Ryan Haines / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Gemini for Home is admitting a second wave of users into the early access program this week as beta testing continues.
- The early access program is still limited to US homes and requires version 4.1 or higher of the Google Home app.
- Gemini is slowly replacing Google Assistant on all Google smart speakers and displays released since 2016.
Gemini is slowly replacing Google Assistant throughout Google’s smart home ecosystem, initially for beta testers enrolled in an early access program. The first wave of the Gemini for Home rollout opened up on October 28 for users signed up for early access in the US. However, after that initial wave, most users appeared to be left waiting for entry. We asked readers in early November if they gained access to the Gemini for Home beta in a poll, and 88% of respondents said they hadn’t.
If you’re waiting for access, there’s good news — Google appears to be letting more people into the Gemini for Home beta in what could be the second wave of the rollout. We’ve heard from multiple users who gained access to Gemini for Home recently, and some of Android Authority’s devices were upgraded to Gemini as well.
Stephen Schenck / Android Authority
Gemini for Home is still only available as part of the early access program, and it hasn’t reached general availability yet. Users need to manually sign up for the beta program in the Google Home app in order to receive access. To do so, tap on your profile picture in the Google Home app, press Home Settings, and select Early Access. Remember that once you switch over your smart home to Gemini, there’s no going back to Google Assistant.
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When available, early access testers will get a notification in the Google Home app prompting them to set up Gemini for Home. This is currently only rolling out for US users with version 4.1 or higher of the Google Home app. It’s expected to roll out for users in more regions in 2026.
The Gemini for Home setup process includes configuring response filtering settings, picking a Conversation across devices setting, and selecting one of 10 voice options. After you complete the setup prompts, Gemini for Home will replace the Google Assistant on Google smart speakers and displays released since 2016.
Following the limited initial wave of Gemini for Home early access entries last month, Google looks to be gradually expanding availability to more testers. It’s becoming available on a per-home basis, so multiple homes on the same Google Account may receive access at different times.
Have you gained access to Gemini for Home recently? Let us know in the comments.
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