Gemini in Chrome: how to use Google's built-in AI assistant

People search for a "Gemini Chrome extension", but there isn't one to install. Gemini in Chrome is built into the browser: a button at the top of the window opens Google's assistant with your current tab as context. Below: what it can do, who can use it and where it fits next to other AI tools.

How to open Gemini in Chrome

1. Update Chrome to the latest version and make sure you're signed in to your Google account in the browser.
2. Click Ask Gemini at the top of the browser window.
3. The first time, follow the steps on screen to turn it on.

After that, Gemini also sits in the Mac menu bar or the Windows system tray, and you can open it with a keyboard shortcut. Its settings live under Settings › AI innovations › Gemini in Chrome, where you can decide, for example, whether it gets your current tab by default.

Requirements

Google is rolling it out gradually, and it isn't available everywhere yet. According to Chrome's help center (checked October 2026), you need:

• To be 13 or older (or the minimum age in your country). Work and school accounts need an administrator to enable it.
• A supported region and device language. The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and India are among the supported locations for adults.
• A signed-in Chrome profile. It doesn't work in Incognito windows.

What Gemini in Chrome can do

• Explain and summarize the page you're on, or quiz you on it.
• Compare across tabs, using up to 10 open tabs at once.
• Take steps for you with "auto browse", where available.
• Draft Gmail messages and look up your past photos and albums.
• Answer questions about audio and video you've already played on media sites, controlled by a "Media understanding" setting that's on by default.
• Talk while you browse with Live, and switch models in the chat.

Some features, including Live and auto browse, aren't available to users under 18.

Where other tools still help

Gemini in Chrome is great for quick questions about what's open. If you prefer ChatGPT, or Gemini isn't available in your region yet, a one-click AI summarizer gives you the main points of a page with ChatGPT instead, and the same extension works as a YouTube summary extension. And when you want an AI to see an entire long page as it looks, a full page screenshot Chrome extension turns it into one image or PDF you can upload to any chat.

Common questions

Is there a Gemini Chrome extension?

Not one you install. Gemini in Chrome is built into the browser and opens from the Ask Gemini button.

Why don't I see Ask Gemini in Chrome?

It's rolling out gradually and depends on your region, age, device language and account. Update Chrome, sign in, and check that you're not in an Incognito window or using a work account that hasn't enabled it.

Can Gemini read all my tabs?

Only the ones you share. It uses your current tab, and you can share up to 10 open tabs with it.