
Google has rolled out an update that will make it easier for users to access and use its Gemini AI assistant on their smartphones. Specifically, this update makes it easier for users to access Gemini extensions from the lock screen of their Android smartphones.
Gemini extensions get lock screen support on Android
- Google, in an update on Gemini support page, wrote that with this update Android users will be able to execute some of the most frequently used interactions with the AI assistant without unlock their smartphones.
- The company also wrote that Android users who had previously given lock screen access to Google Assistant or Gemini will be able to use Gemini extensions (more on that below) without manually turning on the feature.
- However, users who hadn’t given lock screen access to Gemini previously will have to turn on the feature manually from the Settings.
- In the support page, the company also cautioned that Android users will still have to unlock their devices for Gemini to respond to queries that contain personal data from various apps such as Google Calendar.
- For the unversed, Gemini extension is an underlying technology that lets the AI assistant interact with other apps and answer users’ queries. In addition to support for Google’s Workspace apps such as Gmail and Google Keep, Gemini extensions support Spotify, WhatsApp, YouTube and YouTube Music currently.
It is worth noting that this update builds on top of another feature released in December 2024 that lets Android users access some of Gemini’s features from the lock screen. The list includes getting answers to general questions, making calls, answering text messages, creating a reminder, controling smart home devices, controling alarms and timers, controling media files, and controling some phone features such as flashlight and volume.
How to use Gemini extensions from Android lock screen?
Here is a step-by-step guide that Android device users can use to manually turn on the feature that will let them access Gemini extensions from the lock screen:
Step 1: Open Gemini on your Android phone or tablet.
Step 2: On the top right corner, tap your avatar or your initials.
Step 3: Now tap the Settings option.
Step 4: Tap ‘Gemini on Lock Screen’ option.
Step 5: Now turn on ‘Use Gemini without unlocking’ option.