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I let Gemini Deep Research dig through my Gmail and Drive - here's what it uncovered
Publish Time: 06 Nov, 2025
I used Gemini's Deep Research AI to work with my Google email and files -here's how
Lance Whitney / Elyse Betters Picaro /

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's key takeaway

  • Gemini's Deep Research can now work with your Google files.
  • You can connect to Gmail, Search, Google Drive, and Google Chat.
  • Deep Research will then consult the sources and compile a report.

I often use Google Gemini's Deep Research mode to explore general topics and questions that interest me. But sometimes I'd like to include my own articles, emails, and other items in the mix. Now, I can do that thanks to the AI's latest skill.

New skill available to all

Unveiled on Wednesday, Gemini's Deep Research mode can now pull information from your personal or work Google account. Specifically, the AI can analyze and research your emails from Gmail, your documents from Google Docs, your files from Google Drive, and your conversations from Google Chat.

"One of our most-requested features is here: Gemini Deep Research can now draw on content from your Gmail, Drive, and Chat and work it directly into your research," Google said in a Wednesday blog post. "This means you can create even more comprehensive reports by pulling in information directly from your Gmail, Drive (including Docs, Slides, Sheets, and PDFs), and Google Chat, alongside a variety of sources from the web."

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The new skill is available to all Gemini users, both free and paid. The option is currently accessible only on the Gemini website, but Google promises it will roll out to mobile users over the next few days.

Ironically, Google is a little late to its own game here. Both Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT already let you pull in files and other content from Gmail and Google Drive, as well as from other services. This capability is often touted as a benefit for businesses and employees who want to include their work emails and company files in their AI research. But it can also be a handy option for individuals who'd like to use their personal emails and files in such research.

How to get started

To get started, open the Gemini website in your favorite browser and make sure you're logged in with your Google account. At the prompt, click the Tools button and select Deep Research, or select the Deep Research button beneath the prompt. A Sources button should appear. Click it, and you'll see sources for Google Search, Gmail, Drive, and Chat. Select any or all of them depending on which info you want Gemini to access.

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Next, describe the research you'd like Gemini to perform. Keep in mind that Deep Research mode is a more intensive process that will scour the web or your files on your behalf and then provide a detailed report of its findings. That means you'll want to challenge Gemini with a task worthy of its time. And speaking of time, a Deep Research query can take a while to finish, so plan to do something else while the process runs.

My experience so far

I challenged Gemini's Deep Research to analyze my files across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Chat. Here's how it fared.

First, I selected Gmail but also kept Search enabled. I asked Gemini to check the invoice emails from my web hosting provider and see if it could find the same type of service at a lower cost.

In response, Gemini analyzed the correct Gmail emails and consulted online sources. The results compared and contrasted my current hosting company with others, showing me where and how I could save money. The report provided steps on how to migrate from the current provider to another if I chose to do so. Gemini also listed the sources it consulted, including my Gmail emails and various websites.

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Next, I selected Drive so that Gemini could access my documents, PDFs, and other files stored on Google Drive. I asked the AI to find any articles I had written about malware and compile a list of tips on how to avoid it.

In response, the AI generated a comprehensive report with background information on malware. The tips on how to avoid it were presented in an outline with details on each measure. When I looked at the sources consulted, I saw that the report included only my malware-related stories stored on Google Drive.

Finally, I selected Chat. In the past, I'd had a chat with someone about spam calls and messages and had shared some articles I had written along with advice I had compiled. This time, I asked Gemini to put together recommendations on how to combat spam.

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In response, Gemini provided helpful details on ways to fight email spam, voice spam, and text spam. The report offered specific steps on how to deal with spam on iPhones and Android devices, a topic I had discussed with the other person in the chat. The sources showed that Gemini had used not only the conversation but also the articles I had shared with my chat partner and the websites referenced in those documents.

Make sure to double-check

Ultimately, the results looked solid and seemed to accurately analyze my emails and files. But keep in mind that Gemini, like any AI, can make mistakes or misinterpret information. However, when you ask it to use your own files, you can easily double-check to make sure the details are correct.

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