Send messages with the Gemini mobile app on Android

You can ask the Gemini mobile app to send text messages with images for you with the Messages app, which uses your phone’s default messaging app. You can also ask it to help compose and edit messages.

To help you quickly get started, the Messages app will work automatically on your device depending on your device app permissions and other settings . If you upgraded to Gemini from Google Assistant and your Personal Results setting was turned off, you may need to enable the Messages app on your Apps page in Gemini settings. Learn how to manage apps in Gemini .

What you need

Important:

  • Apps are not available while using features powered directly by Google Assistant .
  • Messages that you create with the Gemini app are not end-to-end encrypted.
  • You can use Gemini to send messages even when Keep Activity is off. If Keep Activity is off, a message request that requires certain other apps may not work. For example, asking Gemini to “text the nearest pizza place” would require the Maps app which isn't available if Keep Activity is off.
    • On a connected smart watch, you can only use Gemini to send messages when Keep Activity is on.

Use the Messages app with Gemini

Important:The Messages app is designed to work automatically with the Gemini mobile app. You can disable the Messages app at any time on your Apps page in Gemini settings. Learn how to manage apps in Gemini .

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open Gemini.
  2. Ask it to send a message to one of your contacts.
    • If Gemini doesn’t use the Messages app, add @Messages to your prompt. If the app is disabled, you’ll get the option to enable it.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Tip:You can also say 'Hey Google' to ask Gemini to use a connected app. If 'Hey Google' doesn't work, check if 'Hey Google' and Voice Match are set up .

Example

  • Help me write a congratulations message to [contact name] on their 25th anniversary.
    After Gemini's response:Actually, make it a haiku.
    After Gemini's response:Send it to [contact name].

Send a message

You can ask the Gemini mobile app to send a message in any way that feels natural and conversational to you.

Try these example prompts:

  • Send a message to [contact name].
  • Text [contact name] [message].
  • Ask [contact name] [question].
Tip:By default, the Gemini mobile app uses the last app it used to message the same contact. If the Gemini app uses the Messages app, it uses your default SMS app on your Android device. Learn how to change your default SMS app .

Add an image to your message

Important:

  • We're gradually releasing this feature, so it might not be available to you just yet.
  • For now, this feature only works if Google Messages is set as your default messaging app.
  • If you’re outside the US, you need RCS chats turned on. Learn how to turn on RCS chats .
  • The Gemini mobile app can’t add images when you reply to a notification.

You can ask the Gemini mobile app to send an image to a contact, either by itself or with a message. You can generate a new image, search for one on the web, or upload your own. For now, only static images in GIF, JPEG, or PNG format are supported.

Try these example prompts:

  • Generate a coloring book image of a knight fighting a giant cat.
    After Gemini's response:Send it to my wife and ask her to print it.
  • Find a picture of the Eiffel tower.
    After Gemini's response:Send it to mom saying I’m so excited about our trip to Paris!
  • <Upload an image> Send this to [contact name].

Manage settings

Important:Even if you disable the Messages app, the Gemini mobile app can still access:

Sync your device contacts to your Google Account
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Gemini mobile app.
  2. At the top, tap your Profile picor initial Settings Google Assistant features in Gemini Contact info from your devices.
  3. Turn on Save contact info from your signed-in devices.

Learn how to manage contact info from your devices .

Manage Android app permissions

Important:To use Messages extension, the Google app needs permissions for Contacts and SMS.

  1. Touch and hold the Google app.
  2. Tap App info Permissions.
  3. To change a permission setting, tap it, then choose Allowor Don't allow.
Check or change your default SMS app

Important:Some steps may vary by device and Android version.

  1. On your Android device, open Settings.
  2. Tap Apps Default appsor Choose default apps.
  3. Tap SMS app.
  4. To change the default app, select the SMS app you want to use.

What Gemini can’t do with the Messages app

The following actions aren’t supported by the Messages app in Gemini:

  • Read or summarize your messages directly from your messaging app.
  • Create or message group chats.
  • Read images or memes in your messages.
  • Add or play audio or videos in your messages.
  • Read or respond to messages in your device notifications.

About your data & communication apps

The Gemini mobile app uses your data to help it choose the most helpful app to use and connect you with the right person. Learn more about your data and communication apps .

How connected apps work in Gemini

  • Gemini only connects to apps that are on in your Apps page in Gemini settings . This includes apps you turn on when you specify them in your prompt with an "@" mention.
  • Some apps are designed to automatically work with Gemini apps.
  • When you ask Gemini for help, Gemini checks for connected apps that can help it generate a more helpful response for you. If Gemini finds a connected app that can help with your request, it automatically sends information from your conversation and other relevant information to that app. For example, Gemini will send your location data to Google Maps if you ask for coffee shops near you and the Google Maps app is on in your Apps page in Gemini settings.
  • If you directly interact with another Google service in Gemini Apps, your activity might be saved by that other service. For example, if you watch a YouTube video in a Gemini app, YouTube may:
  • Gemini Apps can connect with third-party apps and services. When they do, Gemini Apps share information with those apps and services to fulfill your requests. That information is then used by those third-party apps and services according to their own developers' privacy policies.
  • If you disable the YouTube app, you can still talk Live about a video you’re viewing in the YouTube app.

Learn more about how connected apps work with your personal data .

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