Use the account you are comfortable using for your 49-day sprint.
Step 3 of 7 · Getting started
Meet the two tools behind your AI sprint.
Two free tools. Two different jobs. Install both now, then spend the next 49 days learning how to use them in small, practical ways.
Before you start
Get these few things ready first.
This setup is easiest if you use one Google Account for both tools. You do not need paid versions to begin.
Have your password, passkey, or password manager nearby before opening the tools.
You are only opening the tools today. You are not expected to master them.
Both tools work mainly online, so Wi-Fi or reliable mobile data helps.
Mobile is fine, but a computer is easier for the first setup.
Start with harmless test prompts until you understand sharing and privacy.
Pick your setup style
Print the handy guide or watch the quick video.
Some people like a paper checklist beside them. Others prefer to see the steps first. Choose whichever makes the setup feel easiest.
Use the condensed 2-page PDF if you want a simple checklist beside you while you set up Gemini and NotebookLM.
Open PDFUse the video if you would rather see the setup path before opening the tools yourself.
Watch videoThis is optional. If the video does not load, you can open the video directly or keep following the written steps below.
Choose your device
Start on a computer if you can.
A laptop or desktop gives you the clearest setup experience, especially for NotebookLM. If you only have a phone, that is still okay.
Use the browser links. This is the simplest path for first setup.
Install both apps. NotebookLM needs a newer iPhone or iPad than Gemini.
Install both from Google Play. Older devices may not support every app.
The browser works well. You can also install the Gemini Mac app later.
Set up Gemini
Open your everyday AI assistant.
Gemini is where you ask general questions, draft messages, brainstorm, summarise, plan, and think out loud.
1
Open Gemini.
Click the browser link above, or open the Gemini app if you are setting up on your phone.
You should see a page with a place to type a message. It may look slightly different from screenshots. That is okay.
2
Sign in with your Google Account.
If it asks you to sign in, use the same Google Account you plan to use for NotebookLM.
If your work account blocks access, use a personal Google Account for the sprint or ask your workplace admin.
3
Find the message box.
This is the main thing you need today. Look for the box where you can type a question or prompt.
4
Type your first test prompt.
Copy this into Gemini:
Explain what you can help me with in simple language. I am new to AI.
5
That is enough for now.
You do not need to explore every feature. If Gemini answered you, it is ready for your first Quick Win.
Set up NotebookLM
Create a place for your own material.
NotebookLM is best when you give it sources: notes, PDFs, documents, transcripts, reports, or web pages. It answers from those sources instead of guessing broadly.
1
Open NotebookLM.
Click the browser link above. If you are on mobile, the app is fine, but the computer version is easier for first setup.
2
Sign in with the same Google Account.
This keeps your Gemini and NotebookLM setup simple.
3
Create a new notebook.
Look for a button like "Create new notebook". Name it:
My AI Game Plan
4
Add one harmless source.
Try a simple PDF, a public web page, a Google Doc, or a few pasted notes. Avoid confidential work material for this first test.
If an upload fails, try a smaller file or paste a few notes instead.
5
Ask your first source question.
Copy this into the notebook chat:
Summarise this in five beginner-friendly bullet points.
Which one do I use?
Gemini starts wide. NotebookLM works from your material.
You do not need to memorise every feature. Use this simple rule.
Open Gemini when...
- You want help writing, planning, brainstorming, or rewriting.
- You have a general question.
- You want to talk through an idea before it is fully formed.
Open NotebookLM when...
- You have a file, source, report, notes, or transcript.
- You want answers tied back to that material.
- You want to turn source material into summaries or study notes.
Privacy and sharing
A simple safety rule.
For your first setup, use harmless material. Once you are comfortable, you can decide what is appropriate to use.
Do not start with private material.
Before you understand sharing, avoid entering passwords, bank details, private medical details, legal documents, or confidential workplace information.
- Be careful creating public share links.
- Keep NotebookLM notebooks private unless you intentionally invite someone.
- If unsure, use a public article or harmless notes for practice.
If something goes wrong
Try this first.
The screens may change, and different accounts can behave differently. If something looks different, do not panic. Start with the closest match below.
I cannot sign in.
Check that you are using the right Google Account. If it is a work or school account, access may be blocked by your organisation.
The app will not install.
Use the browser version instead. A computer browser is usually the easiest fallback.
Gemini looks different.
That is okay. Find the place where you can type a message. That is the part you need for now.
NotebookLM will not upload my file.
Try a smaller file, a different PDF, a web link, or paste a few notes manually.
I am on mobile and cannot find something.
Move to a laptop or desktop if possible. NotebookLM is easiest to set up on a larger screen.
I am worried about privacy.
Use harmless test material only. You can still complete the setup without uploading anything sensitive.
First practice
Touch each tool once before you leave.
This is not homework. It is just enough to make the next email feel less unfamiliar.
Ask Gemini for three simple ways you could use AI at work this week.
Add one harmless source and ask for three useful points from it.
Keep this first test low-stakes while you learn what each tool does.
You are ready. The sprint will guide the next practical step.
Ready for the next email
Once both tools are open, you are ready to begin.
Your first Quick Win will give you a small, practical activity to try. For now, the job is simple: sign in, look around, and make sure both tools are available when the sprint starts.
Review the tools