Quick Answer
Gemini Spark on Mac can analyze, edit, rename, reorganize, send, share, and in some cases delete files in folders you explicitly add to Connected Folders. Google says it creates temporary backup files for file work, but those backups are deleted when a new query or task starts or after 24 hours.
Use a dedicated test folder with copied files. Do not connect a home directory, broad cloud drive, or irreplaceable source folder for the first run.
Current Access and Scope
Google’s Spark help content lists age 18 or older, a personal Google Account, Google AI Pro or Ultra, Keep Activity, and a supported Spark country as baseline requirements. The Mac-specific page says Spark can work across local files and Connected Apps where Spark is available.
This is separate from the general Gemini app for Mac. Installing the app does not by itself prove that Spark, remote control, or every Connected App is enabled on the account. The countries and plans guide explains the layers.
What Connected Folders Mean
Gemini can only view local files or directories that you add to the Connected Folders toolbar. Once a folder is connected, the documented action surface is broad:
- analyze or summarize files;
- edit, rename, or reorganize them;
- move information between local files and connected Workspace apps;
- find and email a file;
- share or delete files after permission checks.
Permission to a folder is therefore more consequential than uploading one document to one chat. Connect the narrowest folder that contains everything required for the task and nothing else.
A Safe First Test
- Create a test folder outside any production, sync, or shared directory.
- Copy in five disposable files with known names and contents.
- Ask Spark to inventory the files without changing them.
- Compare the inventory with the folder yourself.
- Ask it to rename or sort two copies using an explicit rule.
- Inspect the output and temporary backup behavior.
- Start a new task only after deciding whether the first task needs recovery.
- Disconnect the folder when the evaluation is complete.
Do not begin with deletion, bulk moves, photo libraries, financial records, credentials, source-code secrets, or folders shared with other people.
Backup and Recovery Limits
Google says Spark creates temporary backups when it works with computer files. You can choose to recover them before moving to the next task, but the backup is removed when another query or task begins or after 24 hours.
That mechanism is not a version-control system or durable backup. For important work:
- keep an independent backup or version history;
- review the exact changed files before continuing;
- avoid asking Spark to overwrite originals during evaluation;
- use Git for source code and a recoverable copy for documents;
- confirm synchronization status before touching cloud-backed folders.
Google also warns that a connected public cloud drive may expose or receive data from other sources available to Spark. Do not connect a broadly shared drive merely because one file is needed.
Desktop vs. Browser vs. Connected App
Use the Mac surface for local file and desktop workflows. Use Chrome auto browse for signed-in websites and browser takeover, and Connected Apps or MCP for provider APIs and external tools. One task can cross boundaries, so list which files, accounts, and destinations it may use before approving it.
Official Sources
- Google Help: Use Gemini Spark with the Gemini app on Mac
- Google Help: Use Gemini Spark to manage tasks and workflows
- Google: Gemini Spark macOS, connected apps, and monitoring update
Source check: August 2, 2026. Verify live Mac, account, folder, and permission behavior before using important files.