Gemini with Google apps

When you finish, you can describe the ways Gemini can work with Google apps where available and use them with care.

Where help may appear

Depending on your account, plan and organization, Gemini can be connected to Google apps such as Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive and Meet. It might help draft an email, summarize a long thread, write a first version of a document, or suggest formulas. Some features appear as side panels or buttons; some work through the chat when you allow access.

Not everyone has the same features. School and work accounts are often controlled by an administrator, who can turn features on or off. If you do not see something, check Google's help pages and ask your admin.

Allowing access, on purpose

When Gemini can look at your email or files, it can answer questions about them, such as "What did the landlord say about the deposit?" That is useful and also sensitive. Read what you are allowing, and turn off access you do not need. You can usually manage connected apps in settings.

Never give access to an account that holds other people's private information unless you have the right and the need. At work, follow your organization's rules about which tools may touch which data.

Worked examples

Email: "Summarize the last five messages in this thread and list what I owe each person." Docs: "Draft a one-page project brief from these bullet points. Use headings and plain words." Sheets: "Suggest a formula to add column C when column B says Paid, and explain it in one sentence."

Weak: "Help with my spreadsheet." Strong: "My sheet has dates in column A and amounts in column B. Show me a formula for the monthly total and explain it so I can fix it myself." Always test a formula on a few rows where you know the answer.

Check before you trust

A summary of an email thread can miss a key line. A drafted document can invent details. Open the original messages for anything important, and read the whole draft before sharing. If Gemini cites a file, open it.

Be careful with replies sent on your behalf. Read every word first. A message that goes out in your name is yours.

Practice now

If your account offers Gemini in Docs or Gmail, ask for a first draft of a short document or reply and edit it by hand. If not, paste the text into Gemini's chat instead.
Open the settings for connected apps. Write down which ones are on and turn off any you do not need.

Use any AI assistant you have. Do not paste private, client or patient information into it.

Check yourself

1. Why might you not see a Gemini feature in your work account?

2. A summary of an email thread should be

3. Before allowing Gemini to read your email, you should

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