How to Control the Data Gemini AI Can Access on Your Android Device
Key Takeaways
- Gemini Replaces Google Assistant: Google’s new AI assistant, Gemini, will soon replace Assistant, with access to your location, chats, and app data.
- Data Collection Concerns: Gemini stores data for up to 18 months, and some information may be reviewed by humans, including data from other Google apps.
- Limiting Data Access: You can’t delete Gemini entirely, but you can limit its data collection by turning off specific settings in the Gemini app.
- Privacy Steps: Control your privacy by adjusting settings to limit what Gemini can access, and consider using privacy-focused alternatives for added protection.
First, a confession: I like Google Assistant. It’s helpful and allows me to accomplish everyday tasks without unlocking my Android phone.
Just by saying, ‘Hey, Google,’ I can create a calendar reminder, set an alarm before I take a nap, or ask how old Ralph Macchio was when he appeared in the first The Karate Kid movie.
Oh, and I can say, ‘lumos,’ to turn on my flashlight and pretend I’m some wizard rather than the poor Muggle that I am.
But soon, Gemini will replace Google Assistant. According to the search giant, Gemini will provide ‘a new kind of help only possible with the power of AI.’
Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t need more AI. Whilst we found that tools like ChatGPT can impact your learning, I do still use it for my research, Canva’s AI to generate images for my work, and my phone’s built-in AI to make my moon shots more detailed than what’s possible with its tiny image sensor.
Then there’s the amount of data Gemini has access to. Aside from accessing Google apps like Calendar, Docs, and Maps, it can also interact with third-party apps like WhatsApp.
I admit that being able to tell an AI assistant to do things for you on your phone is cool and convenient (e.g., when you’re driving), but I’ve been in the game for quite some time to not look for potential data leaks, too.
To illustrate, here’s a tiny sample of the data that Gemini gathers when you interact with it:
- Location: According to Google, Gemini constantly collects your location to give you relevant answers to questions like what the current weather is or where the nearest coffee shop is.
- Chats: The AI virtual assistant will also have access to your chats and might share them with human reviewers. Chats are stored on Gemini’s servers for up to 72 hours.
- Other Gemini activities include files you upload and information from connected apps. By default, Gemini stores this data for 18 months. Data reviewed by humans is kept for three years, although Google states that it is disconnected from your account.
- Other Google data: If you use Gemini to read your emails on Gmail, add your home and work addresses on Google Maps, or create events on your Google Calendar, then Gemini will also have access to data from these apps.
Of course, I can plug these leaks by checking what data Gemini has access to in which app, but who has the time for that?
6 Steps to Minimize What Data Gemini AI Can Access
Unfortunately, disconnecting yourself completely from Gemini as an Android user is easier said than done.
When I wrote this, I could still delete the AI assistant from my device and revert to Google Assistant. However, this won’t be the case in the future when the former replaces the latter.
Unless you’re willing to flash your phone with a custom ROM or switch to more privacy-focused alternatives to Google’s apps, follow these steps to control what passes through Gemini.
1. Open your Gemini app, then tap your profile icon.
2. Tap Gemini Apps Activity.
3. Tap ‘Turn Off’, then tap ‘Turn off and delete activity’.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Return to your profile icon, and tap on Apps from the menu.
6. Switch off the apps you don’t want Gemini to interact with and share data with.
There you have it. Of course, it won’t completely help protect your privacy, as data can still leak through the other apps you use on your device. But controlling what Gemini can access is a good start.
Your Data, Your Rules—At Least What’s Left of Them
Just like Thanos, Gemini replacing Google Assistant is inevitable. AI is here, and with Google investing heavily in it, it’s not likely to disappear anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean you’re completely powerless.
You can limit what Gemini accesses regarding your personal data with a few simple steps. If you’d like, you can consider switching to privacy-focused alternatives for your browser and email provider.
At the end of the day, the power to control your privacy is literally and figuratively in your hands.
As technology continues to evolve—from the return of ‘dumbphones’ to faster and sleeker computers—seasoned tech journalist, Cedric Solidon, continues to dedicate himself to writing stories that inform, empower, and connect with readers across all levels of digital literacy. Read more
With 20 years of professional writing experience, this University of the Philippines Journalism graduate has carved out a niche as a trusted voice in tech media. Whether he’s breaking down the latest advancements in cybersecurity or explaining how silicon-carbon batteries can extend your phone’s battery life, his writing remains rooted in clarity, curiosity, and utility.
Long before he was writing for Techreport, HP, Citrix, SAP, Globe Telecom, CyberGhost VPN, and ExpressVPN, Cedric’s love for technology began at home courtesy of a Nintendo Family Computer and a stack of tech magazines.
Growing up, his days were often filled with sessions of Contra, Bomberman, Red Alert 2, and the criminally underrated Crusader: No Regret. But gaming wasn’t his only gateway to tech.
He devoured every T3, PCMag, and PC Gamer issue he could get his hands on, often reading them cover to cover. It wasn’t long before he explored the early web in IRC chatrooms, online forums, and fledgling tech blogs, soaking in every byte of knowledge from the late ’90s and early 2000s internet boom.
That fascination with tech didn’t just stick. It evolved into a full-blown calling.
After graduating with a degree in Journalism, he began his writing career at the dawn of Web 2.0. What started with small editorial roles and freelance gigs soon grew into a full-fledged career.
He has since collaborated with global tech leaders, lending his voice to content that bridges technical expertise with everyday usability. He’s also written annual reports for Globe Telecom and consumer-friendly guides for VPN companies like CyberGhost and ExpressVPN, empowering readers to understand the importance of digital privacy.
His versatility spans not just tech journalism but also technical writing. He once worked with a local tech company developing web and mobile apps for logistics firms, crafting documentation and communication materials that brought together user-friendliness with deep technical understanding. That experience sharpened his ability to break down dense, often jargon-heavy material into content that speaks clearly to both developers and decision-makers.
At the heart of his work lies a simple belief: technology should feel empowering, not intimidating. Even if the likes of smartphones and AI are now commonplace, he understands that there’s still a knowledge gap, especially when it comes to hardware or the real-world benefits of new tools. His writing hopes to help close that gap.
Cedric’s writing style reflects that mission. It’s friendly without being fluffy and informative without being overwhelming. Whether writing for seasoned IT professionals or casual readers curious about the latest gadgets, he focuses on how a piece of technology can improve our lives, boost our productivity, or make our work more efficient. That human-first approach makes his content feel more like a conversation than a technical manual.
As his writing career progresses, his passion for tech journalism remains as strong as ever. With the growing need for accessible, responsible tech communication, he sees his role not just as a journalist but as a guide who helps readers navigate a digital world that’s often as confusing as it is exciting.
From reviewing the latest devices to unpacking global tech trends, Cedric isn’t just reporting on the future; he’s helping to write it. Read less
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