Gemini AI now integrates with Wear OS and other Android and iOS devices, offering users a more convenient experience in daily tasks. However, it also raises privacy concerns, especially because Google needs to read WhatsApp messages becomes necessary when users ask Gemini to perform certain actions like replying or summarizing chats.
How does Google get access to your WhatsApp chats?
Google has started rolling out a new update as of July 7, 2025. The main purpose of this update is to enhance Gemini AI’s interaction with Android apps like WhatsApp, Messages, Phone, and Utilities. The update allows Gemini to access apps like WhatsApp by default, but it only works when you’re using Gemini.
With this integration, Gemini AI can perform routine tasks such as sending WhatsApp messages. These tasks are triggered through simple voice commands. It becomes possible because of the direct interaction of Google’s AI chatbot with Meta’s messenger.
What Google says about reading your WhatsApp messages
Google states that reading and summarizing users’ WhatsApp messages is not intended to train its AI models, according to its support page, the Gemini AI chatbot cannot access images, GIFs, videos, or audio from WhatsApp, and it does not typically respond to notifications under normal conditions. Google explains that Gemini only gains temporary access to message content to perform specific tasks, like replying to a contact. This temporary access is not used for storing, analyzing, or training AI models.
A Google spokesperson explains that the update helps users complete daily tasks on their mobile devices more easily. Even when WhatsApp is disabled in Gemini, some actions may still work through the Utilities app, depending on the permissions granted. This means Gemini’s access to WhatsApp depends on user permissions and app integration.
Additionally, even if users turn off “Gemini Apps Activity” in settings, Google may still store chat data for up to 72 hours for security, and functionality purposes. However, turning off the setting prevents Google from saving conversations for long-term use or AI training.
Google’s recommendations to improve security
Google advises users not to share sensitive information in their WhatsApp conversations. While it may temporarily access some data to complete tasks, taking precautions is still important. According to Google’s support page, if you don’t want your chats reviewed by human reviewers or used for machine learning, you should avoid sharing confidential information that could help improve Google’s services.
How to stop Google Gemini from reading your WhatsApp messages?
Turn off Gemini’s access to WhatsApp
To stop Gemini from accessing your WhatsApp messages and performing tasks related to the app, you need to disable its specific connection to WhatsApp. Perform the following steps to take control of WhatsApp data:
- Visit https://gemini.google.com/apps
- Or open the Gemini app
- Go to Profile and Tap “Apps”
- Find WhatsApp and toggle it off
This step is different from the “Gemini Apps Activity” setting and needs to be done manually. Once you turn it off, Gemini will no longer be able to read WhatsApp messages or carry out any tasks related to the app.
Turn off Gemini Apps Activity
If you don’t want Google to save your chats with Gemini, you can turn off activity tracking.
This stops your conversations from being used to train the AI.
- Open the Gemini app
- Tap your profile picture
- Then, select “Gemini Apps Activity”
- Turn the setting off
However, even when ‘Gemini Apps Activity’ is turned off to prevent long-term saving for AI training, Google may still temporarily keep your chats for up to 72 hours. This brief retention serves the purpose of maintaining the service’s safety, security, and ensuring accurate, contextual responses.
To turn it off, open the Gemini app, tap your profile, go to “Gemini Apps Activity,” and switch it off. This gives you more control over your privacy while still allowing Gemini to respond to your commands.
Recommended privacy tips
As AI tools like Gemini keep changing and growing, it’s important to stay alert and protect your privacy. Even if you turn off some settings, Gemini may still keep a short record of your chats. That’s why you should take a few easy steps to stay in control:
- Check your settings often, especially after system updates.
- Remove app permissions that Gemini doesn’t really need.
- Remember: Gemini might still see your chats for a short time, even if saving is turned off.
- Look out for Android updates, since Google might add new features or expand Gemini’s access.
- Be aware that a new app called Pixel Besties (still being developed) could bring WhatsApp and other chats into one shared screen, which might lead to more data being shared.
In short, staying informed and managing your settings regularly helps keep your personal data safer in this fast-changing digital world.
Wrapping Up
As AI becomes more deeply integrated into our daily apps, it’s important to stay informed and in control. Google Gemini offers helpful features, but it also brings up valid concerns about Google reading WhatsApp messages, maybe through accidental commands. While the company claims to protect user data, the reality is that some conversations may still be temporarily stored or reviewed.
In this AI-powered world, maintaining digital privacy is becoming more challenging. We can’t avoid AI, but we can set boundaries to protect our information. Staying updated on app permissions and regularly checking privacy settings is now essential. After all, living with AI shouldn’t mean giving up control.
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