Connected Apps
Apps that AI assistants like Gemini can connect to and use to help you, with your permission.
Connected apps are like tools that an AI assistant can use. Think of it like giving your AI assistant permission to use your calculator app to solve a math problem, or your messaging app to send a text message for you.
For example, Gemini on Android can be connected to your WhatsApp. This lets Gemini send messages on WhatsApp for you, making it easier to stay in touch without switching between apps.
Connected apps, often referred to as "tools" or "plugins" in the context of AI assistants, are external applications or services that an AI model can interact with to extend its capabilities. These integrations allow the AI to perform actions beyond its core language processing, such as making calls, sending messages, accessing specific data, or controlling device functions.
Integration typically involves secure APIs that define how the AI can request actions and receive data from the connected application. User consent is paramount, ensuring that the AI only accesses or controls these applications when explicitly permitted. This enables personalized workflows and more complex task completion.
Frontier AI labs are increasingly focused on integrating their models with external applications and services. This allows AI assistants to perform a wider range of tasks, from managing communications to accessing user data, making them more useful in daily workflows. The recent mentions highlight how companies are enabling their AI to connect with productivity suites and messaging platforms.
- Customize your Gemini chats experienceGoogle · Gemini Help Center ·
- ChatGPT Work, now powered by GPT-6 AstraOpenAI · OpenAI on YouTube ·
- Talk naturally with Gemini Live - AndroidGoogle · Gemini Help Center ·
- Make calls with the Gemini mobile app on AndroidGoogle · Gemini Help Center ·
- Make calls & send messages on WhatsApp with the Gemini mobile app on AndroidGoogle · Gemini Help Center ·
- Connect the Google Workspace app to Gemini AppsGoogle · Gemini Help Center ·
- Google Gemini
- Google Gemini is being connected to Google Workspace apps and can use other apps on Android devices like WhatsApp to send messages and make calls.
- OpenAI ChatGPT
- OpenAI's ChatGPT Work is being enhanced with capabilities that suggest integration with professional tools for task automation.
- Third-party Integrations
- This is a broader category that includes any connectio
- Browser Extensions
- These are add-ons for web browsers that modify browser behav
- APIs
- APIs are the technical interfaces that enable connected apps to communicat
The concept of AI assistants interacting with external tools has evolved from early research in intelligent agents and has been popularized by platforms like ChatGPT with its plugin store and similar initiatives from other AI labs.
On Android, open the Gemini app. Look for settings related to "Connected apps" or "Extensions." Try enabling the connection to WhatsApp and ask Gemini to send a message to a contact. This will demonstrate how Gemini can use another app on your phone to complete a task for you.
The Playbook: reusable how-tos, prompts, configs and tips pulled out of the news.
- Setting tipManage Connected Apps in Gemini SettingsControl which apps Gemini can access to enhance your experience and take actions. · 5 min
- Troubleshooting fixWhatsApp in Gemini not working after upgrading from Google AssistantIf WhatsApp in Gemini isn't working after upgrading, check and connect WhatsApp in Connected Apps settings. · 3 min
- Setting tipConnect apps for Gemini Live to use with tasksConnect apps to Gemini Live to help with tasks like calendar events and restaurant searches. · 1 min
- PromptRole-play a student struggling with math for AI tutor simulationSimulate a student's math struggles and uncertainty for AI tutor evaluation. · 5 min
- TemplateReusable workflow templates for healthcare teamsTeams can create and share templates for common workflows like documentation or prior authorizations. · 15 min
Questions people ask
- Do I have to give permission for apps to connect to Gemini?
- Yes, you always need to grant explicit permission for Gemini to connect to and use other applications or your data.
- Can Gemini use any app on my phone?
- No, Gemini can only connect to specific apps that have been designed or enabled for integration by the developers.
- What's the difference between connected apps and Gemini's built-in features?
- Built-in features are core capabilities of Gemini itself, like answering questions. Connected apps are external tools Gemini can access to perform actions it cannot do on its own.
First seen on Subvolts Sep 3, 2026. Updated Oct 17, 2026. Written by an AI model from the items above and reviewed against them weekly; report an error.