Getting Started with Google Gemini on Your Phone

Google Gemini is Google's AI assistant — think of it as a very knowledgeable helper that you can have a conversation with. You can ask it questions, ask it to help you write something, describe what is in a photo, or get help with tasks inside Google apps like Gmail and Google Docs.

Gemini is available as a free app on Android phones, and iPhone users can access it through the Google app. On many newer Android phones, Gemini is already installed. On some Android phones, you can set Gemini as your default assistant so it activates when you hold down the home button, replacing Google Assistant.

What makes Gemini different from a regular Google search is that it holds a conversation. You do not just get a list of links — you get a real response, and you can ask follow-up questions. Gemini also connects to your Google account, which means it can help you draft replies in Gmail, summarize documents in Google Docs, and look up information from your Google Calendar if you allow it.

You can also point your phone's camera at something and ask Gemini about it. Take a photo of a plant and ask what it is. Take a picture of a menu in a foreign language and ask what the dishes are. This makes Gemini especially useful when you are out in the world and need quick information.

The free version of Gemini runs on Google's standard AI model. A paid Gemini Advanced subscription gives access to more powerful AI models and additional features, but most everyday tasks work fine on the free version. Your conversations are associated with your Google account, so review the privacy settings if you want to limit what Google stores.