Gemini settings tweaks that make Google's assistant far more useful

Small settings changes, bigger results

Google Gemini is often used as a simple chatbot: users type a prompt, generate an image and move on. According to Android Police, the assistant becomes far more capable after a handful of changes buried in its settings. The site's writer, Parth, describes how adjusting default instructions, connecting apps, using notebooks and setting up automation changed his daily routine.

None of these tweaks require advanced technical knowledge, the report says. They are all built into Gemini already, but they are not obvious to new users.

Custom instructions and imported memories

The first change Android Police highlights is in Gemini's Personal Intelligence settings. Instead of repeating preferences in every conversation, users can describe their profession, devices, writing style and interests once, and tell Gemini how to structure its answers. The writer says he asks for concise, natural responses without filler, which makes the assistant feel tailored to how he works.

A second option lets people import memories from other AI tools such as ChatGPT. Gemini provides a suggested prompt that the user copies into their existing assistant, then pastes the response back into Gemini. This transfers context without manual setup.

Connected apps take Gemini beyond the chat window

Android Police calls Connected Apps the feature that separates Gemini from other assistants on Android. The Device assistance integration, previously called Utilities, lets Gemini control Bluetooth, adjust the flashlight, set alarms, and read or reply to notifications.

Google Photos integration means users can ask for pictures from a specific trip instead of scrolling through their library. WhatsApp support allows quick messages without opening the app, and a YouTube Music connection lets Gemini play a track, artist or album on request. The writer notes Gemini can even identify a song from a description of a movie scene.

Notebooks for research instead of endless chats

For complex topics, the report recommends Notebooks over dumping PDFs, links and papers into a single conversation. A dedicated notebook holds all relevant sources in one place, so users can ask questions without repeating context. Sources can include documentation, YouTube videos, articles and PDFs.

From those materials, Gemini can generate Audio Overviews, mind maps, quizzes and visual presentations. Android Police suggests this works well for travel planning, study and serious research.

Automation and reusable skills

Scheduled actions let Gemini run tasks automatically. The writer describes a morning briefing with calendar events, emails and pending tasks, plus a weekly schedule that gathers the latest AI news every Monday. Once configured, these routines run without prompting.

Skills are reusable prompt templates for repeated work. The writer built one for brainstorming article ideas, with instructions on headline style, topic focus and title length. Android Police concludes that these quieter features matter more than new AI models for everyday use, though the article reflects one writer's personal experience rather than independent testing.