Google Guided Vision in Gemini Live: How to Turn It On and What It Can Do
Updated October 6, 2026. Google has begun rolling out Guided Vision in Gemini Live, a new Android accessibility feature that uses your phone camera to describe what is in front of you, answer follow-up questions, and give spoken cues when the camera needs to move.
The feature launched on October 1 and is designed primarily for people who are blind or have low vision, although Google says it can also help with everyday visual tasks such as reading fine print or finding an object. If you are trying to work out where the setting is, whether your phone supports it, or why it has not appeared yet, this guide covers the practical details.
What is Guided Vision?
Guided Vision is a mode inside Gemini Live that interprets a live camera view conversationally. Unlike simply pointing a camera at something and asking a question, it can also tell you how to reposition the phone — for example, to tilt down, move farther away, or pan to the side — so the camera captures the object more clearly.
- Hear spoken descriptions of objects and surroundings.
- Ask follow-up questions about what the camera sees.
- Get verbal camera-framing guidance.
- Read small text such as menus, labels and appliance controls.
- Locate everyday objects or compare colors, patterns and shapes.
How to turn on Guided Vision in Gemini Live
Google documents three ways to start the feature. The simplest is through the Gemini app:
- Update the Gemini app and your Android system software.
- Open the Gemini app.
- Open your profile settings.
- Enable Use Guided Vision in Live.
- Start Gemini Live and share your camera.
You can also configure an Android accessibility shortcut under Settings → Accessibility → Vision assistance → Guided Vision. Depending on your setup, the shortcut can use the accessibility button, a two-finger swipe gesture, or both volume keys. TalkBack users can open the TalkBack menu and select Guided Vision there.
Which Android phones support Guided Vision?
Google says Guided Vision works on compatible devices running Android 9 or newer in regions and languages where Gemini Live is supported. Android 9 is a minimum requirement, not a guarantee that every eligible device will show the feature immediately.
Why Guided Vision may be missing from your phone
If you have Android 9 or later but cannot find the option, do not assume your phone is incompatible. Google is rolling the feature out gradually. First update the Gemini app and Android system software, confirm Gemini Live is available for your language and region, and check the setting again later.
Useful things to try
Google’s examples make the intended use clearer than the feature name does. Guided Vision can help read an expiration date or nutrition label, identify an appliance setting, find a dropped item, distinguish clothing colors and patterns, or describe an unfamiliar room. Because the interaction is conversational, you can ask a second question instead of starting a new scan.
Important: what you should not use it for
Guided Vision is an assistive AI tool, not a navigation or safety system. Google explicitly warns that it can make mistakes and says it is not intended for navigation, safe-travel guidance, obstacle detection, or as a replacement for a white cane or other established mobility aid.
That limitation matters whenever an incorrect description could cause harm. Treat the output as assistance rather than guaranteed visual identification, and independently verify critical information such as medication instructions or safety warnings.
Guided Vision vs TalkBack
They solve different problems. TalkBack is Android’s screen reader: it helps you interact with content and controls on the phone itself. Guided Vision interprets the physical scene viewed through the camera. Google integrates Guided Vision into the TalkBack menu, but it does not replace TalkBack.
Quick FAQ
Is Guided Vision available on iPhone?
Google’s October 1 launch announcement is for compatible Android devices. It did not announce an iPhone version of Guided Vision.
Do I need a Pixel phone?
No. Google describes availability across compatible Android devices rather than limiting the feature to Pixel phones, subject to Android version, region, language and rollout availability.
Can Guided Vision read text?
Yes. Reading small print, menus, labels and appliance controls is among Google’s examples. Because generative AI can still make mistakes, verify anything safety-critical against the original source.
Sources & further reading
- Google: Guided Vision in Gemini Live — official launch announcement, October 1, 2026.
- The Verge: Guided Vision overview — independent coverage of the rollout and safety limitations.
