We know there are scenarios in which you may want to reference a person with an @mention without adding them to a conversation in Google Chat. Starting today, when mentioning a user that is not already in the conversation, you will have the option to add them and send the message, or just send the message without adding them. 

We’re also adding visual improvements by rendering @mentions as smart chips, which brings them more in line with Drive chips in Chat and smart chips across Workspace. With simplified colors, your personal mentions still stand out the most and will be easily spotted in conversations, Home and Mentions.

On web, hovering on the chip will show more information about the person and clicking the chip will start a new 1:1 direct message with them. 

End users 

This feature reduces friction for users by making it easier to provide context when composing messages. 

• Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. 
• End users: 
• On web, go to chat.google.com or Chat in Gmail and type “@[a person’s name or email address]” to mention them. This functionality is supported across 1:1 direct messages, group direct messages, and spaces. 
• Note that you can only add members to a conversation in group direct messages and spaces. In 1:1 direct messages, when you mention someone they are treated as a reference and not added directly. 
• This functionality will rollout on Android and iOS devices in Q1 2025. 
• Visit the Help Center to learn more mentioning someone or adding someone to a message.

• Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 12, 2024 
• Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on January 14, 2025 

• Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts 

• Google Help: Mention someone or add someone to a message