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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: Gemini prioritizes starred contacts for voice commands
  • Missing Permissions: The Google app needs explicit Contacts permission
  • WhatsApp Disabled: Upgrading from Assistant may leave WhatsApp disabled in Gemini settings
  • Keep Activity Off: Gemini requires activity tracking enabled to make calls and send messages

Solution 1: Star the Contact

Gemini works most reliably with starred contacts.

  1. Open the Contacts app on your phone
  2. Find the person you want to message
  3. Tap the star icon at the top of their contact card
  4. Try your voice command again: Send WhatsApp message to [Name]

Solution 2: Enable Contact Permissions

Grant the Google app full contact access.

  1. On your phone, go to Settings Apps Google
  2. Select Permissions Contacts
  3. Choose Allow (not "Allow only while using")
  4. 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.

  1. Open the Gemini app on your phone
  2. Tap your profile picture Extensions
  3. Find WhatsApp and toggle it ON
  4. Verify WhatsApp appears under Connected apps

Solution 4: Turn On Keep Activity

Gemini requires activity tracking to send messages from your watch.

  1. Open the Gemini app on your phone
  2. Tap your profile picture Extensions Your activity
  3. Ensure Keep Activity is turned ON
  4. This allows Gemini to access call and message functions

Solution 5: Verify WhatsApp Installation

WhatsApp must be installed on your paired phone, not just your watch.

  1. Confirm WhatsApp is installed on your phone (not just watch)
  2. Open WhatsApp and verify your account is active
  3. Grant WhatsApp notification access if prompted
  4. Test sending a message manually first

Known Limitations

Be aware of these Gemini + WhatsApp restrictions:

  • Upgrade Migration: If Personal Results was off before upgrading to Gemini, WhatsApp won'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

See Also: Troubleshooting Gemini on WearOS|Voice Recognition Troubleshooting|Connected Apps on Gemini