Gemini for Android introduces Chat Search: gradual rollout, new UX, and what changes for users

Google brings chat history search to Gemini for Android: how it appears and where to find it.

After months of requests from the community, Google has finally introduced the search within conversations feature to the Android version of the Gemini app. The update represents a small revolution for those using Gemini as a personal or work knowledge base.

The feature is located at the top of the hamburger menu (the side menu accessible from the three lines in the upper left): here you’ll see a “Search for chats” field that allows you to search for keywords, phrases, and topics across all previous chats, including conversation titles, prompts, and chatbot replies. When tapped, a full-screen page dedicated to search opens, with a clean design focused solely on relevant results. The experience is identical to what’s already seen on the Gemini web app and, for several weeks now, also on iOS.

A gradual server-side rollout: why not everyone sees it and how the activation works

The rollout of chat search on Android follows the approach Google uses for more “sensitive” features: it does not depend on a Play Store app update, but is enabled server-side—that is, selectively by Google itself, account by account. This means that even with the latest version of Gemini, you may not immediately see the search field in the hamburger menu. Several Reddit users and publications like Android Central confirm that the rollout is ongoing only for part of the user base, and is expected to expand gradually over the coming weeks.

How the user experience changes: an advantage for those using Gemini as a “knowledge base” or personal diary

The arrival of internal chat search represents a significant upgrade for using Gemini in professional, personal, or business contexts. Those who use the app for note-taking, idea collections, or managing informational workflows can finally retrieve old conversations easily without manually scrolling through long chat lists. This feature, long-awaited by “power users,” closes a gap with ChatGPT, which has offered efficient chat history search for some time.

Context: rollout of new features and convergence between web, Android, and iOS

Chat search is just one of many new features coming to Gemini for Android. Google has also recently introduced the new round logo, the complete side navigation bar, and the four-color “glow” animation that enhances the interface during use. These updates, gradually released across all channels (web, iOS, and now Android), aim to create a consistent and integrated experience for those using Gemini on multiple devices. Internal search thus represents another step in Google’s strategy to make Gemini a true personal and business AI hub, competitive not only in answers but also in knowledge management.

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