Google Gemini can now control apps on your phone and complete tasks for you, no tapping required.
The feature, called Gemini task automation, is rolling out now on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series in the US and Korea, with the Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL following in March 2026. It lets you tell Gemini what you want, “order my usual from DoorDash” or “book me a Lyft home,” and the AI opens the app, navigates the screens, fills in the details, and hands it back to you only for final payment confirmation.
This is Gemini moving from a question-answering assistant to an AI agent that actually does things on your phone.
What is Gemini Task Automation and How Does It Work?
Gemini task automation releases its beta version of task automation that allows users to access various tasks in third party android applications without having to open such applications.
Here is how it works in practice:
- Long-press the power button on your Galaxy S26 or Pixel 10 to open Gemini.
- Give a verbal command: “Reorder my last meal from Uber Eats” or “Get me a ride to the airport.”
- Gemini opens the relevant app in a secure, virtual window on your device.
- The AI navigates menus, selects items, applies promotions, and skips add-on screens.
- You receive a notification when the task is ready for final confirmation.
- You tap to approve and complete the order, Gemini does not press the final “pay” button itself.
The process runs in the background. You can keep using your phone normally while Gemini works.
Which Apps Does Gemini Task Automation Support Right Now?
At launch, Gemini task automation works with the following Android apps in the US:
- Rideshare: Uber, Lyft
- Food delivery: DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, McDonald’s, Starbucks
- Grocery: Instacart (coming soon)
Google has confirmed the supported app list will expand. Users can check which apps are currently available under “screen automation” in their Gemini app settings, the list is specific to apps installed on your device.
Which Devices Support Gemini Task Automation?
Gemini task automation is available on:
| Device | Status |
| Samsung Galaxy S26 | Live now (US and Korea) |
| Samsung Galaxy S26+ | Live now (US and Korea) |
| Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Live now (US and Korea) |
| Google Pixel 10 | Rolling out March 2026 |
| Google Pixel 10 Pro | Rolling out March 2026 |
| Google Pixel 10 Pro XL | Rolling out March 2026 |
The beta is currently limited to English language in the US and Korea. Broader device and regional support has not been announced yet.
Is Gemini Task Automation Safe? Privacy and Control Explained
There are three security tiers of protection that Google has implemented within Gemini task automation:
- Control: You make the automation start through a specific command. It halts the instant the job is accomplished. Nothing works on its own unless you tell it to do so.
- Transparency: You can get real time updates on the progress of Gemini by using live notifications. Wherever you like, tap Stop task or Take control to manually jump in.
- Access control: Gemini runs within a special virtual window on your computer. It will only get access to the targeted application it is currently using, not your contacts, messages, photos and other information on the phone.
More importantly, Gemini fails to make the last payment. It constructs the cart, omits the superfluous screens, and then relinquishes the control to you in order to check and verify. This is a design that is done consciously, retaining a human at the loop in every transaction.
What Else Did Google Announce Alongside Task Automation?
Google announced several other Gemini updates alongside the task automation feature on February 25, 2026:
- Scam Detection expansion: Gemini’s AI-powered call scam detection is now available on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series in the US. It was previously limited to Pixel phones in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, India, and Ireland. Text scam detection on Pixel 10 series devices (and soon Galaxy S26) is also now active in the US, Canada, and UK.
- Circle to Search update: The gesture-based search feature now identifies every item visible on your screen at once, not just a single object. You can circle an entire outfit, a group of products, or multiple items in a scene to search them all simultaneously.
Why Gemini Task Automation Holds So Much Importance?
Google has been building toward this for several years. Gemini started as a conversational assistant, it answered questions, summarized content, and generated text. Task automation is a different category of capability entirely.
Instead of responding to queries, Gemini is now acting as an agent, interpreting intent, making reasonable choices inside apps, and completing workflows that previously required multiple manual steps from the user.
This positions Gemini task automation directly against similar efforts from competitors. ChatGPT offers a Tasks feature that can run scheduled automations. Apple Intelligence has pushed back Siri’s more advanced agentic features multiple times. Google is now live with a working version on flagship devices.
The launch on Galaxy S26 first, before Pixel 10, reflects the scale of the Samsung-Google partnership. The Galaxy S26 hit store shelves on March 11, 2026. Gemini task automation was available from day one.
For now the use cases are limited: rides, food, groceries. The architecture, however, is designed to expand. Any app that works within Android’s accessibility layer is a potential future integration.
Key Facts:
- Feature name: Gemini task automation (also called “screen automation”)
- Announced: February 25, 2026
- Live on Galaxy S26: March 12, 2026
- Coming to Pixel 10: March 2026
- Available in: US and Korea (English only at launch)
- Supported categories: Rideshare, food delivery, grocery
- Supported apps: Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, McDonald’s, Starbucks (Instacart coming soon).
- Final payment: Always requires user confirmation, Gemini does not pay on your behalf.
- Privacy: Runs in a secure virtual window, limited app access only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gemini task automation?
Gemini task automation is an Android capability, which allows the Gemini AI assistant to perform multi-step tasks within third-party applications, such as ordering food or getting a ride, without the user actually opening and navigating the app.
Which phones have Gemini task automation?
Currently the Samsung Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra in the US and Korea. Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL are receiving the rollout in March 2026.
Can Gemini complete purchases automatically?
No. Gemini handles all navigation steps but stops before the final payment. It sends a notification for the user to review and confirm the order before anything is charged.
Is Gemini task automation available worldwide?
Not yet. The beta is currently limited to the US and Korea in English. Google has not announced a broader rollout timeline.
How do I turn on Gemini task automation?
On compatible devices, look for “screen automation” in your Gemini app settings. Long-press the power button to activate Gemini, then give a task command verbally.
Which apps work with Gemini task automation?
At launch: Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, McDonald’s, and Starbucks. Instacart support is coming soon. More apps are expected to be added as the beta expands.
