The Gemini app works on Android and iPhone, but it behaves differently on each. On many Android phones it can replace Google Assistant. On iPhone it runs as a standalone app beside Siri.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you installed Gemini and want to chat, use voice mode, ask about images, or make it your default assistant where supported.
Set up and use Gemini on Android
Android offers the deepest integration.
- Install or open Gemini from the Google Play Store.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- To make it the default assistant, tap your profile icon, open Settings > Digital assistants from Google, and follow the prompts.
- Launch Gemini with the power button or Hey Google if those triggers are enabled.
- Type a question, tap the microphone to speak, use the camera to ask about something in front of you, or upload a photo.
Set up and use Gemini on iPhone
On iPhone, Gemini does not replace Siri system-wide.
- Install Google Gemini from the App Store.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Open the app and type or speak a question.
- Use the camera or photo icon to ask about a live view or saved image.
- Add a Gemini widget by touching and holding the Home Screen, tapping plus, searching for Gemini, and choosing a widget size.
More control
Use Gemini Live
Tap the Live waveform icon to start a natural voice conversation. You can interrupt, follow up, and use it hands-free more comfortably than one-question voice input.
Enable Google service extensions carefully
In Gemini settings, Extensions can let Gemini use Gmail, Maps, YouTube, and other Google services. Turn on only the connections you actually want.
Manage activity and privacy
Open Settings > Gemini Apps Activity to see, delete, or control conversation history and model-improvement settings. This is separate from some broader Google account controls.
Free vs. paid
The app is free to install and use at a basic level. Google AI paid plans unlock higher limits, stronger models, and larger uploads, but you do not need one just to try Gemini.
Sources
- Google – Gemini app Help Center (2026)
- Google – Gemini Live overview (2026)