Google Gemini Gets New Settings and Side Panel Design on Android

Google is rolling out another major interface update for the Gemini app on Android, making its navigation cleaner and bringing previously separated settings together in one location.

The update follows Google's recent changes to Gemini's interface and the integration of its Spark experience into the new Task mode. The latest redesign focuses mainly on the side panel and Settings page.

Gemini Android Side Panel Gets a Cleaner Design

One of the most noticeable changes is the redesigned Gemini navigation panel.

Google has moved the Search button to the top-right corner, while New chat remains at the top of the list. Library has also been moved closer to the top, making it easier to access previously saved content.

To prevent the navigation panel from becoming too crowded, Gemini now initially displays only a limited number of options. Users can tap More to expand the complete list.

For AI Ultra subscribers, the available sections include:

• New chat
• Library
• Images
• Scheduled
• Daily brief
• Customize
• Students
• Videos
• Gems

The exact options available can vary depending on the user's Gemini account and subscription.

Google Combines Gemini Settings Into One Page

The biggest functional change is the redesigned Settings experience.

Previously, Gemini preferences were spread across the account menu and a separate Gemini Settings area. Google is now bringing these controls together into a single Settings page.

The account menu has consequently become simpler, focusing primarily on account switching, along with options for feedback and help.

The new Settings page starts with:

• Manage account
• Usage limits

More Gemini Preferences

Under the Preferences section, users can find several controls in one place, including:

• Notifications
• Personal Intelligence
• Avatar
• Task settings
• Theme
• Skills
• Voice
• Media
• Device controls
• Cart and orders
• Gemini Notebook

This should make it easier for users to locate Gemini's different controls without navigating through multiple menus.

New Theme Setting Added

The redesigned Settings page also includes a dedicated Theme option.

This gives users a more straightforward way to manage the appearance of the Gemini application rather than searching through different interface menus.

Google has increasingly been reorganizing Gemini's interface as it expands the app beyond a traditional AI chatbot into a broader assistant and task platform.

Data and Privacy Controls

Google has also grouped important privacy-related options into their own section.

The Data & privacy area includes controls such as:

• Import memory
• Contact information from devices
• Gemini Apps Activity
• Public links
• Privacy Help Hub

Keeping these options together should make it easier for users to review how their information is used within Gemini.

Gemini Adds a Dedicated Support Section

The redesigned Settings page also includes a Get support section.

Users can access:

• Help
• Report a problem
• About
• Updates

This creates a more organized destination for users who need assistance or want to check information about their Gemini installation.

Gemini's Task Experience Is Also Changing

The Settings redesign arrives shortly after Google began integrating Gemini Spark into the main Gemini experience through a new Task mode.

The updated interface places Chat and Task options above the prompt box. Spark tasks are also being integrated into Gemini's history instead of remaining separated from regular conversations.

Google has additionally introduced a Scheduled page for managing tasks and scheduled actions.

This suggests Google is moving Gemini toward a unified experience where users can chat with the AI, create tasks and manage automated activities from the same application.

When Will the New Gemini Design Appear?

The redesigned side panel and Settings interface are being rolled out through a server-side update on Android, meaning users may receive the changes without installing a completely new application version.

The redesign had already appeared on iOS, macOS and the web before becoming widely available on Android.

If you don't see the new interface yet, it may simply not have reached your Google account. Server-side rollouts can take time to reach every user.

Final Thoughts

Google's latest Gemini redesign is less about adding a completely new AI feature and more about making the growing number of Gemini tools easier to manage.

Moving Search, Library and other sections into a cleaner navigation panel while consolidating settings should make the app easier to navigate. The addition of dedicated controls for Tasks, Theme, Skills, Privacy and Gemini Notebook also reflects how much the service has expanded beyond basic AI conversations.

With Gemini increasingly supporting automated tasks and deeper integrations, keeping the interface organized will become even more important for Google.