Gemini Live Guided Vision: How It Works
Google announced Guided Vision in Gemini Live on October 1, 2026. The feature combines camera sharing with spoken descriptions and guidance, helping people explore the visual details around them through conversation.
Developed alongside the blind and low-vision community, it focuses on accessibility and everyday visual assistance. Here is what it does, how to enable it on Android, and what to check if the option has not appeared.
What is Guided Vision?
Guided Vision lets Gemini describe what your camera sees and answer follow-up questions aloud. It also offers verbal cues to improve framing, such as adjusting the camera’s direction or distance so an object is easier to interpret.
That framing feedback is a key part of the experience: you can discuss the scene while receiving help positioning the camera, rather than relying on a single photo.
Everyday uses
Google highlights tasks such as reading small print, identifying objects, describing clothing colors and patterns, and explaining room layouts. For example, you might ask about text on a food package or look for an item in a cabinet.
When trying the feature, start with a simple question about one object. Then ask a more specific follow-up. Sample questions could include:
- “What text can you read on this package?”
- “Describe the pattern and color of this shirt.”
- “What objects are visible on this table?”
These are suggestions for testing the feature, not guarantees that it will interpret every scene correctly.
How to enable Guided Vision
- Open the Gemini mobile app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile picture or initial, then open Settings.
- Switch on Use Guided Vision in Live.
- Start a Gemini Live conversation and share your camera.
- Ask a question about what is in view and follow any spoken framing cues.
To finish, end the Live session. You can also stop camera sharing with the camera control in Live. Google’s Live help page notes that muting the microphone can leave video sharing active, so use the camera control when you want to stop sharing the view.
Accessibility shortcuts
Google documents a shortcut setup under Android Settings > Accessibility > Vision assistance > Guided Vision. Available shortcut choices include an accessibility button, a two-finger gesture, or holding both volume keys.
With an updated TalkBack installation, users can also open the TalkBack menu with a three-finger tap and select Guided Vision.
Supported devices and availability
Google’s launch announcement lists Android 9 and above, in regions and languages where Gemini Live is supported. This is an Android announcement; it does not establish identical Guided Vision availability on iPhone.
The help page says access is rolling out gradually. Update the Gemini app and your system software, then check the setting again. If it is missing, the rollout may not have reached your device or account yet.
Important limitations
Guided Vision can make mistakes. Google says it is not intended for navigation or obstacle detection and does not replace a mobility aid or medical device. Treat it as assistance for visual descriptions, rather than a tool for deciding whether a route is safe.
For more practical Android content, explore our guide to editing videos on Android for free.