How to Enable Gemini in Chrome Outside the US: Complete Guide in 2025

Important Note

Critical Update: Since September 2025, Gemini in Chrome has been free for all US users and no longer requires a paid Gemini Advanced subscription. However, this feature remains restricted to the United States region and English language environment. This means users outside the US need to follow specific steps to access this functionality.

This guide provides detailed instructions on how to successfully enable and use Gemini in Chrome from anywhere in the world by creating a US account, configuring your network, and setting up your system environment to "spoof" as a US user.

I. Account and Network Configuration (Critical Prerequisites)

1. Create or Convert to a US Google Account

This is the most critical step. Access to Gemini in Chrome is primarily determined by your payment profile's country setting, not your IP address or registration location.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sign into your Google account

2. Go to the Google Play Store or your Google account's "Payments & subscriptions" page

3. Click "Payment methods" → "More payment settings" (this opens the web version of the payment center)

4. Create a new payment profile or edit your existing one

5. In the "Country/Region" field, select United States

6. Choose a US city

7. Enter a real US zip code (you can find one easily via Google Maps)

8. Once completed, your Play Store and Google account will be locked to the US region

Why This Matters: Google uses your payment profile to determine your account region, and this takes priority over IP address or browser settings.

2. Network Environment (IP Address)

While account region is the primary factor, official documentation confirms that IP address is also checked.

Recommendation:

• Use a VPN or proxy service with a US node to ensure your connection routes through a US IP address

• Maintain a US IP connection whenever using this feature

• Even with a properly configured account, a non-US IP address may prevent the feature from working

II. Computer System and Browser Configuration

1. Change Your Operating System Region Settings

This system-level setting determines whether Chrome displays AI-related options.

For Windows:

1. Open "Settings" → "Time & language" → "Language & region"

2. Under "Country or region," select United States from the dropdown menu

3. Restart your computer (restart may be required for changes to take effect)

For Mac:

1. Open "System Settings" → "General" → "Language & Region"

2. Set "Region" to United States

3. Restart your computer

2. Change Chrome Browser Language

Chrome's display language must be set to English (United States). Other languages may cause Gemini options to remain hidden.

Steps:

1. Open Chrome → Click the three-dot menu in the top right → "Settings"

2. In the left sidebar, click "Languages"

3. Click "Language"

4. Search for English (United States) and set it as your preferred language

5. If prompted "Display Chrome in this language," confirm the selection

3. Update Chrome to the Latest Stable Version

Gemini in Chrome has full support starting from Chrome version 141. Beta or Canary versions are no longer required.

How to Check and Update:

1. Open Chrome → Click the three-dot menu in the top right → "About Chrome"

2. Chrome will automatically check for updates

3. If updates are available, click the "Relaunch" button

4. Verify your version number is 141 or higher

III. Accessing Gemini in Chrome

1. Locate AI Innovations Settings

After completing all the above configurations, Gemini in Chrome options should appear in your Chrome settings.

Exact Path:

1. Open Chrome → Click the three-dot menu in the top right → "Settings"

2. In the left sidebar, find "AI Innovations" (expand the menu if it's collapsed)

3. Click on "AI Innovations"

4. You should see the toggle for "Gemini in Chrome"

2. Enable Gemini in Chrome

On the AI Innovations settings page:

1. Find the "Gemini in Chrome" option

2. Click the toggle to enable it

3. Configure additional settings as needed:

   • Whether to display the Gemini shortcut in the browser toolbar

   • Whether to enable keyboard shortcuts

   • Other related options

3. Using Gemini Features

Once enabled, you can use Gemini through:

• Clicking the Gemini icon in your browser toolbar

• Using keyboard shortcuts (check Chrome settings for default shortcuts)

• Accessing Gemini directly in a new tab

IV. Force Enable Method (If Previous Steps Don't Work)

If you've completed all the above configuration but still don't see Gemini options, you can try force-enabling it through Chrome Flags.

