You can use Gemini as a partner to manage and modify files directly on your Mac desktop. Gemini can perform multi-step tasks across your Mac and Connected Apps. Gemini can only view files or directories that you specifically add to the Connected folders toolbar. Learn more about Tasks in Gemini.
Important: You can assign tasks to the Gemini app on Mac where tasks are available.
What you can do
On Mac, you can ask Gemini to do a variety of tasks, like:
- Add Mac folders from your desktop for Gemini to analyze, edit, rename, or re-organize.
- Make edits to your files like opening a Google Doc, changing the review date to today, and then saving it to your desktop.
- Find and email a file from your desktop to someone in your contacts.
- Perform other tasks.
When Gemini works with your computer files, it will create temporary backup files. You can choose to recover these backup files before moving on to your next task. Backup files are deleted when you start a new query or task, or after 24 hours.
What Gemini can access
If you grant permission, Gemini can view and edit most folders on your Mac, including downloads, files on your desktop, documents, and photos.
Assign a task to Gemini on your Mac
- On your Mac, open the Gemini app
.
- Below the text box, click Task.
- (Optional) To add files or folders for Gemini to review, under Connected folders, click Add Mac folder
.
- You may need to grant permission first.
- If you add any items by mistake, next to the item, click Disconnect
.
- Type the prompt into the text box and click Send
.
Be careful when you assign tasks to Gemini
- Gemini is still learning and can make mistakes. To help keep your information safe and prevent unintended actions, avoid tasks or schedules that use information or perform actions that you find sensitive. These tasks may need your supervision and input.
- Gemini will complete operations on computer files in your Connected Folders, as well as information in your Personal Intelligence Connected Apps. If asked, it will make changes to those files by default.
- Don’t include any files that you don’t want Gemini to work with or which are too sensitive to lose. You may not be able to recover files once Gemini completes a task for them or is instructed to delete them.
- Gemini can be used to permanently delete files (Workspace or computer files), and also to send or share files with third parties. Gemini is designed to ask your permission before taking these actions. Always double check the contents of your files, and make sure you trust the intended recipients before you give Gemini permission to share files with them.
- Be careful when adding public cloud drives to your Connected Folders. Gemini will be able to access, edit, share, and delete its files. Gemini will also be able to share your data with this cloud drive, including info from sources like computer files in your other connected folders, Connected Apps, Personal Intelligence, websites you’re signed into, your location, and more. Any data shared will be visible to others with access to the public cloud drive.
- Do not enter sign-in info, payment details, or info you may find sensitive directly into the task thread.
Learn more about what to do before you assign tasks to Gemini, how to check & manage tasks, and how Gemini works with you to keep you & your info safe.
You can ask the Gemini app to take action on your Mac from another device, like your phone. This lets you use Gemini without touching your Mac and fits seamlessly into your workflow
What you need
- The Gemini app must be set up and running on your Mac.
- Accept the terms of use in the macOS app for handing off tasks to Gemini.
- Another device signed into Gemini with the same account you use with the Gemini app on your Mac.
- Use the same Wi-Fi network, or have Bluetooth turned on and linked, on both your Mac and the other device.
How to connect to your Mac
- On your other device, open Gemini
- Make sure you are signed into Gemini with the same account across devices you want to use with remote control.
- Above or below the text box, click Task.
- Tap Add
Computer
.
- Select your Mac.
What you can do
- Assign tasks to Gemini: From another device, like your phone, start a task on your Mac. For example, ask Gemini to organize your Downloads folder.
- Voice commands: Use your remote device's microphone to speak commands to Gemini on your Mac.
- Type text: Type your questions and messages on your remote device. You'll see Gemini's answers on your Mac.
- Read past chats: Easily look through past Gemini chats using your other device.
- Quick actions: Start common Gemini actions, like "delete chat" or "start chat.”
- Media control: If Gemini is playing music or videos, you can use your other device to play, pause, or skip.