Google has started rolling out a handy new feature in its Gemini app that gives users a way to get faster answers without losing access to the AI’s more advanced brains.
Called “Answer Now,” the option appears as a button next to the familiar spinning loader when you’re using Gemini’s Pro or Thinking models. Tap it, and the app skips the visible step-by-step reasoning process that can sometimes drag on for a few extra seconds, delivering a response almost right away.
It’s a small but practical change. Those higher-end models — Pro for tough math and coding tasks, Thinking for complex problem-solving — are designed to show their work, which helps build trust but isn’t always necessary for everyday questions. Now, if you’re just checking the weather, looking up a quick fact, or asking something straightforward, you can bypass the wait while still getting an answer powered by the same capable model. Google has made it clear the feature doesn’t secretly switch you to the lighter, faster “Fast” mode; it just cuts the deep-thinking phase.
The update began appearing for users over the weekend, and it’s showing up across Android phones, iPhones, and the web version of Gemini. Both free accounts and paid Gemini Advanced subscribers can use it, though it only triggers in Pro or Thinking modes.
Early feedback online has been positive. Plenty of people have complained in the past that the full reasoning display, while impressive, could feel sluggish for simple stuff. This button essentially replaces an older “Skip” option that did something similar, but with clearer labeling and a smoother feel.
The move fits into Google’s broader push to make Gemini more flexible. Just last week, the company tweaked daily usage limits to give Pro and Thinking their own separate quotas, and earlier in January it launched a beta of “Personal Intelligence” that pulls in data from your Gmail, Photos, and other Google services for more tailored responses.
For everyday users, though, “Answer Now” might be the kind of quiet improvement that gets used constantly. In a world where we’re all impatient for AI answers, having the choice between depth and speed — without fumbling through settings — feels like a smart step forward.
Google hasn’t made a big official announcement yet, but the rollout is underway, and more users should see it in the coming days. If you’re on the Gemini app, try switching to Pro or Thinking and asking a question — the button should pop up if it’s reached your device.
