Google’s latest update to its Gemini AI assistant, rolled out on July 7, expands its access to system apps like Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities—even when users have disabled Gemini Apps Activity.

Now, Google Gemini can connect with apps like Messages, WhatsApp, and other phone apps. This change has been made default for Android users — in simple terms, it will work automatically, whether the Gemini app is turned on or off on the device.

“They can now use Gemini to complete daily tasks on their mobile devices like send messages, initiate phone calls, and set timers while Gemini Apps Activity is turned off,” Google said in a statement to Android Authority. “With Gemini Apps Activity turned off, their Gemini chats are not being reviewed or used to improve our AI models.”