How to use Gemini Live: start a conversation on Android, iPhone and Chrome

Gemini Live is the voice-conversation mode inside Google’s Gemini app and, more recently, Chrome. Instead of typing a question and reading a reply, you talk to Gemini the way you’d talk to a person, and you can interrupt it mid-answer to steer the conversation. This tutorial covers the exact steps Google gives for Android, iPhone and iPad, and Chrome on a computer.

What you need

• The Gemini app, on Android or iOS, or Chrome on a computer.
• A microphone, built in or connected, and for Chrome, a speaker too.
• A Google Account. Gemini Live works on the free plan; see our guide to Google AI Plus vs Pro vs Ultra if you want higher usage limits.

How to start Gemini Live on Android

1. Open the Gemini app.
2. Tap Live, or swipe left at the bottom of the screen.
3. The first time, follow the onscreen instructions to finish setup.
4. Start talking.

You can also start by voice: say “Hey Google, let’s talk Live” or “Hey Google, let’s talk.” To turn off the microphone, tap Hold; to end the session, tap End.

How to start Gemini Live on iPhone and iPad

1. Open the Gemini app.
2. Tap Live, or swipe left at the bottom of the screen.
3. The first time, follow the onscreen instructions.
4. Start talking.

As on Android, tap Hold to pause the microphone or End to leave the conversation.

How to start Gemini Live on Chrome (desktop)

1. On your computer, open Chrome.
2. Click Ask Gemini at the top of the browser.
3. In the text box, click Go Live.
4. Allow Chrome access to your microphone and speaker.
5. The first time, follow the onscreen instructions to set up Gemini Live.

What makes it feel different

Google’s own description is a “natural, free-flowing conversation”: you can interrupt Gemini partway through a response to add a detail, correct yourself or change the subject entirely, rather than waiting for it to finish and typing a follow-up question. That’s the main thing that separates Live from typing into the regular Gemini chat box.

Tips for a better conversation

• Speak naturally. You don’t need to phrase things as a command; Gemini Live is built for back-and-forth conversation.
• Interrupt when you need to. If Gemini goes down the wrong path, jump in and redirect it rather than letting it finish.
• Use it hands-free. It’s suited to moments when typing isn’t convenient, such as cooking, commuting or multitasking at a desk.
• Check your microphone permissions if Gemini doesn’t respond, especially the first time you use it in Chrome.

Where Gemini Live shows up elsewhere

Google has also built Gemini Live into its hardware. The Google Home Speaker uses it for hotword-free conversations as part of Google Home Premium’s Standard plan, and it’s part of the wider Gemini profile. If you’d rather use it from a desktop app instead of the browser, see our guide to the Gemini app for Windows and Mac. To compare Gemini Live with Apple’s and Amazon’s voice assistants, read Siri AI vs Alexa+ and our guide to choosing an AI assistant.