Samsung recently announced that it was attempting to bring the Google Gemini side button shortcut to Galaxy A devices. In a recent update, the Galaxy A56 became the first device of the series to receive the Gemini integration.
With the introduction of One UI 7 and the switch over to Google Gemini, most Galaxy phones saw a change to how the new AI assistant was activated. The side button has been a staple of virtual assistants, with both Bixby and Google Assistant being a quick side button hold away from popping up. Still, some of Samsung’s mid-range devices have taken a little longer to switch things up.
In the May 2025 security update, the Galaxy A56 appears to be the first device in the A series to be able to activate Google Gemini with the side button (via SammyGuru). The button needs to be held down for a little over a second. It will trigger Google Gemini, which should pop up in a small pill at the bottom of the screen. The Gemini pill will allow users to enter Gemini Live or enter a prompt via voice or text.
This Galaxy A56 update comes as Samsung announced that Gemini’s side button shortcut would be coming to Galaxy A devices. Phones released between 2023 and 2025 would be in line for the upgrade, which also means those phones won’t need to rely on simply opening the Gemini app when needed.
The change will also emphasize even mid-range devices as AI devices, considering they will have Gemini on what is essentially speed dial.
More on Samsung:
- Samsung changed Quick Settings in One UI 7 – here’s how to change it back
- Samsung reportedly won’t release ‘One UI 7 Watch’ as its next Wear OS update
- Samsung DeX redesign appears, likely using Android 16’s updated desktop mode
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