How to Access Gemini in Google Messages

Currently, the beta is available to a select number of users, but the AI functionality should be more widely available soon.
Conor Cawley
Written By
Published on March 29, 2024
Google Messages

The integration of AI technology into your favorite apps continues, as Google is finally rolling out Gemini access in its Messages service.

Tech companies have been rolling out AI features at break-neck speeds over the last year, installing the groundbreaking technology into any platform they can get their hands on.

Now, Google is doing the same thing with its AI chatbot, integrating it into an app with one billion users worldwide.

Google announced that Gemini functionality would be coming to Google Messages back in February, but there hadn’t been any movement since the announcement. Well, users have reportedly been getting the functionality, and instructions on how to use it are officially in the Google Support guide.

However, before you race to your Android device to utilize the generative AI technology in Google Messages, you need to know that the functionality is currently only in beta and a limited number of users have access to the feature right now.

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You likely won’t have to wait too long, though, as Google has been swift in rolling out AI features for its platform, if only to further compete with ChatGPT for AI dominance in the market.

If you are one of the lucky few that have been chosen to get early access to Gemini in Google Messages, the process for getting started isn’t too complicated, but we’ll walk you through it any way. Here’s how to use Gemini on Google Messages:

  • Open the Google Messages app.
  • Tap Start Chat on the screen.
  • Click Gemini.
  • Follow instructions on your first time.
  • Enter your prompt.
  • Click Send message to finish.

According to Google, you can use Gemini to “draft messages, brainstorm ideas, plan events, or simply have a fun conversation” in the Messages app with the right AI prompts. That is, if you’re even eligible for the beta.

Getting access to the Gemini beta on Google Messages is about more than luck unfortunately. Users must meet some vital criteria to even be eligible to use the AI feature on the messaging app, at least until it becomes widely available to all users. Here’s who is eligible to use Gemini on Google Messages:

  • Your phone must be set to English (French in Canada).
  • You must have the latest version of Google Messages.
  • You must have your own Google Account (no Family Link).
  • RCS chats must be turned on.
  • You must be 18 years or older.
  • You must have a modern Android device.
    • Pixel 6 or later
    • Samsung Galaxy S22 or later
    • Google or Samsung foldable phone

On top of all that, Gemini is only supported on Google Messages for certain countries as of writing this guide. Fortunately, more than 100 countries are currently eligible, so there’s a good chance you’re all set, but feel free to check out the Google Support page to learn more.

Written By

Conor Cawley

Conor is the Lead Writer for Tech.co. For the last eight years, he’s covered everything from tech news and product reviews to digital marketing trends and business tech innovations. He’s a feature, reviews, and news contributor for Android Police, and he has hosted tech-focused events for SXSW, Tech in Motion, and General Assembly, to name a few. He also cannot pronounce the word “colloquially” correctly.

You can email Conor at conor@tech.co.

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