Gemini for Android gets redesigned side panel and unified settings
The navigation drawer now shows five items before a More option, and the account menu is limited to switching accounts, feedback and help.
Google has rolled out a redesigned side panel and a consolidated settings page to Gemini for Android, according to 9to5google.com. The change arrived as a server-side update on October 23, 2026.
The new side panel moves search to the top-right corner and keeps New chat as the first item, with Library moved up near the top. The navigation drawer now shows only five items before a More option expands the full list of recent chats.
With an AI Ultra subscription, that full list includes New chat, Library, Images, Scheduled, Daily brief, Customize, Students, Videos and Gems.
Settings are now consolidated into a single page rather than being split between the account menu and Gemini Settings. The account menu handles only switching accounts, sending feedback and getting help.
The Settings page opens with Manage account and Usage limits, followed by a Preferences section that adds a new Theme option. Data & privacy and Get support round out the page.
Earlier rollout
In the prior week, the updated side panel and settings reached iOS, macOS and the web app alongside the launch of Gemini 4 Argon. Before that, the app had received a Spark-to-Task update.
Quick answers
What changed in the Gemini for Android update?
The side panel was redesigned and settings were consolidated into one page, delivered as a server-side update.
What does the account menu do now?
It only handles switching accounts, sending feedback and getting help.
Is there a new theme option?
Yes, a Theme option appears in the Preferences section of the Settings page.