Gemini to access WhatsApp, messages, and calls on Android devices by July 7

Google has emailed some users of its Gemini AI to inform them of a new change coming into force on July 7, 2025, that will allow Gemini to integrate with Android apps like WhatsApp, Messages, and Phone, Tuta has learned. The change will apply to users whether or not they have disabled Gemini Apps Activity in their settings.

For users who decide to keep this feature enabled, it will mean that Gemini can perform tasks like sending messages or making calls using these apps. The associated help page seems to be already live, and it outlines how to use the feature, plus what Gemini cannot do with WhatsApp if you have the two connected.

Google says Gemini won’t be able to read or summarize your WhatsApp messages; add or read images, GIFs, or memes in your messages; add or play audio or videos in your messages; or read or respond to WhatsApp notifications. A bit worryingly, Google follows up right after saying, “The Gemini mobile app may support some of these actions with help from Google Assistant or the Utilities app, even with WhatsApp disabled in Gemini.”

According to Tuta, you can limit Gemini’s access on your device by going to the Gemini app > Profile > Apps > Toggle off individual app extensions. You can also switch off Gemini Apps Activity by going to Gemini > Profile > Gemini Apps Activity > Turn off, but this may not be enough to prevent access to your WhatsApp after the update.

Even with Gemini App Activity switched off, Google may store your activity for 72 hours for security, safety, and user feedback.

This update by Google reflects a larger trend among big tech companies quietly changing their terms and opting users into new features automatically. Most recently, Meta rolled out its Meta AI in WhatsApp without a way to switch it off.

When Google does roll out the feature to Gemini, most people probably won’t realize the change occurred unless Google throws a big message up in Gemini. Even if Google does do that, disabling access to WhatsApp seems a bit confusing.

Source

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