Google Gemini now reads WhatsApp chats unless you change this setting

By | July 10, 2025
Disable Google Gemini WhatsApp access in Android settings

In a major privacy-related update that has sparked concern among users and digital rights groups, Google’s Gemini AI assistant has gained deeper integration with Android apps—including WhatsApp. While this advancement aims to boost AI-powered functionality, it has also raised eyebrows over how much data Gemini can now access by default, even without explicit user consent.

What’s Changing with Gemini on Android?

Gemini, Google’s upgraded AI assistant that is replacing Google Assistant on many Android devices, recently received a permissions expansion allowing it to interact directly with third-party apps. This includes the ability to read and send WhatsApp messages, access your Phone and Messages apps, and analyze emails and other private data.

The surprising part? This level of access is enabled by default, even if you’ve disabled “Gemini Apps Activity“—a feature that was previously thought to be the gatekeeper for such behavior.

Google clarified that the assistant stores this interaction data for up to 72 hours, regardless of your Apps Activity setting. While the company assures users that this data isn’t used to train its AI models when Apps Activity is turned off, privacy advocates argue the default setup borders on invasive.

Why This Raises Privacy Concerns

At the heart of the issue is default opt-in behavior. Gemini doesn’t ask for explicit permission the way some users would expect when it begins accessing sensitive personal data from platforms like WhatsApp.

What’s more concerning:

  • No prominent alert notifies users that Gemini has started accessing their app data.
  • Turning off Gemini Apps Activity doesn’t fully block access—only long-term logging and training usage.
  • Users may unknowingly allow Gemini to view sensitive private messages, including those from encrypted messaging platforms like WhatsApp.

For a company as influential as Google, this has triggered debates around ethical data collection and whether users are given enough transparency and control over their information.

What Does Google Say?

According to Google, the expanded permissions are designed to:

  • Help users perform tasks faster (e.g., send a WhatsApp message via voice).
  • Enable personalized responses based on recent activity.
  • Store data temporarily (72 hours) to “maintain performance and user experience.”

The company maintains that the stored data is not linked to your account when Gemini Apps Activity is off. However, this fine print isn’t visible to many users who may assume turning off this setting disables all tracking.

How to Stop Gemini from Reading Your WhatsApp Messages

Thankfully, Google has provided options to restrict Gemini’s access—though they’re not always easy to find. Here are the steps to safeguard your chats:

1. Disable Gemini’s Access to WhatsApp and Other Apps

  • Open the Gemini app (or Google app) on your Android device.
  • Tap on your profile icon (top right corner).
  • Navigate to Settings > Apps connected to Gemini.
  • Find WhatsApp, Messages, and others from the list.
  • Toggle them off individually to revoke Gemini’s access.

This blocks Gemini from interacting with those apps—even if it’s enabled elsewhere.

2. Turn Off Gemini Apps Activity

  • Go to Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account.
  • Navigate to the Data & Privacy tab.
  • Scroll to Gemini Apps Activity and disable it.

This prevents Gemini from storing long-term interaction history, though it won’t stop the assistant from storing 72-hour temporary logs.

3. Disable or Uninstall Gemini (Advanced)

For users who want complete peace of mind:

  • Head to Settings > Apps > Gemini.
  • Choose Disable or Uninstall updates.
  • On some devices, you may need to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) from a PC with the following command: cssCopyEditadb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.apps.bard

⚠️ Note: Disabling Gemini may affect voice commands or Google Assistant features on Pixel and other Android phones.

Is This Legal?

Yes—Google’s terms of service and app permissions technically allow this behavior. When you set up an Android phone or use Gemini, you’re agreeing to terms that include data sharing for functionality and improvement.

However, legal compliance doesn’t always equal ethical best practice. Many believe clearer, more visible consent should be required—especially for access to encrypted platforms like WhatsApp.

Tips for Staying Private on Android

If you’re concerned about data access and want to tighten your phone’s security:

  • Use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps (like Signal) and avoid enabling assistant access.
  • Review app permissions monthly in your Android Settings.
  • Use alternative AI assistants like ChatGPT or Alexa that require explicit commands, not background access.
  • Consider Privacy-focused phones like those running /e/OS or GrapheneOS.

Final Thoughts

While the integration of Gemini with apps like WhatsApp might enhance convenience, it introduces serious questions around default permissions, informed consent, and user control. Most users were unaware that this kind of deep access was granted automatically—and that turning off “Gemini Apps Activity” didn’t go far enough.

To protect your privacy, take a few minutes to check the settings listed above. You don’t need to give up AI assistants completely—but it’s your right to decide what they can and cannot access.