Yes. Gemini can place calls and send text messages while your Android phone’s screen stays locked, provided you enable the lock-screen setting and meet Google’s requirements. The phone does not need to be unlocked for those permitted actions, but some requests involving personal information still require unlocking.
What Gemini can do while your phone is locked
Google says Android phone and tablet users can ask Gemini to make calls and send text messages without unlocking the device. Here, “locked” means Gemini can perform the allowed communication action while the screen remains locked; it does not mean Gemini can access every personal detail on the phone.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Google’s March 3, 2025 update describes the Phone, Messages and WhatsApp extensions as able to make calls and draft, refine and send messages through the default phone and messaging apps. Google said those extensions became available in all Gemini languages. Availability and behavior can still depend on the app, account and region, so WhatsApp support should not be assumed to work exactly like a Phone-app call. Google Gemini release updates.
Recommended Free Tools
How to enable calls and messages without unlocking
- Open the Gemini app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile picture, then select Settings.
- Tap Gemini on lock screen.
- Turn on Use Gemini without unlocking.
- Turn on Make calls and send messages without unlocking. Depending on the help page or app wording, this setting may appear as Allow calls and messages without unlocking.
Google documents these controls in its Gemini lock-screen settings help.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Requirements for placing a call
For Gemini to call someone, Google lists these prerequisites: an Android phone or tablet, an active mobile phone plan, Gemini set as the mobile assistant, the Phone app, permission for the Google app, and synced contact information if you want to call someone from your contacts. Google’s full requirements for Gemini phone calls explain the setup and calling behavior.
When calling for everyday tasks, Gemini says it is an AI assistant from Google, that the call is on a recorded line, and gives your name. Google says this disclosure occurs at the start of each call. That is relevant both for the recipient and for anyone deciding whether Gemini is appropriate for a particular call.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
When Android may still ask you to unlock
Enabling the lock-screen options does not grant unrestricted access to personal content. Google says some requests can still require unlocking; its example is asking Gemini to read a calendar. The lock-screen setting is therefore best understood as permission for specific supported call and message actions, not a general bypass for the device lock.
Google also notes that some features have age requirements and are unavailable to supervised accounts. The available behavior can depend on account eligibility as well as device settings.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
How this fits Google’s move from Assistant to Gemini
Google has described Gemini as taking on mobile Assistant experiences, including actions from the lock screen. Its March 14, 2025 blog post outlines that transition: Google’s mobile Assistant-to-Gemini update. The current steps and feature names can change as the transition continues, so use the labels shown in your installed Gemini app if they differ slightly from the wording above.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Google has not quantified
Google’s cited official materials do not publish adoption, reliability or usage statistics for locked-phone calls and messages. There is no supported percentage or success rate to cite; actual results depend on the required permissions, apps, account eligibility and device configuration.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
