Gemini has been available for some time now as a replacement for Google Assistant. At first, the AI chatbot wasn't a particularly useful assistant because it lacked many basic features, but Google gradually rolled out new features to enrich it.
9to5Google reports that the latest feature rollout introduces the ability for Gemini to make calls and send messages without unlocking the phone. If this new feature is not enabled, when you attempt to make a call or send a message through Gemini, you will be greeted with the warning “Please unlock to continue.”
A gradual deployment
On our Pixel 9 Pro with Android 15 and Google app version 15.47.29, the feature is not available. It turns out that the feature requires version 15.48 of the Google app.
This is a much-awaited feature because currently it is impossible to enjoy hands-free calls and messages.
As usual, the rollout is happening gradually and it is difficult to predict when your phone will receive the new feature.
How to check if you have the new Gemini feature
Google may decide to add other functions, such as playing music from Gemini or launching navigation with Google Maps, without the user having to unlock the device first.
You can check if you have this feature by opening Gemini, tapping your profile picture, then tapping Settings >Gemini on the lock screen. If you see an option for Make calls and send messages without unlockingit's won! Otherwise, be patient.
