How to Master Gemini 2.5 Pro Deep Research: From Planning to a Fully Cited Report

Gemini 2.5 Pro’s Deep Research transforms your browser into an autonomous, four-stage research assistant — turning complex questions into detailed reports in minutes. Whether you’re drafting newsletters, writing articles, or simply digging into a new topic, here’s how to harness its full power.

1. Accessing Deep Research

Open Gemini 2.5 Pro in your web browser.

https://gemini.google.com/app

From the model dropdown, select Deep Research.

In the prompt bar at the bottom, click Deep Research to activate agentic mode.

• Note: On work or school Google Accounts, Deep Research is available only via the web app, not mobile.

2. Four Stages of Deep Research

Planning

• Deep Research converts your question into a clear, multi-point research plan.

• You can review, edit, or reorder sub-tasks before any browsing begins.

Searching

• Once approved, the system autonomously browses hundreds of websites, gathering up-to-date information.

• Promising links are bookmarked for deeper exploration.

Reasoning

• Deep Research shows its thought process in real time.

• Use Show thinking to see why it follows certain links and how it synthesizes findings.

Reporting

• In minutes, you receive a structured, citation-rich report aligned with your original plan.

• Export directly to Google Docs or continue refining within the chat.

3. Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Submit your research question.

• Example: “What emerging AI tools are most adopted by designers in 2025?”

Review and refine the plan.

• Tap Edit plan to add, remove, or tweak sub-tasks using plain language.

• Merge or split points and reorder as needed.

• Click Approve to launch the search phase.

Monitor progress.

• The status bar displays Researching…

• Click Show thinking to follow its reasoning.

• Open Sites checked to verify sources.

• Click any link to dive deeper in a new tab.

• You can leave the chat; Gemini will notify you when the report is ready.

Inspect your report.

• Each section corresponds to a plan point.

• Citations appear next to every key fact.

• Export to Google Docs or ask follow-up questions in the same chat.

4. Two-Step Planning for Precision

For complex topics, split your workflow into two prompts:

Draft a plan:

• “Help me create a detailed research plan for understanding AI adoption by creatives in 2025.”

Execute the plan:

• “Use Deep Research to run this plan and deliver a comprehensive report on AI adoption by creatives in 2025.”

This approach ensures the agent’s research path aligns precisely with your needs.

5. Audio Overviews

• After report generation, toggle Audio Overview to create a podcast-style summary.

• Play, pause, adjust speed, or download the MP3.

• Great for reviewing findings during commutes or sharing with auditory learners.

• Currently available only in English, though you can prompt in any supported language.

6. Hyper-Local Research

Deep Research excels at community-level queries. Use it to:

• Identify nearby vendors, service providers, or venues

• Plan events that require local resources

• Investigate regional regulations or market trends

By automating planning, browsing, reasoning, and reporting, Gemini 2.5 Pro Deep Research frees you from busywork so you can focus on insights. Experiment with single-step versus two-step prompts, leverage Audio Overviews, and don’t overlook its power for local deep dives.