Gemini can read your WhatsApp texts. Here’s what to do about it
Google grants Gemini AI access to Android data, raising privacy concerns.
Google grants Gemini AI access to Android data, raising privacy concerns.
Starting July 7th, Android users may wake up to find that Google's Gemini AI can access their favorite apps, like WhatsApp, Messages, and Phone, even if they’ve previously opted out.
Unless users take explicit action, the AI assistant is getting cozy with third-party apps by default, thanks to a quiet policy update that Google framed as a "helpful" new feature.
This move marks a major shift in how Google’s AI is baked into Android, and it’s raising eyebrows in the privacy community.
Reportedly, Google sent an email to Android users stating that the update allows Gemini to interact with third-party apps even when users had previously blocked access.
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The email shared by Android Police suggests that users can block some interactions and that Gemini might still store certain data for up to 72 hours, regardless of settings.
The message says that “human reviewers read, annotate, and process” the data Gemini accesses. However, nowhere in the message does it explain how to completely remove Gemini from your device.
Cybernews reached out to Google for comment, but a response has yet to be received.
How to disable Gemini on your device?
If you’re not thrilled about Google’s Gemini AI gaining access to your apps or simply don’t want AI anywhere near your texts and calls, you’re not alone.
According to Tuta's blog post, there are a few ways to limit or disable Gemini’s reach on your Android device. However, even when you turn most of it off, Google still keeps your data for up to 72 hours.
Option 1: Fully disable the Gemini app
- Go to Settings > Apps
- Find and select Gemini
- Tap Disable
This prevents Gemini from running or accessing anything, but doesn’t delete it from your device.
Option 2: Stop Gemini from talking to other apps
Want to keep using Gemini, but don’t want it poking around your WhatsApp or Messages? You can manually toggle off app access:
- Open the Gemini app
- Tap your profile icon (top right corner)
- Go to Apps
Toggle off every app extension you want to block. This won’t stop all data collection, but it will limit Gemini’s integration across your phone.
Option 3: Turn off Gemini app activity
To keep Gemini from saving your prompts and using them to train Google’s AI, turn off activity tracking:
- Open the Gemini app
- Tap your profile icon
- Navigate to Gemini Apps Activity
- Switch it off
Even with this off, Google will still store your activity with Gemini for up to 72 hours “for safety and feedback,” according to the company.
Option 4: Uninstall Gemini completely (advanced)
If you’re tech-savvy and want Gemini gone, you’ll need to connect your Android device to a computer and use developer tools. Here’s how:
- Install ADB (Android Debug Bridge) on your desktop
- Connect your phone via USB and authorize the connection
- Run the following command in your terminal: “adb shell pm uninstall com.google.android.apps.bard”