Can Google Gemini Make Phone Calls?

Google Gemini can make phone calls on Android devices using voice or text commands through the Gemini app.

Calls can be initiated hands-free, even from the lock screen, if proper permissions and settings are enabled.

Functionality depends on device compatibility, app permissions, and whether Gemini Apps Activity is turned on.

Limitations include no emergency calling, potential app version issues, and regional feature availability.

📞 How Gemini Makes Phone Calls on Android

Gemini, Google’s AI assistant successor to Google Assistant, is designed to handle daily tasks—including placing phone calls. The feature is available in the Gemini app on supported Android devices and works with both voice and text prompts.

🔹 Voice or Text Command Options

Once Gemini is active, you can issue commands such as:

• "Call John Smith"

• "Call 555-0182"

• "Call Starbucks near me"

• "Call [contact name] using @Phone" (to force use of the Phone app)

Gemini uses your synced Google Contacts and Android’s default phone app to place the call.

🔔 If Gemini doesn’t respond to a generic "Call [name]" prompt, using "@Phone" ensures the correct app is triggered.

🔐 Making Phone Calls from the Lock Screen

Gemini also supports voice-activated calling when your phone is locked—similar to older Google Assistant functionality.

✅ To Enable:

1. Open the Gemini app.

2. Tap your profile icon in the top-right.

3. Go to Settings > Gemini on Lock Screen.

4. Turn on:

   • “Make calls and send messages without unlocking”

Once enabled, you can simply say:

“Call Alex”...and Gemini will place the call, even while the screen is off or locked.

🔒 For security, this works only with recognized voice and configured lock screen permissions.

⚙️ Device and Permission Requirements

Requirement	Details
📱 Android Device	Gemini calling is currently available only on Android devices (Pixel, Samsung, etc.).
🔐 App Permissions	The Google app (Gemini host) must have permissions for Phone, Contacts, and Call Logs.
☁️ Contact Syncing	Your contacts must be synced to your Google account to be recognized.
🧠 Gemini Apps Activity	This feature must be enabled to let Gemini interact with phone features and third-party apps.

You can verify permissions by going to:

Settings > Apps > Gemini or Google > Permissions

🚫 What Gemini Cannot Do

Despite its advanced capabilities, Gemini has specific call-related limitations:

• ❌ Cannot dial emergency services (e.g., 911, 112).

• ❌ May not support relationship-based commands (e.g., "Call my brother").

• ❌ Not available on iOS or non-Google Android forks (e.g., HarmonyOS).

• ❌ Functionality varies by region and device.

ℹ️ Some users have reported issues after February 2025 updates that may affect Gemini’s calling integration, especially on certain Pixel models.

🛠️ Troubleshooting Gemini Calling Features

Problem	Suggested Fix
🔇 Gemini doesn’t place calls	Add "@Phone" to your prompt or use full contact names.
⚙️ Call option missing	Check Gemini version; revert to version 1.5 if needed.
🔒 Call fails from lock screen	Re-enable "Use Gemini on Lock Screen" and confirm voice match.
🚫 Access denied	Review and re-grant phone permissions in device settings.

If the feature remains unavailable, check the Gemini Help Center for rollout updates and device eligibility.