Gemini can be assigned as the digital assistant outside the app on compatible Android phones and opened with shortcuts. To do this, the Google app must be the default digital assistant, and Gemini must be selected as the mobile assistant. Menu names may vary depending on the brand and Android version.
Gemini may offer this option during setup; if Google Assistant was selected, it can be changed later:
- Open the Gemini app.
- Tap the profile photo.
- Go to Settings.
- Open the Google digital assistants option.
- Select Gemini.
- Confirm the selection if necessary.
- Try the Assistant shortcut.
The Google app is generally set as the default from Settings → Apps → Default apps → Digital assistant app. Menus may differ on Samsung, Xiaomi and Google Pixel devices; “digital assistant” or “assistant app” can be searched for in Settings.
If supported by the device, Gemini can be opened by long-pressing the power button, swiping from the bottom corner of the screen or holding down the Home button. These options depend on the model and settings. If “Hey Google” and Voice Match are enabled, voice commands can also be used.
Why it matters
This setting can turn Gemini from a tool opened only within the app into one connected to an Android phone’s system-level assistant shortcuts. As a result, the way it is used changes for users seeking quick access, while those who use Google Assistant need to review their default preference separately. However, the experience may not be the same on all phones; the brand, Android version and opening methods supported by the device determine whether the power button, navigation gestures or voice command options are available. Although the guide points out these differences, the key issue that remains is verifying in the device settings which shortcuts are supported on a particular model.
Background
Gemini is not a new name in the FikirPilot archive: we have published 13 articles mentioning this name in the past 90 days; the most recent is dated September 20, 2026.