Gemini Deep Research can use Google Search by default and, when available and connected, sources such as Gmail, Drive, uploaded files or NotebookLM notebooks. Source availability depends on account and settings.
1. Define the evidence boundary
Write the research question and decide whether the answer should use public web, your private sources, or both. Do not connect personal data unless it materially improves the task.
2. Select sources deliberately
Open the source selector, keep Google Search when current public evidence matters, and add only the connected services or files needed for the question.
3. Edit the research plan
Read the generated plan before starting. Add missing comparisons, dates, exclusions or source priorities so the final report investigates the question you actually have.
4. Audit source mixing
In the report, distinguish conclusions supported by your private material from those supported by the public web. For sensitive work, do not let a public source silently override an internal source of truth.
5. Export a reviewable artifact
After checking citations and gaps, export or copy the report into the destination you need. Preserve links or source notes so another reviewer can trace the evidence.
Use Deep Research for this question. Sources: Google Search plus only the attached files/connected Drive items I specify. Before researching, show me the plan and source boundary. In the report, label claims as “web evidence” or “private-source evidence” and flag conflicts.
Leaving every available personal source enabled; starting before reading the plan; treating all sources as equally authoritative; exporting a polished report without opening the underlying citations.
Finish check
The report has a deliberate source boundary, the plan matches the question, private and public evidence are distinguishable, and critical citations have been opened.