I found the Android Auto setting that finally made Gemini shut up
Android Police 2026-07-10 12:15:11
Context: Ben Khalesi, an Android journalist, discovered a setting that makes Gemini, a voice assistant, provide concise responses in Android Auto. Gemini's tendency to provide lengthy responses has been a source of frustration for users, particularly in a car where the goal is to keep hands on the wheel and focus on the road. Khalesi found a workaround to limit Gemini's verbosity.
Key Facts
- To limit Gemini's responses, users can write a standing instruction into Gemini's personal context by opening the Gemini app, tapping Settings > Personal Intelligence > Instructions for Gemini, and keeping the wording direct and affirmative, such as "Keep every response under two sentences. Lead with a yes or no. Stop the moment you've answered."
- Users can also tack a modifier onto the end of their requests, such as "and keep it short" or "just the gist," to trim the reply for that one request.
- To correct Gemini when it rambles, users can tap the voice button and say, "Hey Google, be more concise," which serves as an on-the-fly version of the standing instruction.
- Gemini auto-summarizes long messages or batches of messages after they cross about 40 words, but users can turn off AI message summaries by going to Android Auto Settings > Notifications and toggling off "Play AI message summaries."
- Users can also customize Android Auto by building buttons for commands, such as navigating to the nearest gas station or opening the garage door, by going to Android Auto settings on their phone and tapping Customize Launcher > Add a shortcut to the launcher > An Assistant action.