Samsung adds Gemini AI shortcut in Galaxy A series mobiles: How to enable it?

Samsung is bringing its AI assistant shortcut to the Galaxy A series, offering quicker access to Gemini. Here's how you can enable and use it.

Samsung is rolling out a new software update that will allow select Galaxy A series smartphones to activate their AI assistant, Gemini, directly through the side button. Previously available on the flagship Galaxy S models, this feature is now extending to more devices, which reflects Samsung's effort to integrate AI capabilities across its product lineup.

Direct Access to Gemini via Side Button

Samsung is bringing AI-powered Gemini access to Galaxy A series phones through a side button shortcut with its latest software update. (Samsung)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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The update brings an enhanced experience to the Galaxy A56 5G, A36 5G, and A26 5G models, enabling users to press and hold the side button to instantly launch Gemini. This update provides quick access to AI tools, making it easier for users to perform tasks such as checking calendars, generating gift ideas, or finding nearby restaurants, all through voice commands.

Additionally, Gemini can interact across different apps, which will allow users to, for example, search for a fine-dining cafe on Google Maps and share it through Samsung Messages, all with a single voice prompt. The integration of this AI assistant enhances the user experience without increasing the cost of the device.

Steps to Enable Gemini on Your Galaxy A Series Device

To activate Gemini on compatible devices, follow these steps:

1. Ensure your phone is running the latest software version.
2. Go to Settings > Advanced Features > Side Key.
3. Under "Press and Hold," choose “Launch assistant app.”
4. Select Gemini as the default assistant if prompted.

Availability and Future Rollout

Jay Kim, Executive Vice President at Samsung's Mobile eXperience division, highlighted that this update is part of a broader initiative with Google to enhance AI functionality across Samsung devices. The software update will begin rolling out globally in early May 2025, with more Galaxy A models expected to receive it in the coming months.

One UI 7 Update

Samsung has shared the following release schedule for One UI 7 via a community post:

• May 2025: Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4, Tab S9 series, S23 FE, Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3, Galaxy A34, A35, and the Galaxy S22 and S21 series.
• June 2025: Galaxy Tab S9 FE series, Galaxy A73, A53, A33, A25, A24, A15, and Tab A9 models, among others.

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