via Google Chat) <chat-noreply@google.com> has invited you to join the Google Chat space: ⚙️Operation 2025

…but when you click Open in Google Chat, nothing happens or you don’t see the space, don’t worry — this is a common issue.

What’s happening?

The invitation is sent to a specific Google account. If you’re signed into multiple accounts (e.g. personal Gmail, work Gmail, another business login), Google Chat might be opening in the wrong one.

How to fix it

1. Check which account the invitation went to

Look carefully at the email header. If it says:
“Alastair Wallace <hello@alastairgwallace.com> has invited you…”
→ You need to be logged into that account to accept the invite.

2. Switch to the correct account

• Click your profile photo (top-right corner of Gmail or Google Chat).

• Make sure you’re in the account that received the invitation.

• If not, click Add another account and log in with the right one.

3. Re-open the invitation link

Once you’re signed into the correct account, go back to the email and click Open in Google Chat again.

4. Try a private/incognito window (optional)

Still not working? Copy the invitation link, open it in a private/incognito browser window, and log in with just the correct account.

Pro tip for the future

If you often juggle multiple Google accounts:

• Use separate Chrome profiles (one per account).

• Or keep work and personal accounts in different browsers.
  
  

This way, you’ll always know which account you’re in — and never miss a Chat invitation again.