Google has quietly rolled out a major upgrade to Gemini that lets the AI directly read and understand your Gmail messages, Google Photos library, and Google Drive files, all without having you copy-paste anything. The feature is called Gemini in Gmail & Photos and is now live for all Gemini Advanced subscribers (the $20/month plan) in the United States and rolling out globally over the next few weeks.
How It Works
Once you’re on Gemini Advanced (previously called Gemini Ultra), open the Gemini app or gemini.google.com in your browser and look for the new “Connect your Google apps” banner at the top of the chat window.
Tap it → choose which services to connect:
- Gmail
- Google Photos
- Google Drive
You must explicitly grant permission; Gemini does not access anything automatically. After connecting, you can ask questions that pull in your personal data in real time.
Real Examples of What It Can Do Right Now
- “Summarize the last 30 emails from my boss and tell me what action items I still have open.”
- “Show me every photo from my trip to Goa in December 2025 and tell me which ones have people smiling.”
- “Find the PDF receipt from my Flipkart order last month and tell me the total amount I paid.”
- “Who emailed me about the office Diwali party, and what was the date again?”
- “Look at my recent photos and suggest which ones would look good as WhatsApp status pictures.”
- “Compare the flight options in the three Gmail threads from last week and tell me which one is cheapest after taxes.”
Gemini reads only the content you ask about in that specific conversation. It does not scan your entire inbox or photo library in the background, and nothing is stored or used to train models.
Important Safety & Privacy Details
- You can disconnect any service at any time: Gemini → Settings → Connected apps → Disconnect.
- Google says chat history with connected data is not used for model training unless you explicitly opt in (same as regular Gemini chats).
- Conversations that reference personal Gmail/Photos/Drive content are stored in your
- Gemini history can be deleted manually.
- The feature is off by default — you must actively connect your accounts.
- Only works when you’re signed in with the same Google account that owns the Gmail/Photos/Drive data.
Availability Right Now
- Who can use it: Gemini Advanced subscribers ($20/month or part of Google One AI Premium)
- Where: United States first, expanding to India, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe by the end of January 2026
- Platforms: gemini.google.com (web), Gemini Android/iOS app
- Languages: English only at launch; Hindi and other languages coming later in 2026
Google says this is the start of “agentic” features where Gemini can take real actions inside your Google apps (e.g., drafting replies, creating calendar events, organising photos into albums). More capabilities are expected throughout 2026.
If you’re already on Gemini Advanced, open the app or website today and look for the connect banner. If you’re not subscribed, you’ll need to upgrade to see it.
