Google Cuts Gemini Android Chat List to Five in New Interface Overhaul

Android users opening the Gemini app this week are encountering a shorter list of recent conversations. The navigation drawer now displays only five items before requiring a user to tap a "More" option to reveal the rest. This change forces a slight adjustment in workflow for those who frequently switch between older chats, as the full history is no longer immediately visible on the main screen.

The redesign arrived via a server-side update, meaning it is rolling out to devices without requiring a new download from the Play Store. This follows a previous change that rebranded "Spark" to "Task." The side panel layout has been restructured to prioritize new interactions. The search function has moved to the top-right corner, while "New chat" remains the first entry. The "Library" option has moved up from the bottom of the drawer to sit directly beneath "New chat."

For subscribers to the AI Ultra plan, the expanded list includes specific categories such as Images, Scheduled, Daily brief, Customize, Students, Videos, and Gems. The interface aims to keep the primary view uncluttered while retaining access to these features behind a single tap.

The settings experience has also been unified. Previously, users managed preferences in two separate locations: the account menu and a distinct "Gemini Settings" area. Google has merged these into a single page. The account menu now handles only account switching, feedback, and help requests. The consolidated settings page begins with "Manage account" and "Usage limits," followed by a "Preferences" section.

The Preferences section contains a long list of controls, including Notifications, Personal Intelligence, Avatar, Task settings, Theme, Skills, Voice, Media, Device controls, Cart and orders, and Gemini Notebook. The "Theme" option is marked as new in this update. Two additional sections, "Data & privacy" and "Get support," complete the page. Data controls include import memory, contact info, activity logs, public links, and the Privacy Help Hub.

The same interface changes reached iOS, macOS, and web users last week, coinciding with the launch of Gemini 4 Argon. Android users are now receiving the update more broadly. Other recent additions to the ecosystem include Gemini Notebook becoming a Connected App and the introduction of a new "Map" tool that replaces the previous "/" shortcut with an "@" symbol.