Gemini for Android updates side panel and settings layout

A new navigation experience

Google has begun rolling out a redesign of the Gemini app side panel for Android users. This update changes how users interact with their chat history and primary navigation tools. The layout aims to make the interface cleaner by reorganizing where key actions are located.

One of the primary changes involves the placement of the search function, which has moved to the top-right corner of the screen. The list of items now begins with 'New chat,' followed immediately by 'Library.' Previously, the Library option was located toward the bottom of the navigation drawer.

To prevent the side panel from becoming overcrowded, the app now displays only five items by default. Users can tap a 'More' button to expand the list and view additional options. This design choice helps keep the most frequent actions visible while tucking away secondary features.

Consolidated settings page

The update also introduces a significant overhaul of the app's settings menu. Previously, user preferences were split between a general account menu and a dedicated 'Gemini Settings' section. Google is now consolidating these various preferences into a single, unified page.

Under this new structure, the account menu is simplified to focus on switching between different accounts, providing feedback, or accessing help. The main 'Settings' page now serves as the primary hub for almost all user configurations. This includes managing account details and viewing usage limits at the top of the page.

The new settings page is organized into specific categories to help users find what they need. Under the 'Preferences' section, users can find controls for notifications, personal intelligence, avatars, task settings, and themes. It also houses options for skills, voice, media, device controls, and the Gemini Notebook.

Data and support options

Beyond general preferences, the redesign includes dedicated sections for privacy and support. The 'Data & privacy' section now houses several important tools for managing user information. This includes the ability to import memory and contact information from various devices.

Users can also manage their Gemini Apps Activity and view their public links within this specific area. A Privacy Help Hub is also included to provide further information on how data is handled. These tools are grouped together to make it easier for users to understand and control their digital footprint.

The final section of the new settings page is dedicated to getting support. This area contains links for help, reporting problems, and viewing information about the app and its updates. By grouping these items, Google aims to provide a more intuitive experience for users seeking assistance or technical details.

Platform consistency

This Android update follows a broader rollout of similar interface changes across other platforms. The side panel and settings redesign were first introduced to iOS, macOS, and the web app last week. Those versions launched alongside the release of Gemini 4 Argon.

The arrival of these changes on Android is happening via a server-side update. This means the update may appear for users automatically without requiring a manual download from the app store. It ensures that the Gemini experience remains consistent across different devices and operating systems.

The move toward a unified interface suggests a broader goal of simplifying the AI's interaction model. By aligning the navigation and settings across mobile and desktop, Google is making it easier for users to switch between devices without having to relearn where specific tools are located.

What to expect next

While the current update focuses on the interface, other features are continuing to integrate into the Gemini app. For example, the Gemini Notebook is now available as a Connected App. This allows for deeper integration with other tools and workflows that users may already be employing.

Free users may also notice changes in how the app handles processing. The app is adding thinking levels, and free Gemini users are now being moved onto 'Auto' models. This change is part of a larger effort to manage how the AI processes complex requests based on the user's subscription level.

Additionally, the app is gaining a new 'Map' tool to assist with location-based queries. This tool replaces the previous '/' shorthand with an '@' symbol. These ongoing updates indicate that the Gemini app is moving toward a more modular and tool-heavy experience for its users.