Gemini for Android Gets Redesigned Side Panel and Consolidated Settings

Google has started rolling out a redesign of the side panel and settings in the Gemini app for Android, according to 9to5Google. The update arrives after the Spark-to-Task change and is reaching users through a server-side update, which means it is becoming widely available without a new app download.

The side panel changes begin with the search function, which has moved to the top-right corner. New chat remains the first entry in the list. Library now sits directly beneath it, rather than near the bottom of the drawer as before.

To keep the navigation drawer from becoming crowded while still letting people see their recent chats, Gemini shows only five items at first. A "More" option expands the rest of the list when tapped. For subscribers to AI Ultra, the full list reads: New chat, Library, Images, Scheduled, Daily brief, Customize, Students, Videos, and Gems.

Settings have been reorganized as well. Previously, preferences were divided between the account menu and a separate "Gemini Settings" area. Google has now brought everything together on one page. The account menu has a narrower role, limited to switching accounts, leaving feedback, or getting help.

The new Settings page opens with Manage account and Usage limits. A Preferences section follows, containing Notifications, Personal Intelligence, Avatar, Task settings, Theme, Skills, Voice, Media, Device controls, Cart and orders, and Gemini Notebook. Theme is the one entry marked as new.

Two further sections complete the page. Data & privacy includes Import memory, Contact info from your devices, Gemini Apps Activity, Your public links, and the Privacy Help Hub. Get support lists Help, Report a problem, About, and Updates.

The same side panel and settings changes reached iOS, macOS, and the web app last week, alongside the launch of Gemini 4 Argon. Android users are now seeing the update arrive more broadly.

Other recent Gemini app developments include Gemini Notebook becoming available as a Connected App for deeper integration, free users moving to "Auto" models as the app adds thinking levels, and a new "Map" tool that arrived with the "/" shortcut being replaced by "@".