Send and receive messages

Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on most mobile devices. Learn more about what you can do with Gemini, privacy,  protection of minorsand availability for supported devices, languages and territories. Gemini will understand the same commands as Google Assistant and also give you the option to speak naturally. We will share more details soon as we continue our work to deliver a seamless transition to upgrade Assistant users to Gemini in 2026.

 

You can send, receive and listen to text messages through SMS or any messaging app compatible with Android Auto.

Send or reply to a message by voice

1. Say 'Hey Google' or select the microphone .
2. Say what you'd like to do.

You can speak naturally and be understood when you talk to Gemini.

Try these example prompts:

• Send a message to [contact name].
• Text [contact name] [message].
• Ask [contact name] [question].

Gemini can help you craft the perfect message without the need to transcribe exactly what you say. You can edit your message at any time.

You can also use regular voice commands with Gemini or Google Assistant:

• 'Reply to [contact name].'
• ‘Send a text to [phone number].’
• 'Message [contact name] with Facebook Messenger.'
• ‘Message [contact name] on WhatsApp.’

After you say your message, Gemini or Google Assistant will repeat it and confirm if you are ready to send it. You can ask to send, cancel or refine your message with a change or edit.

Send a message with the display

To send a message with the Messages app:

1. On your car display, open Messages .
2. Tap New .
3. Select a contact or you can say the name.
4. Say your message.
5. Gemini or Google Assistant will repeat your message and confirm if you are ready to send it. You can ask to send, cancel or refine your message with a change or edit.

To send a message with other compatible apps:

1. On your car display, tap the app launcher .
2. Select your favourite message app to browse and send messages.

Learn more about how to download other compatible apps for Android Auto.

Receive and listen to a message

Message notifications will appear on your screen.

To listen to any of your messages, you can say 'Hey Google' or select the microphone  to ask Gemini or Google Assistant to read your messages. You can ask Gemini to summarise your messages to you. You can also tap the notification on your screen to listen to the message.

You can find and listen to dismissed and missed messages on your car screen. These missed messages appear as tiles on your screen and can also be found in the notification centre.

To find an earlier message that you dismissed or missed, swipe on the tiles until you find the one you want or tap the notification centre and scroll through your messages.

To listen to the message, select the tile or open the notification centre, and then tap Play aloud .

Reply to a message with the display

To reply to a message on your car display:

1. Tap the message notification or tile, then tap Reply or the reply arrow .
2. You can tap one of the options for replies to send, or you can talk to Gemini or Google Assistant to create a custom reply.
3. After you say your message, Gemini or Assistant will repeat it and confirm if you are ready to send it. You can ask to send, cancel or refine your message with a change or edit.