On Google Gemini (formely Bard), you can enable and use extensions, and in this guide, you will learn how. Extensions are connections to other Google services that can expand the functionalities of the Gemini AI. For instance, if you enable the Google Workspace extension, the chatbot will be able to access your Gmail account, Google Drive, and Google Docs to answer different prompts.
At the time of this writing, Google Gemini offers five extensions, including Google Flights, Hotels, Maps, Workspace, and YouTube, and you must enable them manually because you have to give them permission to access your information.
This guide will teach you the steps to enable and use Google Gemini extensions.
Enable extensions on Google Gemini
To enable extensions on Gemini AI, use these steps:
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Open Google Gemini.
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Sign in with your Google account (if applicable).
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Click the Extension (puzzle) button on the top-right (or open the Extensions page directly).
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Turn on the toggle switch for the Gemini extensions to enable:
- Google Flights: Gives you real-time flight info and personalized travel planning.
- Google Hotels: Search hotels based on your interests.
- Google Maps: Access your location information to improve the experience.
- Google Workspace: Connects to Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Docs to summarize, find, and get quick answers from your content.
- YouTube: Surfaces YouTube videos that you may like in your Gemini conversations.
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Click the Connect button.
- Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).
Once you complete the steps, the extensions will be enabled on your Gemini account.
If you no longer want to use one or more extensions, you can always disable these capabilities one by one, repeating the same instructions, but in step 4, turn off the extensions you want to remove from the experience.
Get started with extensions on Google Gemini
To start using extensions on Google Gemini, use these steps:
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Open Google Gemini.
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Sign in with your Google account (if applicable).
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Compose a prompt to access the extension (examples bellow).
For example, “Show me all the emails from John Smith.” This prompt will access your Gmail data and display a summary of the emails from that specific person without you having to access your email account. In addition to the information, in this case, you can even click an email to open the contents on your Gmail account.
Another prompt example could be something along the lines of “Show me a video tutorial on how to clean install Windows 11.” On the result page, you will see a video recommendation based on your interests.
If you also enabled the Google Maps extension, you can ask something like “Show me grocery stores near me,” and Gemini will be able to show you the personalized results because it will be using your location information.
After you complete the steps, the AI extensions will enable your Gemini experience, and depending on the available extensions you turned on, the chatbot will be able to pull information from those services.
Update February 13, 2024: This guide has been updated to reflect that Google Bard is now Gemini.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].