To make Gemini more useful as an Android phone assistant, set the Google app as your default digital assistant, then enable only the features you plan to use: Hey Google and Voice Match for hands-free activation, notification access for notification help, and lock-screen access for assistance without unlocking. These settings serve different purposes, and Android menu labels can vary by device and version.
Set the Google app as your default assistant
Gemini needs the Google app selected as Android’s default digital assistant to work through the phone’s assistant entry points and access supported device controls. Open Settings → Apps → Default apps → Digital assistant app and choose the Google app. Some phones use slightly different menu labels. Google’s instructions for switching to Gemini explain how to set it as the primary assistant.
This setting can enable supported controls such as changing Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Do Not Disturb, or Battery Saver; adjusting volume; taking a photo or screenshot; and powering off the device. The available actions can vary. Selecting the Google app also gives it the role of default assistant, so consider whether you want that broader access before changing the setting.
Enable hands-free activation with Hey Google
If you want to start Gemini by voice while the phone is nearby, open Gemini settings, turn on Hey Google, and complete Voice Match if prompted. Google says an existing Voice Match setup for Google Assistant can carry over when you switch to Gemini. If the wake phrase does not work, check that both Hey Google and Voice Match are enabled.
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This is not a wholly Gemini-only voice system: Google Assistant detects the activation and routes the query to Gemini, and Assistant may still help with some quick voice actions. Hey Google and Voice Match are unavailable for supervised accounts, and language support is limited. See Google’s voice activation guidance for details.
Grant notification access only if you want notification help
To let Gemini read or reply to notifications, grant the Google app access to Android device notifications. Find the notification-access permission in your Android settings; its exact location and label depend on the phone. This is a separate permission from making the Google app the default assistant. Review what the permission enables and decide whether notification help is worth allowing it.
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Google lists notification access and assistant-related device controls among the relevant Android settings in its Gemini mobile setup guidance.
Choose lock-screen access settings separately
In Gemini settings, open Gemini on lock screen and switch on Use Gemini without unlocking if you want general assistance while the phone is locked. Some requests involving personal content can still require you to unlock the device.
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Calls and messages without unlocking are a distinct choice on the same lock-screen settings page. The wording of that option varies across Google’s help pages, so look for the setting that allows calls and messages while locked rather than relying on one exact label. Enable it only if that added convenience suits you. Google explains these options in its lock-screen instructions and calling and messaging guidance.
Check which apps Gemini uses for calls and messages
Gemini uses the last app it used to call a contact. When that is the Phone app, it uses the phone’s default Phone app. For messages, it can use the phone’s default messaging app; some people may need to connect Messages under Connected Apps in Gemini settings. Check your defaults and try the specific call or message tasks you expect to use. Google’s Android calling and messaging instructions describe the setup.
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There is an important calling limitation: Google’s Gemini Apps Help page, “Make calls with the Gemini mobile app on Android,” says, “For now, the Phone app can’t help you accept or reject calls.” Some other actions may still be handled with help from Google Assistant.
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- Choose the assistant: Go to Android Settings → Apps → Default apps → Digital assistant app and select the Google app if it is not already selected. Menu names can differ by device.
- Choose hands-free use: In Gemini settings, enable Hey Google and complete Voice Match if you want voice activation.
- Choose notification help: Grant the Google app notification access if you want Gemini to read or reply to notifications.
- Choose lock-screen access: Decide whether to allow general assistance without unlocking, then make a separate decision about calls and messages while locked.
- Test your actual tasks: Try the calls, messages, and device controls you rely on, and verify which Phone and messaging apps are configured.
Google documents supported capabilities and their settings, but does not promise identical availability across every device, language, account, and region.
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When to switch back to Google Assistant
If a Google Assistant feature you depend on is not supported in Gemini, Google documents how to switch back to Google Assistant as the phone’s primary assistant. Also note that deleting the Gemini app does not automatically remove Gemini as the device’s default digital assistant; check the Android default-assistant setting if you want to change it. See Google’s instructions for changing your primary assistant.
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