TechOfficeGoogle Rolls Out Critical Fix for Gemini's Android and Android Auto Calling Glitch
Google Addresses Critical Calling Issue in Gemini with New Rollout
Google has begun rolling out a crucial fix for its Gemini AI assistant after users reported an inability to make calls through both Android smartphones and Android Auto systems. The issue, which emerged earlier this month, has disrupted one of the core functionalities of the AI assistant for affected users.
The Emergence of the Issue
Beginning in early June 2026, numerous Gemini users took to forums and social media platforms to report that the AI assistant had become incapable of initiating phone calls. The problem manifested across various Android devices and specifically affected the integration with Android Auto, Google's in-car connectivity system.
"Gemini, call my wife." "Gemini, call my office." These simple commands that previously worked seamlessly were now met with responses like "I'm sorry, I can't make calls right now" or the assistant would simply fail to recognize the calling intent entirely.
Scope of the Problem
The issue appeared to affect a significant subset of Gemini users, though Google has not released precise statistics on the percentage of impacted devices. Reports indicated that the problem was not device-specific but rather related to software configurations and backend systems.
The inability to make calls represented a substantial setback for Gemini, as calling functionality represents one of the most frequently used features of AI assistants. For many users, the ability to hands-free dial contacts while driving or multitasking is essential.
User Impact and Workarounds
Affected users were forced to revert to alternative methods for making calls:
- Manually dialing through the Phone app
- Using Google Assistant instead of Gemini for calling
- Employing voice commands through device-specific assistants
- Some reported having to restart their devices multiple times to temporarily restore functionality
The inconvenience was particularly pronounced for Android Auto users, who rely heavily on voice commands for in-car communication while maintaining focus on driving.
Google's Response and Fix Rollout
Following the influx of user reports, Google's support team acknowledged the issue on June 14, 2026, confirming that engineers were working on a solution. The company stated that the problem stemmed from a recent backend update that affected how Gemini processes and executes calling commands.
By June 16, 2026, Google began rolling out a fix through a phased deployment approach. The update addresses the root cause of the issue by correcting the processing logic for voice commands related to calling functionality.
Technical Analysis
While Google has not provided extensive technical details, industry experts suggest the issue likely involved:
| Potential Technical Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Intent Recognition Failure | The AI's natural language processing may have failed to correctly identify calling commands |
| Backend API Issues | Problems with the application programming interfaces that handle call initiation |
| Authentication Problems | Issues with verifying user permissions to make calls through the assistant |
| Service Disruption | Temporary unavailability of Google's call-handling infrastructure |
User Recommendations
For users experiencing the issue, Google recommends the following steps:
- Ensure your device is running the latest software updates
- Check that Gemini has the necessary permissions for phone calls
- Clear the Gemini app cache if problems persist
- Restart your device after installing updates
- For Android Auto users, reconnecting the system may resolve temporary glitches
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the growing pains of integrating advanced AI assistants into everyday functionality. As AI becomes more deeply embedded in essential services like communication, reliability becomes paramount. The brief disruption to Gemini's calling capability underscores the challenges Google faces in maintaining seamless operation across its ecosystem.
For Google, this issue represents an opportunity to strengthen its AI infrastructure and improve redundancy systems. The company has emphasized its commitment to resolving such issues promptly and minimizing user disruption.
Future Outlook
As AI assistants become increasingly sophisticated, incidents like this serve as important learning experiences. Google has indicated that it will implement additional monitoring and fail-safes to prevent similar issues in the future. The company is also working on enhancing Gemini's offline capabilities to reduce dependency on constant connectivity for basic functions.
Users can expect continued improvements to Gemini's reliability as Google refines its AI systems and expands their integration into daily life. The quick response to this issue demonstrates Google's recognition of the importance of maintaining trust in its AI technologies.
Google rolling out fix for Gemini after it couldn’t make calls on Android and Android Auto [U] Source: https://9to5google.com/2026/06/16/gemini-suddenly-cant-make-calls-on-android-and-android-auto-for-some/ Google rolling out fix for Gemini after it couldn’t make calls on Android and Android Auto [U] Source: https://9to5google.com/2026/06/16/gemini-suddenly-cant-make-calls-on-android-and-android-auto-for-some/
