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To use Gemini as your Android phone or tablet’s assistant, first make sure the Google app is the default digital assistant app, switch the device’s primary assistant to Gemini, then turn on “Hey Google” in Gemini’s hands-free settings. You can also use your device’s assistant gesture, such as holding the power button. Menu names and gestures vary by manufacturer.
Check that your device and account are eligible
Google lists Android phones and tablets running Android 9 or later with at least 2 GB of RAM as supported for the Gemini mobile app. Android Go is not supported. Availability may also depend on your device, account, language, and location. See Google’s Gemini mobile app availability information for current details.
For a work or school account, access to Gemini Apps may be required. Google also notes restrictions for supervised accounts and Android Work Profiles. If an option described below is missing, account or device eligibility may be the reason.
Set Gemini as your Android phone’s primary assistant
- Make the Google app the default assist app. Open Android Settings and go to Apps → Default apps → Digital assistant app. Select the Google app if it is not already selected. The exact labels can differ; search Settings for “digital assistant app” if you cannot find the menu. Google requires the Google app to be selected as the default assist app before you can choose Gemini as the primary mobile assistant. See Google’s Android setup instructions.
- Switch to Gemini. Open the Gemini app, or install it from Google Play if it is not on your device. On an eligible device, follow the prompt to switch. Google also documents switching through Google app settings or device settings on supported devices. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish.
After the change, Gemini is the primary assistant on that Android phone or tablet. This does not replace Google Assistant on your other Google devices, such as smart speakers, Smart Displays, TVs, cars, or locked Pixel Tablets.
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Turn on “Hey Google” and Voice Match
- Open the Gemini app and tap your profile menu.
- Go to Settings → Talk to Gemini hands-free.
- Turn on Hey Google and complete any Voice Match steps shown on screen.
Google says existing “Hey Google” and Voice Match setup may carry over when you switch from Google Assistant, but check this setting if voice activation does not work. Google’s Gemini mobile app setup guide describes hands-free and touch activation. “Hey Google” is not available in every language or account context. Google lists Bulgarian, Croatian, Estonian, Finnish, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Romanian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian, and Ukrainian among languages where hands-free features are unavailable. If the feature is unavailable, open Gemini and tap its microphone to speak.
Activate Gemini with a button or gesture
Depending on the phone or tablet, you may be able to activate Gemini by holding the power button, touching and holding Home, or swiping up from a bottom corner. Google describes these as possible ways to activate the mobile assistant, but the available gesture depends on the device.
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If a gesture opens a different app or does nothing, look in Android Settings under System → Gestures, or search Settings for “power,” “side button,” or “gesture.” Manufacturers may let you customize the power or side-button behavior. Google’s instructions for managing Gemini on an Android device provide additional context for switching and device behavior.
What Gemini can—and may not—do like Google Assistant
Google describes Gemini as able to handle assistant-style tasks such as creating lists, setting reminders, managing phone settings, and creating YouTube Music playlists. See Google’s guide to what you can do with Gemini on Android. Do not assume every command or feature you used with Google Assistant will work the same way: Google notes that some former Assistant features are not supported in Gemini.
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If a familiar command fails, try another way to complete the task in Gemini. If the missing Assistant feature is essential, switch back using Gemini’s profile menu and Switch to Google Assistant, then confirm. You can also change the default digital assistant app in Android’s Default apps settings. Google’s Android guide to using Gemini covers its mobile-assistant role.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot common setup problems
Gemini does not appear as an assistant option
- Confirm the Google app is selected under Settings → Apps → Default apps → Digital assistant app.
- Check whether your device, account, language, and location meet Google’s current availability requirements.
- If you use a work or school account, confirm it has access to Gemini Apps; supervised accounts and Android Work Profiles may have restrictions.
“Hey Google” does not open Gemini
- Confirm Gemini is the phone or tablet’s primary assistant.
- In Gemini, check Profile menu → Settings → Talk to Gemini hands-free and turn on “Hey Google.”
- Complete Voice Match if prompted, and check whether the feature is supported for your language and account.
- Use the Gemini microphone button as an alternative if hands-free activation is unavailable.
The power button or another gesture opens the wrong thing
Check your device’s gesture, power-button, or side-button settings. The gesture may be customizable, and its location varies by manufacturer; search Settings for “power,” “side button,” or “gesture.”
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A familiar Assistant command fails
Some Google Assistant features are not supported in Gemini. Try a different Gemini input method or switch back to Google Assistant if that specific feature matters to you.
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