Google extends Gemini integration to Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities on Android: the update rolls out now

The progressive rollout begins on July 7 and was announced via email to Android users.

The official communication arrived via email sent by Google to Android users in late June, informing them that the new Gemini integration would be automatically activated starting July 7, 2025. The update will be rolled out gradually, following the typical phased approach used for major updates to Google services at scale.

The email specifies that Gemini will be able to interact with Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and system Utilities apps even if the “Gemini Apps Activity” option is set to OFF. This detail indicates that the rollout will involve both users who have opted for activity tracking and those who have chosen a more private usage mode. Google also emphasizes that the change will be applied transparently and that users will receive additional in-app notifications as the feature is deployed.

Access to the four apps is pre-enabled but can be turned off via toggles in the Gemini app.

After the new feature is activated, users can open the Gemini app and go to the “Profile” section, then select “Apps.” Here they will find four separate switches, one for each affected application: Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities. By default, all these toggles are set to ON, allowing Gemini to receive commands and act on these apps without further explicit authorization after the initial update. According to Google, this default setting is intended to ensure that all new features are immediately available without the need for manual reconfiguration. However, the user always retains control and can selectively disable permissions for each app. Turning off a toggle will immediately stop Gemini from interacting with that specific app, allowing flexible and personalized management of the user experience according to individual privacy and convenience preferences.

With Apps Activity disabled, content remains on the servers for only 72 hours and is not used to train models, according to Google.

One of the most discussed aspects concerns the management of temporary data generated during the use of these integrations. Google clarifies that, when the “Apps Activity” function is disabled, requests and data associated with interactions with Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities are not saved to the permanent history of the Google account. Instead, such data remains temporarily stored on the servers for a maximum of 72 hours, in order to allow for reliability checks, security, and the resolution of any technical problems. After the three-day period, the data is automatically deleted and is not accessible or used for the training of AI models. Currently, there is no button for instant deletion of the data by the user, but Google assures that no information collected in this mode will be used for purposes other than temporary security and service operation checks.

The main benefit is the ability to manage cross-app flows with a single voice or text instruction.

The update offers users greater fluidity in interacting with their smartphone, enabling them to send messages, make calls, or manage utilities such as the flashlight or alarm using simple voice or text commands addressed to Gemini. In practice, thanks to simultaneous access to multiple apps, the user can, for example, dictate a message to Gemini to send on WhatsApp, ask to call a contact, or lower the device’s volume, all without switching between different applications. This system provides a level of automation and convenience similar to what is introduced by Copilot multi-agents on Windows or Siri’s advanced intents on iOS 18. The advantage lies especially in the seamless integration of functions, turning Gemini into a true intelligent agent capable of orchestrating multiple activities within the Android ecosystem.

Criticism focuses on the opt-out mechanism and the clarity of communication, but there are also more nuanced views.

After the first notifications were released, some privacy and cybersecurity experts pointed out that the opt-out (rather than opt-in) system puts the burden of data protection on the end user. Specifically, the fact that toggles are active by default and that the notification is not accompanied by a detailed prompt at rollout may lead many users to unknowingly retain the new permissions. However, other observers note that Gemini’s access to these data does not introduce new categories compared to the functions already available with Google Assistant, and that the customization options via toggles allow for quick adaptation to the desired level of exposure. Several voices in the tech world also highlight how Google’s choice reflects a general trend toward more versatile and integrated agents, which facilitate everyday activities but require users to be more actively engaged in managing their privacy settings.

How to check or modify settings before the rollout is complete.

For those who wish to immediately customize how Gemini operates, a few simple steps are recommended. First, users can access the Gemini app, go to the “Profile” menu, select “Apps,” and turn OFF the toggles for applications they do not want to integrate. This makes it possible to exclude, individually, Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities from Gemini’s actions. Additionally, it is advisable to periodically check app permissions by going to Android Settings → Privacy → Permission Manager, where SMS, call log, and contacts permissions can be limited or revoked. Finally, it is important to monitor further communications from Google, which specifies in the rollout email that there is a 30-day window for a complete opt-out before the new functions are definitively activated.

Next steps: Google will collect feedback while authorities and users evaluate the balance between functionality and data protection.

The company has stated that the goal of this evolution is to offer an increasingly complete and intelligent experience while maintaining user control over every aspect of privacy.

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