Note: This is an experimental feature and should only be used if necessary.

Steps:

1. Type chrome://flags/ in Chrome's address bar

2. Search for glic in the search box

3. You'll find five options - change each from "Default" to "Enabled":

   • Glic

   • Glic Z Order Changes

   • Glic actor

   • Glic Pre-Warming

   • Glic FRE Pre-Warming

4. Click the "Relaunch" button in the bottom right corner to restart Chrome

Important Note: These flags are experimental and Google may remove them in future versions. If you've already enabled Gemini through normal settings, you don't need to use these flags.

V. Troubleshooting

If You Still Can't Use Gemini in Chrome

1. Check Your Account Type

• Enterprise accounts: Company accounts with HIPAA BAA agreements may be blocked

• Educational accounts: School accounts require admin enablement

• Work accounts: Using a company device may be restricted by IT policies

• If you have any of these account types, try creating a personal Google account instead

2. Verify Your Payment Profile

• Double-check that the country/region in Google's payment center is set to "United States"

• Ensure your zip code is formatted correctly (US zip codes are 5 digits, e.g., "10001")

• Consider adding a valid US payment method (credit or debit card) even if you don't need to pay

3. Complete Browser Cleanup and Reinstall

• Browser configuration issues may prevent the feature from displaying

• Use software like Geek Uninstaller to completely uninstall Chrome, checking the option to delete residual files and registry entries

• Restart your computer

• Reinstall Chrome from the official website

• Reconfigure your settings following Section II

4. VPN Connection Issues

• Ensure your VPN is connected and using a US server node

• Try switching to a different US VPN server

• Some VPN providers may be detected by Google; try a different provider

5. Feature Rollout Queue

• Google is rolling out this feature in batches. Even if all conditions are met, your account may still be waiting for server-side activation

• This process takes time; patience is required

• Check every few days to see if the feature auto-activates

6. Browser Cache Issues

• Try clearing Chrome's cache: Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data

• Select "All time" and check all boxes

• Restart Chrome after clearing

VI. Complete Configuration Checklist

To ensure success, complete these steps in order:

1. ✓ Create or convert to a US Google account (via payment profile)

2. ✓ Connect to a US VPN/proxy (ensure your IP is US-based)

3. ✓ Change your PC system region to United States

4. ✓ Change Chrome browser language to English (United States)

5. ✓ Update Chrome to the latest stable version (141+)

6. ✓ Navigate to Chrome Settings → AI Innovations and enable Gemini in Chrome

7. ✓ (Optional) If the above doesn't work, force enable via Chrome Flags

VII. Feature Limitations and Important Considerations

Current Restrictions

• Geographic Restriction: Limited to the United States; VPN usage may still face restrictions

• Language Restriction: English (United States) only; other languages will hide the feature

• Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older

• Device Limitation: Mac and Windows desktop only

• Platform Support:

  • Desktop Chrome: Full support

  • iOS Chrome: Gradual rollout in progress

  • Android: Access via long-press power button (system-level Gemini); different integration method than Chrome

Account Type Notes

Certain Google account types may be unable to use this feature:

• Enterprise accounts (especially if company has signed HIPAA BAA)

• Educational/school accounts (requires admin enablement)

• Work accounts (may be blocked by enterprise management policies)

• Child accounts (under 18 years old)

VIII. Future Outlook

Google is expanding Gemini in Chrome functionality:

• Geographic Expansion: Plans to roll out to additional countries in 2025

• Language Support: Will support 35+ languages

• Mobile Expansion: iOS Chrome integration is rolling out; Android support is in development

• Advanced Features: Agentic capabilities are planned, allowing Gemini to automatically handle complex tasks

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides methods to help users access Google services in regions where they are legally permitted to use them. Using VPNs or modifying region settings may violate Google's Terms of Service. By using the methods described in this guide, you assume full responsibility and risk. It's recommended to use this feature through official means once it's officially available in your region.