Google is ensuring its AI, Gemini, is tightly integrated with Android systems by allowing it access to core apps like WhatsApp, Messages, and Phone. The implementation of this change began on July 7, 2025, and it could override older privacy settings unless you know how to disable Gemini on Android. Here’s what you need to be aware of.
What’s changing with Gemini on Android
Currently, the official email and support pages do not provide consistent information on Gemini’s actual behavior regarding this change and how to disable it. However, it is known that Gemini will be capable of interacting with other apps, such as making calls through the Phone app or sending messages through WhatsApp.
Gemini will still be able to interact with your Android apps even if you have turned off Gemini Apps Activity in the Gemini Apps setting. This setting allows Google to store your interactions with Gemini apps. These interactions are used to train the AI by allowing “human reviewers (including service providers)” to “read, annotate, and process your Gemini Apps conversations,” according to the Google support page.
What to know before you disable Gemini on Android
The location of settings may vary. Not all users will see the same options in the Gemini app or Google app, as settings can differ based on device model, region, or update status. If you do not see a particular setting, it may be due to these factors.
How to stop the Gemini app from accessing your Android apps
Google has made it unclear in the email by stating that you can block Gemini from interacting with other apps in the Apps settings. This means if you have Gemini installed on your phone as a separate app, you need to follow these steps:
- Open the Google Gemini app on your Android phone.
- Tap your profile picture icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Tap Apps in the menu.
- Turn off the toggles for the apps you do not want Gemini to access, which will disable Gemini’s ability to interact with those specific apps and change the switch from blue to grey.
Alternatively, you can simply uninstall the Gemini app from your Android phone by long-pressing the Google Gemini app and tapping Remove in the menu.
How to disable Gemini in the Google app on Android
Gemini can also interact with other apps through the Google app on Android. So it is advisable to disable Gemini on Android in that app as well. Here’s how to do it:
- Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Tap Settings in the menu.
- Tap Google Assistant.
- Tap Digital assistants from Google.
- If it is set to Gemini, select Google Assistant.
- Tap Switch in the pop-up.
What happens after you disable Gemini on Android
Even after disabling Gemini on Android, there are a few important things to understand about how your data is handled and what settings might still require your attention:
If you have already disabled Gemini features, they should remain off. Google assures that if you previously turned off Gemini’s access to apps, those privacy settings will persist after the update. However, it is recommended to double-check your settings to ensure nothing has changed.
No forced installation: The Gemini app will not be automatically installed if it is not already present on your device. You retain control over whether to add it or not.
Data review by humans: Conversations with Gemini may be reviewed and annotated by human reviewers for quality control and AI training purposes. Even if your activity is deleted, data reviewed by humans can be retained for up to three years, and this data is disconnected from your Google Account before review. It is advised not to share confidential or sensitive information in Gemini chats, as Google explicitly discourages it.
Kurt’s key takeaways
While some users may welcome this change, if you value control and transparency over your data, limiting its access is the best option. Unfortunately, Google’s guidance on the subject is unclear, and you cannot fully disable Gemini on Android unless you root your Android phone. But by proactively reviewing and tweaking a few settings, you can regain some control.
If you have any opinions on whether companies prioritize your privacy over their profits as AI systems become more powerful, feel free to share your thoughts with us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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