Google Pixel 10 Ask Photos Feature Blocked in Texas and Illinois

If you live in Texas or Illinois and own a Pixel 10, you may have noticed that one of Google’s most promoted features is missing. Ask Photos, the conversational editing tool powered by Google’s Gemini AI, is not available on Pixel 10 devices in these two states. 

Reporting from The Houston Chronicle confirms that Google has acknowledged the restriction but has not explained why, leaving many users puzzled and unable to access the feature.

Ask Photos allows you to edit your photos using simple text or voice commands. You can adjust lighting, apply filters, or modify other aspects of an image just by describing the changes you want. 

Google highlighted the feature during the Pixel 10 launch in August 2025 as a major selling point, emphasizing its integration with the Gemini AI model. 

The feature is designed to work only on devices meeting several requirements: users must be 18 or older, set their phone’s language to English, enable location estimates, and turn on Face Grouping in the Photos app. 

Despite meeting all these conditions, users in Texas and Illinois cannot access Ask Photos.

Why Not?

According to The Houston Chronicle, Google confirmed the exclusion but provided minimal explanation. A company spokesperson said, “The ability to ask Photos to edit your images is not available to users in Texas and Illinois at this time. We are working to determine how to make Ask Photos available to more users.” 

Legal experts cited by the Chronicle suggest state regulations may be a factor. Frank Fagan, a professor at South Texas College of Law, noted that Texas’ Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act, which restricts the storage and retention of biometric data, could be involved. 

Peter Salib, assistant professor at the University of Houston Law Center, added that Ask Photos may interact with the Gemini AI model in ways that require retaining data longer than state law allows.

The Chronicle also references Google’s history with Texas legal challenges. In June 2025, the company paid $1.375 billion to settle a lawsuit brought by the Texas Attorney General over the collection of biometric identifiers, including voiceprints and facial geometry. Observers suggest that this legal background may be influencing Google’s decision to block Ask Photos in Texas and Illinois.

Alternatives and Workarounds

Interestingly, conversational photo editing is available on other Google platforms. The Gemini app for Android, iOS, and web browsers allows you to use the same text- or voice-based photo edits with no state restrictions. The Houston Chronicle notes that you can even use the Gemini app on a Pixel 10 to access features that are blocked in the native Photos app. 

This discrepancy leaves users able to perform the same functions outside the Photos app while remaining excluded from the integrated Pixel 10 experience.

Pixel 10 Pro XL review units show that the Ask Photos editor is missing from the app interface despite meeting all eligibility criteria. Online user forums report the same issues, indicating that the restriction is consistent and affects multiple devices and accounts.

But while the Gemini app provides a workaround, the exclusion highlights the complexities of offering AI-driven features in states with strict biometric data laws, leaving users waiting for a clear explanation or resolution from Google.

[Images via Google]

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