Skip to content
Easy AI How-To

BeginnerGeminiGetting started

Get started with Gemini using your Google account

Gemini is Google's AI assistant. If you have a Google account, you already have everything you need. This guide covers a first question, adding a file, and checking the answer.

Time
About 10 minutes
Checked
Tool
Gemini

If a button name on the screen does not match this guide, follow the action. These products rename buttons often.

Steps

  1. Open Gemini

    Go to gemini.google.com and sign in with your Google account, or open the Gemini app. If you see a welcome screen, accept the terms to continue.

  2. Ask your first question

    Type in the box at the bottom and press Enter. Say what you want and the format.

    Prompt to paste

    Explain [how a credit score works] in plain English.
Use 5 short bullet points and one everyday example.

  3. Refine in the same chat

    Follow up with "Simpler," "Give me an example for a student," or "Turn that into a checklist." Gemini uses the earlier messages in the chat.

  4. Add a file or photo

    Click the + button by the message box to upload a photo, PDF, or document, or pick one from Google Drive. Then ask about it.

  5. Use the double-check feature

    Under many answers there is a menu (often three dots or a G icon) with an option to double-check the response with Google Search. It highlights sentences that search results support or contradict. Still open the links for anything important.

Tips

  • Gemini can connect to Gmail, Drive, and other Google apps if you allow it. You can turn these connections off in Gemini's settings.

  • Gemini Apps Activity controls whether your chats are saved. You can find it in Gemini's settings menu.

  • School and work accounts may have Gemini turned off or limited by an administrator.

Common questions

Is Gemini free?

Yes, with a personal Google account. Paid Google AI plans add more use and newer features.

Why can't I sign in with my work account?

Your organization controls access. Try a personal Google account or ask your IT team.

Can Gemini see my email?

Only if you turn on the connection to Gmail. You can check and change this in settings.

More guides

Occasional notes

Hear when a new guide is up

A short note when a guide is added. No account, and no emails until this form is connected to a real list.

Placeholder. This form is not connected to an email service. Nothing you type is saved or sent.