If you use Google Messages on your Galaxy smartphone, a new update might catch your interest. Google has added an option to disable the new floating Gemini AI button, which some users found intrusive. This option recently started rolling out to users via a server-side update. It should be available widely over the next few days.
Google Messages lets you disable the Gemini AI button
Samsung is gradually phasing out its in-house Messages app in favor of Google Messages. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 ship with Google Messages as the default messaging app in the US. The plan is to boost RCS adoption, so similar changes may follow in other regions. However, not everyone is a fan of Google’s messaging app. While you can still download Samsung Messages, Samsung might eventually force the change on everyone.
Don’t get us wrong. Google Messages is feature-rich and reliable. But those moving from Samsung Messages might find that dedicated Gemini AI FAB (floating action button) over the Chat button a bit distracting. Introduced last month, the double FAB design makes the app too overloaded. It could also lead to accidental activations of Gemini. It appears Google received feedback from users as it now offers the ability to disable the Gemini button.
We have this option in Google Messages version 20240708_03_RC07. The new setting arrived without updating the app on our Galaxy S24 Ultra, suggesting that Google enabled it via a server-side update. To check on your Galaxy device, open Google Messages, tap on your profile avatar in the top right corner, and select Messages settings > General > Gemini in Messages > Show Gemini button (turn off the toggle to disable the button).
You can check the app version from the About section at the bottom of Messages General settings. If the ability to disable the Gemini AI button isn’t available for you, try updating the app from the Play Store. Google announced an upgraded version of Gemini during the Pixel 9 launch on Tuesday. Some of the new features, including an enhanced Circle to Search, are coming to compatible Galaxy devices next month.
