Gemini Android Update Limits Visible Chat History to Five Items

Five is the new ceiling for visible chat history in the Gemini app on Android. Google began distributing a redesign of the side panel and settings menu on October 23, 2026. The change arrives via a server-side update, so users see the new layout without downloading a new version of the app.

The navigation drawer now displays only five items by default to prevent the list from becoming crowded. A "More" button expands the rest of the options when tapped. The search function moved to the top-right corner. "New chat" remains the first entry in the list. "Library" moved from the bottom of the drawer to the second position, directly beneath "New chat".

For subscribers to AI Ultra, the full expanded list includes New chat, Library, Images, Scheduled, Daily brief, Customize, Students, Videos, and Gems. The restructuring follows a recent change where the "Spark" label was replaced by "Task".

Google also merged the previously divided settings options into one unified page. Previously, preferences were split between the account menu and a separate "Gemini Settings" area. The account menu now handles only account switching, feedback, and help requests. The new Settings page opens with "Manage account" and "Usage limits".

A "Preferences" section follows, listing Notifications, Personal Intelligence, Avatar, Task settings, Theme, Skills, Voice, Media, Device controls, Cart and orders, and Gemini Notebook. Theme is the only entry marked as new in this section. Two additional sections complete the page: "Data & privacy" and "Get support".

The "Data & privacy" section includes Import memory, Contact info from your devices, Gemini Apps Activity, Your public links, and the Privacy Help Hub. The "Get support" section lists Help, Report a problem, About, and Updates. These same changes to the side panel and settings reached iOS, macOS, and the web app last week alongside the launch of Gemini 4 Argon.

Other recent updates to the Gemini app include Gemini Notebook becoming available as a Connected App. Free users are moving to "Auto" models as the app adds thinking levels. A new "Map" tool also arrived, replacing the "/" shortcut with an "@" symbol.