How to Use Google Gemini (Bard) Extensions [Updated]

Google Bard (now Gemini), which was launched as a direct competitor to ChatGPT, is constantly receiving new features. In a recent update, Google added support for extensions on Gemini, similar to ChatGPT plugins. Extensions for Gemini improve the chatbot’s capabilities and help it interact with other services.

This guide is about installing and using extensions for Google Gemini. Let’s dive in straight away. Before that, note that Google Bard is now Gemini. Throughout the post, we will be referring to Gemini instead of Bard.

What Are Extensions in Google Gemini?

Extensions are small software programs that extend the functionality of the software without changing the actual program. Simply put, extensions are something like add-ons for the existing software that you can use for certain tasks.

Gemini extensions allow you to connect apps and services to Gemini. It can find and display relevant information for you from Google services. Currently, Gemini only supports a limited number of extensions that only include Google Apps such as Gmail, Docs, Drive, Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Flights and Hotels. Support for third-party extensions is in the works. The extensions are free, optional for  Gemini, and available in English for all users.

If you’re worried about your privacy, it’s no surprise that Google states it won’t use your personal data accessed by Gemini to train the model for advertising purposes. And content from Gmail, Docs, and Drive won’t be viewed by human reviewers.

How to Access and Enable Extensions on Google Gemini

You can enable Gemini extensions from the settings.

• Open any browser and go to Gemini.
• Click on the Settings on side bar and tap on the Extensions.
  
• Here, you can see a list of available extensions for Gemini. Most extensions are automatically enabled by default. You can enable the extensions using the toggle switch in the top corner of each extension.
  

How to Use Google Gemini Extensions

After you enable the extensions, you can type the prompt. Gemini will automatically detect the prompt and use precise extensions to get the job done. You can also mention specific extensions by typing @ in the prompt. Here is how to use them.

Using The Default Method:

With the default method, you don’t have to mention the extension. You can type the prompt, and Gemini will automatically use the required extension and fetch the data for you. Make sure your prompt is more detailed so that Gemini can understand you better. Here is an example:

• Open Gemini and enter the text prompt. Make sure that extensions are enabled in your account.
• Enter the text prompt. For example, I asked Gemini to find the cheapest flights from New Delhi to Vishakapatnam.
• Gemini automatically used the Google Flights extension and found the cheapest flight from New Delhi to Vishakapatnam.
  
• You can extend the conversation by asking for specific flight and departure details. If you want to access multiple information, you can enter a detailed query, and Gemini will use multiple extensions and find relevant information for you.

Mention @ to use the Extensions:

You can also mention targeted extensions to use on Gemini. Just type @ (at symbol). You will see a list of enabled and disabled extensions in a popup. You can tap on any extension to use it. Here’s how to use extensions with @.

• Go to Gemini and enter the prompt in the text box. You can type @; Gemini will show you the list of enabled and disabled extensions in your account.
• You can tap on any extension; it will be automatically added to the text prompt. You can add multiple extensions to the prompt. Oddly, you can’t mention the extension when editing the prompt.
• I asked Gemini to use @Google Flights to find cheap flights from Vizag to Delhi, and to use @Googlehotels to find cheap hotels.
  
• Gemini listed all the cheap flights from Vizag to Delhi and the cheapest hotels. You can extend the conversation by asking for details about specific hotels in specific locations, using Google Maps to find out how long it takes to reach the hotel and more.
  

How to Disable Extensions in Gemini

You can disable extensions that you no longer need in Gemini. To do this:

• Go to Gemini Extensions page. Turn off the button to the right of each extension.
• If you don’t want Gemini to use an extension, click on the drop-down results at the top. Here, you can see the list of extensions used by the Gemini to answer your query. You can tap on the top. Try again without extensions to get results without using extension.
  

Pull In Your Personal Information with Google Gemini Extensions

AI ChatBots can do more than answer your questions and compose your emails. With extension support, both Gemini and ChatGPT (extensions are called plugins in ChatGPT) have created new ways to interact with chatbots and use them as a common interface to interact with various apps and services. Extensions are the next big thing in AI chatbots. Google is taking a slightly different approach.

I hope you find this tutorial helpful. Extensions on Google Gamini are free, and you can install and use them right away. If you have any problems, you can leave a comment, and we will help you.

FAQs on Google Gemini Extensions