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Ever since Google rebranded Bard to Gemini earlier this year, it’s been possible to replace Google Assistant entirely with the company’s AI. Unless you really like artificial intelligence, Google Assistant has been the better overall choice thus far, since Gemini lacked features that limited what you could rely on it to do.
However, Google has been improving and adding to the bot’s abilities. Even if it isn’t quite the ideal Google Assistant replacement, you may find it more capable than before. Case in point: Google is rolling out the option to have Gemini send a message or start a phone call on your behalf, without having to unlocking your phone first.
As reported by 9to5Google, Google now lets you make calls and send messages with Gemini while your phone is locked. It follows the larger “Use Gemini without unlocking” feature that lets you ask Gemini questions, create reminders, and add entries to your calendar. It can be a helpful change: Previously, you’d ask Gemini to send a message or make a call, but then have to bother with unlocking your Android to proceed. Seeing as a digital assistant is supposed to make your life easier, having the option to bypass this authentication simplifies things.
That said, I can’t help but see a privacy gap here. That extra step required to unlock your phone protects you. Without it, someone can ask Gemini to call or message someone on your behalf—whether you want them to or not. For most of us, it’s likely a small concern, but it is valid. If you want to use this feature, consider the privacy ramifications first, then decide if it’s worth the (potentially small) risk.
How to use Gemini without unlocking your phone
You’ll find the option in the settings of the Gemini app on Android. (This feature is not available on iPhone.) Head to Gemini on Lock Screen, then enable the toggle next to Make calls and send messages without unlocking.
Now, Google says you have to enable Gemini on your calling and messaging apps first before this feature can work. That makes sense, but as 9to5Google writes, those extensions have not been made available to all users yet. If you aren’t able to turn on calling and messages apps in Gemini, however, it still appears to work, although the feature will go through Assistant. The important thing, at this time, anyway, appears to be activating this toggle—if it’s available.
There will be times, however, where Gemini will still require you to unlock your phone following a request—specifically, when a response contains “personal content”—don’t expect seamless interactions every time.
If you don’t see this setting yet, sit tight: Google is rolling it out now, so it will likely land on your Android phone in the near future.