To use Gemini on Android, open the Gemini app, or hold the power button, swipe up from a bottom corner or say Hey Google if it's your assistant. Type, talk or tap Camera to ask about a photo. If your phone still uses Google Assistant, install Gemini from Google Play and accept the switch.
On many newer Android phones, Gemini is already sitting where Google Assistant used to be. On others you have to invite it in. Either way, it's more useful than most people realise once you know the three ways to call it up and the settings that make it respond to your voice. Here's the setup, the everyday uses, and the limits Google itself flags.
Get Gemini running on your phone
Google describes two situations. Some Android devices come with Gemini as the main assistant out of the box, so you simply open the Gemini app or use a touch shortcut. On other eligible phones that still use Google Assistant, you'll either get a notification inviting you to switch, or you can download the Gemini app from the Google Play Store. Once you switch, Gemini replaces Google Assistant as your phone's main assistant.
| What you need | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| To be signed in to your Google Account | Gemini won't work as your assistant without it |
| The Google app set as your default assist app | Google says this is required for Gemini to act as your mobile assistant |
| An eligible device in a supported language and country | Some features, including Hey Google, aren't available everywhere |
Three ways to open Gemini
- Open the Gemini app and type or talk.
- Press and hold the power button, or swipe up from the bottom corner of the screen, to bring up the Gemini overlay over whatever you're doing.
- Say 'Hey Google', once you've turned it on.
The overlay is the one I'd get used to. It sits on top of the app you're in, so you can ask about what's on your screen without switching apps. Google says the microphone stays open for up to 5 minutes listening for your request, so you don't have to rush.
Turn on Hey Google
- Open the Gemini app.
- Tap the menu, then your profile picture or initial, then Settings.
- Tap Talk to Gemini hands-free.
- Turn on Hey Google and follow the Voice Match setup so it recognises you.
If Hey Google doesn't respond, Google's tip is to check that both Hey Google and Voice Match are switched on.
Things to try first
- Point your camera at something: tap Camera in the app, take a photo and ask about it, from a plant to a confusing parking sign.
- Ask what's on your screen while you're reading an article or looking at a product.
- Summarise long emails or find a file, as Google says Gemini can pull quick info from Gmail and Google Drive.
- Ask what song is playing.
- Get help writing or translating a message before you send it.
If you live in Gmail, my guide to using Gemini in Gmail goes further on the inbox side.
Typing instead of talking
You don't have to speak to Gemini in public. Google says you can type in the app and tap Send, or type straight into the overlay that appears when you hold the power button or say Hey Google. The typed overlay is handy on a train or in a waiting room, where talking to your phone would draw a few looks. It's also better for anything you'd rather the person next to you didn't hear.
What changes on your other devices
Here's a detail Google mentions that surprises people: when Gemini becomes your phone's assistant, it also takes over on paired mobile devices with Google Assistant built in, such as smart watches, headphones and earbuds. Your smart speakers, Smart Displays, TV, car and a locked Pixel Tablet carry on with Google Assistant for Hey Google. So 'Hey Google' can mean Gemini in your earbuds and Assistant in your kitchen.
What Gemini on Android can't do (yet)
Google notes that Hey Google and some features from Google Assistant aren't available in every language and country, or for supervised accounts. If you use Gemini with a work or school account, some Assistant-powered features, like quick voice actions, aren't available either. If something you relied on in Assistant has gone missing, that's usually why.
Google also says plainly not to rely on Gemini for medical, legal, financial or other professional advice, and that it can get things wrong, including about people. Double-check anything important.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
Changed your mind?
You can go back. In the Gemini app, tap the menu, then your profile picture, then Switch to Google Assistant. Your Gemini history isn't deleted when you switch, so clear it separately if you want to.
If you also use an iPhone
Gemini works on iPhone too, but as a regular app rather than the phone's built-in assistant. My guide to using Gemini on iPhone covers that setup, and Gemini Live explains the voice conversations that work on both.
My verdict
On Android, Gemini is at its best as an assistant, not just an app. Make sure the Google app is your default assist app, turn on Hey Google with Voice Match, and get used to holding the power button to ask about whatever's on screen. Then check its answers like you'd check anyone's.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get Gemini on my Android phone?
Some phones have it built in. On others, accept the notification from Google Assistant to switch or download the Gemini app from Google Play.
How do I open Gemini on Android?
Open the Gemini app, press and hold the power button, swipe up from the bottom corner, or say Hey Google if it's turned on.
How do I turn on Hey Google for Gemini?
In the Gemini app go to Settings, Talk to Gemini hands-free, turn on Hey Google and set up Voice Match.
Does Gemini replace Google Assistant everywhere?
No. It takes over on your phone and paired watches and earbuds, but smart speakers, displays, TVs and cars keep Google Assistant.
Can I switch back from Gemini to Google Assistant?
Yes. In the Gemini app tap the menu, your profile picture, then Switch to Google Assistant.
