Google has launched an early experiment on the Pixel 11 that lets Gemini make phone calls to local businesses on your behalf. Users can delegate tasks like making reservations, checking product stock, or rescheduling appointments without dialing, while monitoring the call live and taking over at any moment.
Key takeaways
- Gemini can handle entire phone calls with local businesses, including navigating automated phone menus and waiting on hold.
- The feature is currently rolling out as an early preview for paid Gemini subscribers in the US using a Pixel 11.
- Users stay in complete control with a live transcript view and the ability to step into the conversation at any time.
- Google’s new capability requires using the beta version of the Phone by Google app on Android.
What happened
Google is testing a new capability called “Call for Me” that lets Gemini take over routine phone calls to local stores, restaurants, and service providers. Instead of punching in numbers yourself, you can ask Gemini via the app on your phone to handle tasks like asking if a specific item is in stock, securing a table reservation, moving a scheduled appointment, or placing items on hold. The AI will dial the business, introduce itself, work its way through automated phone trees, and sit through lengthy hold times until a human picks up the other end. You do not have to stay blindfolded during the process. The interface gives you a live transcript of the conversation as it happens, and you can jump in and take over the live voice chat whenever you want.
This release builds on previous Google experiments. Years ago, Google demonstrated Google Assistant calling a salon to make a reservation with natural pauses like “umm’s” and “ahh’s.” Last year, Google rolled out “Ask for Me,” which let Gemini call businesses to inquire about pricing or services. Pixel owners have also had access to features like “Hold for Me” and “Talk to a Live Rep,” which navigate phone trees and wait on hold until a real person answers, as well as “Direct My Call” to display numbers for IVR systems. Meta is also developing a similar automated phone call tool for its Muse AI agent, though those calls might involve a human working behind the scenes. For more background on how different models compare, check out our guide to AI models.
At a glance
| Detail | What we know |
|---|---|
| Who | Google Gemini |
| What | AI business phone calls and wait-on-hold delegation |
| When | Rolling out starting September 24, 2026 |
| Where available | United States |
| Price | Requires a Gemini paid subscription |
| Required hardware | Google Pixel 11 and Phone by Google Public Beta |
Why it matters
Phone calls remain a time sink when trying to confirm a reservation or check if a part is sitting on a shelf. By letting AI navigate tedious phone trees and handle the initial back-and-forth, Google is attempting to turn text requests into real-world voice execution. Because real-world conversations are nuanced, Google is starting this rollout as a tightly controlled experiment to get the feature right before a broader release. The AI can now share approved personal information to complete broader tasks, making privacy and accuracy important factors to watch. For managing everyday tasks and cutting down administrative friction, explore our resources on Life Admin & Letters prompts.
What it means for you
If you use ChatGPT or Gemini every day
If you pay for a Gemini subscription and plan to pick up a Pixel 11, you get first access to test out delegating phone chores to your assistant. Keep an eye on how well it handles unexpected prompts from human customer service agents during live interactions. To find tools that fit your daily workflow, take a look at our AI Model Picker tool.
If you run a small business
Expect a rise in incoming calls initiated by AI bots rather than human customers. Businesses will need to ensure their automated phone menus and reception staff are prepared to converse with synthetic callers efficiently. For ideas on streamlining your own customer interactions, check out our collection of Customer Support prompts.
Try it: a prompt to test
When the feature becomes available on your device, you can instruct Gemini directly:
Call [BUSINESS_NAME] to check if they have [PRODUCT_NAME] in stock in [SIZE_OR_COLOR], and place it on hold for me if available.
Our take
Delegating hold music and automated phone menus to an AI agent is a genuinely useful application of consumer technology that saves precious minutes of human patience. The inclusion of a live transcript and a manual takeover button shows thoughtful design, keeping you safe from awkward bot misunderstandings. The biggest caveat right now is hardware and subscription lock-in, restricting this early preview strictly to US Pixel 11 owners who pay for Gemini.
Questions people ask
Do I need a special app to use Gemini phone calls?
Yes, Google's new calling feature requires you to use the beta version of the Phone by Google app on Android, alongside a paid Gemini subscription on a Pixel 11 device in the United States.
Can I take over the call if Gemini gets confused?
Yes, you remain in complete control at all times with a live transcript view, and you can step in and take over the conversation with the person on the other end whenever you want.
What kinds of tasks can Gemini handle on a phone call?
Gemini can handle tasks like making restaurant reservations, checking if a product is in stock, placing items on hold, or rescheduling a calendar appointment to a different date.