Gemini: a practical guide to getting started (2026)

What Gemini is, how to start on the web and mobile, upload files, create Gems and protect your privacy. All linked to Google’s official help.

By Cognenza editorial team · Updated 16 October 2026 · 2 min read · Sources cited

Gemini is Google’s AI assistant. It works at gemini.google.com, in Android and iOS apps and inside Google services. Like any chatbot, it can be wrong: Google warns it can generate incorrect information.

What it’s useful for day to day

• Writing and rewriting: emails, notices, summaries. See writing with AI.
• Understanding documents: upload a PDF and ask for a summary with cited pages (guide).
• Asking about a photo: Gemini uses Google Lens technology to understand images and read their text.
• Tasks you repeat: create a Gem with your instructions.

Create your first Gem (on a computer)

1. Go to gemini.google.com and open the sidebar.
2. Click Gems > New Gem.
3. Enter a name and instructions (e.g. “Rewrite my emails in a friendly, brief tone”).
4. Optional: under Knowledge, add reference files.
5. Click Save. You’ll also see it in the mobile app.

Privacy in two minutes

With Keep Activity on, your conversations may be used to improve Google services with help from human reviewers. If you turn it off, they’re kept for 72 hours and not used for training (unless you send feedback). Details in Gemini privacy. And never paste sensitive data.

What not to ask it

Google says not to use Gemini for diagnoses, treatment or medical, legal or financial advice. Its answers are for information only.

Glossary · Tools

Educational content, prepared with the help of AI tools, with sources cited. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Tools change fast: if you spot something out of date, write to us at contacto@cognenza.com. How we work.