{"id":24279,"date":"2025-07-09T10:16:57","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T14:16:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/?p=24279"},"modified":"2025-08-26T19:45:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T15:45:13","slug":"how-to-disable-gemini-on-android","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/how-to-disable-gemini-on-android\/24279\/","title":{"rendered":"Is a Gemini AI update about to kill privacy on your Android device?"},"content":{"rendered":"

On July 7, 2025, Google rolled out a Gemini update that gives its AI-powered assistant access to Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities data on Android devices. The company announced this update via an email to the users of its chatbot \u2014 essentially presenting them with a fait accompli. \u201cWe\u2019ve made it easier for Gemini to interact with your device\u201d, the email read. \u201cGemini will soon be able to help you use Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities on your phone, whether your Gemini Apps Activity is on or off\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"According<\/a>

According to Google, the update improves privacy because users can now use Gemini\u2019s features without having to enable Gemini Apps Activity. Pretty convenient, right?<\/p><\/div>\n

The update applies regardless of whether the Gemini Apps Activity<\/strong> feature is enabled or not. Google pushed the update to all Android versions that support Gemini, starting with Android 10. So, although the company warned users, it clearly failed to ask for their explicit consent. Google has already practiced subtle coercion to use its features before: just a month ago, Gemini was integrated into the Gmail client<\/a> without any warning.<\/p>\n

The email itself contained neither clear instructions for how to disable the new features, nor detailed explanations as to what exactly Gemini would do with the collected data. Users received the email just two weeks before the update was launched.<\/p>\n

As you\u2019d expect, the tech community was on the verge of panic<\/a>. Previously, users who wanted to integrate Gemini with their apps had to explicitly enable Gemini Apps Activity<\/strong>. This allowed Gemini to store and use their data long-term, and potentially gave developers access to it<\/a> \u2013 of course, \u201conly for the purpose of improving Google AI\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"Warning<\/a>

Warning prompt when launching Gemini in the browser for the first time<\/p><\/div>\n

Google isn\u2019t alone in this. OpenAI, Anthropic, and other AI companies are guilty of the same \u201cimproving service quality\u201d excuse. At least Google gives users the illusion of choice. What makes this case different is that, even with Gemini Apps Activity<\/strong> turned off, Google will still retain your conversations with the AI assistant for up to 72 hours<\/a> \u2014 all for the same purposes of safety, security, and feedback.<\/p>\n

We won\u2019t debate whether this is good or bad \u2014 we\u2019ll just show you how to completely block Gemini\u2019s access to your apps and data. Grab your phone, and let\u2019s go!\u2026\n<\/p>\n

How to disable Gemini via the app?<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Open Gemini on your Android device.<\/li>\n
  2. Tap your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner.<\/li>\n
  3. Select Gemini Apps Activity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  4. Tap Turn off<\/strong>, or select Turn off and delete activity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \"Disabling<\/a>

    Disabling Gemini via the app<\/p><\/div>\n

    How to disable Gemini via the web interface?<\/h2>\n
      \n
    1. Open Gemini in a browser<\/a>.<\/li>\n
    2. Click the hamburger menu in the top-left corner.<\/li>\n
    3. Select Activity<\/strong> or Settings & Help<\/strong> \u2192 Activity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    4. Tap Turn off<\/strong>, or select Turn off and delete activity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \nAlternatively, you can reach that option directly<\/a> to turn off Gemini Apps Activity<\/strong> right there.<\/p>\n

      \"Disabling<\/a>

      Disabling Gemini via the web interface<\/p><\/div>\n

      How to block Gemini from accessing individual apps and services?<\/h2>\n

      \nIf rather than disabling the AI assistant altogether you want to restrict Gemini\u2019s access to data only from certain services like your email or photos, you can customize which apps it can work with and which it cannot.\n<\/p>\n

      Disabling Gemini\u2019s access to individual services via the app:<\/h4>\n
        \n
      1. Open the Gemini app.<\/li>\n
      2. Go to your profile and select Apps<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      3. Turn off the toggle next to each app or service whose data you don\u2019t want to share with Gemini.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        \"Disabling<\/a>

        Disabling Gemini\u2019s access to individual services via the app<\/p><\/div>\n

        Disabling Gemini\u2019s access to individual services via the web interface:<\/h4>\n
          \n
        1. Open Gemini in a browser<\/a>.<\/li>\n
        2. Click the hamburger menu in the top-left corner.<\/li>\n
        3. Select Settings & help \u2192 Apps<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        4. Turn off the toggle next to each app or service whose data you don\u2019t want to share with Gemini.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          \nAlternatively, you can reach that section of the settings directly<\/a>.<\/p>\n

          \"Disabling<\/a>

          Disabling Gemini\u2019s access to individual services via the web interface<\/p><\/div>\n

          How to configure additional privacy settings for Gemini?<\/h2>\n

          Deleting saved Gemini data:<\/h4>\n
            \n
          1. While in the Gemini app, go to your profile and select Gemini Apps Activity<\/strong>. In a browser, open Activity<\/strong><\/a>, click Delete<\/strong>, and select a time range.\n