Google Meet’s Shuffle control randomly mixes breakout-room groups. It can suit a discussion where participants should meet different colleagues, but it can also separate a planned team or move a facilitator. Decide whether random assignment fits the exercise before using it.
Review the current group structure
As the computer-based host, open the breakout-room setup panel and choose the number of rooms. Note any pairings or room responsibilities that must be preserved. The initial room distribution may already need adjustment, so compare it with the activity’s requirements. If certain people must remain together, plan to restore those placements manually after randomization rather than expecting Shuffle to understand the rule.
Shuffle once and inspect the result
Click Shuffle in the breakout panel to mix the participants. Review each room afterward. Drag names between rooms or enter names directly where a particular pairing, interpreter, or facilitator is required. Do not repeatedly shuffle while people are trying to follow an announced room list. Google documents the randomization action, but it does not promise an undo history that restores your previous groups.
Open the reviewed assignments deliberately
When the final arrangement matches the task, open the rooms and tell participants to accept their Join prompts. If you change groups while breakouts are running, use Edit rooms, save the change, and allow for participants to accept a new move. Check anyone still in the main call before starting the exercise timer. Be especially careful with Clear: Google’s guidance says clearing disconnected users on a reused link moves everyone into the main room and undoes earlier breakout setup. Random grouping, manual correction, and clearing an old room arrangement are different operations with different effects.
References
Reviewed against the linked official product guidance on November 4, 2026. Features, limits, screen labels, and access can vary by account, platform, region, and organization policy.