Gemini Can't Find Contacts for WhatsApp Messages
When using voice commands like Send a WhatsApp message to John, Gemini may fail to find the contact. This is a common issue, especially for users who upgraded from Google Assistant.
Why Contacts Don't Work
Gemini has stricter contact access requirements than Google Assistant. If you upgraded without reconfiguring permissions, WhatsApp integration may be disabled by default.
- Contact Not Starred:
Geminiprioritizes starred contacts for voice commands - Missing Permissions: The
Googleapp needs explicit Contacts permission - WhatsApp Disabled: Upgrading from
Assistantmay leaveWhatsAppdisabled inGeminisettings - Keep Activity Off:
Geminirequires activity tracking enabled to make calls and send messages
Solution 1: Star the Contact
Gemini works most reliably with starred contacts.
- Open the Contacts app on your phone
- Find the person you want to message
- Tap the star icon at the top of their contact card
- Try your voice command again:
Send WhatsApp message to [Name]
Star Frequently Messaged Contacts
Star all contacts you regularly message via voice commands. This dramatically improves Gemini recognition rates.
Solution 2: Enable Contact Permissions
Grant the Google app full contact access.
- On your phone, go to
SettingsAppsGoogle - Select Permissions Contacts
- Choose Allow (not "Allow only while using")
- Enable Save contact info from your signed-in devices in Google account settings
Solution 3: Enable WhatsApp in Gemini
If you upgraded from Google Assistant, WhatsApp may be disabled.
- Open the
Geminiapp on your phone - Tap your profile picture Extensions
- Find WhatsApp and toggle it ON
- Verify
WhatsAppappears under Connected apps
Solution 4: Turn On Keep Activity
Gemini requires activity tracking to send messages from your watch.
- Open the
Geminiapp on your phone - Tap your profile picture Extensions Your activity
- Ensure Keep Activity is turned ON
- This allows
Geminito access call and message functions
Solution 5: Verify WhatsApp Installation
WhatsApp must be installed on your paired phone, not just your watch.
- Confirm
WhatsAppis installed on your phone (not just watch) - Open
WhatsAppand verify your account is active - Grant
WhatsAppnotification access if prompted - Test sending a message manually first
Known Limitations
Be aware of these Gemini + WhatsApp restrictions:
- Upgrade Migration: If
Personal Resultswas off before upgrading toGemini,WhatsAppwon't work until manually enabled - Group Messages: Group messaging via voice commands has limited support
- New Contacts: Recently added contacts may take time to sync with
Gemini
Quick Permission Check
Open Gemini and say Check my WhatsApp settings. If Gemini can't access WhatsApp, it will prompt you to enable the integration.
See Also: Troubleshooting Gemini on WearOS|Voice Recognition Troubleshooting|Connected Apps on Gemini