Gemini has been available as a Google Assistant replacement for a while now. At first, Gemini wasn't an especially helpful assistant because it lacked many required features, but Google has been slowly rolling out new features to help round out Gemini.
As reported on 9to5Google, the most recent feature rollout includes the ability for Gemini to make calls and send messages without unlocking your phone. Without this new feature enabled, when you attempt to make a call or send a message through Gemini, you'll be greeted with the "Please unlock to continue" warning.
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With the feature enabled, Gemini can complete the request without you having to unlock your phone's screen.
On my Pixel 9 Pro with Android 15 and the Google app version 15.47.29, the feature is still missing. Turns out the feature is available for version 15.48 of the Google app; until you have that version on the phone, you'll still have to unlock your device before placing a call or sending a message using Gemini.
This is a long-awaited feature because, as it stands, it's impossible to enjoy true hands-free calling and messaging. Many times, when driving, I've needed to place a call but found myself having to pull over to unlock my phone before the call or message could be placed.
As usual, the rollout is happening slowly, so you might not have the feature added yet. It's hard to predict when your phone will receive the new feature because Google isn't exactly forthcoming on these rollout dates.
Once Google sees how welcome this new feature is, perhaps the company will add other functions — like playing music from Gemini or starting Maps navigation — without the user having to first unlock the device. Until those features come to fruition, Android cannot claim true hands-free usage.
If this is what you see, then your Android phone does not have the added Gemini features.
You can check to see if you have the feature by opening Gemini, clicking your profile photo, tapping Settings > "Gemini on Lock Screen." If you see an entry for "Make calls and send messages without unlocking," congratulations! You have the feature. Otherwise, be patient: the latest version of the Google app eventually will arrive on your phone, and you'll be able to place calls and send messages, via Gemini, without having to first unlock the device.