How to use Gemini on Android (2026): a beginner's guide

Gemini is Google's AI assistant and is built into most Android phones. Here's how to get started.

Research-based, not tested. Written from official pages and help docs (last checked Oct 15, 2026). We haven't run our own tests of this yet, so treat it as an explainer, not a verdict. How we test

Before you start

• An Android phone on Android 9 or later with at least 2 GB of RAM.
• A personal Google account. Gemini Live needs you to be 13+ (or your country's minimum age).
• The latest Google app, set as your default digital assistant.

Step by step

1. Open the Gemini app. If it isn't on your phone, install “Google Gemini” from the Play Store and check that the developer is Google.
2. Sign in with your Google account and follow the setup prompts.
3. Make sure Gemini (via the Google app) is your digital assistant: Settings → Apps → Default apps → Digital assistant app. Exact menu names vary by phone maker.
4. Type or speak a question. For a back-and-forth voice conversation, start Gemini Live from the app (free).
5. Try Circle to Search: touch and hold the home button or navigation bar, then circle anything on screen. Works on Pixel 6 and later and select other phones.

Free vs paid

Free Gemini uses the Flash-Lite model and includes Deep Research, image creation and Gemini Live. Google AI Plus ($4.99/month) and Pro ($19.99/month, includes Gemini 4 Argon) add stronger models, higher limits and Gemini in Gmail and Docs (as of Oct 2026). Gemini plans →

Based on Google's help pages (last checked Oct 15, 2026). We haven't walked through these steps on our own phone yet, so buttons and menu names may differ by phone and app version (not verified).

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