NotebookLM frequently asked questions and answers

Answers to the most common questions about NotebookLM—what it costs, which accounts work, language support, mobile access, and how it differs from Gemini.

Whether you’re new to NotebookLM or looking to get more out of it, this page answers the questions users ask most often—from account requirements and language support to how NotebookLM compares to other AI tools.

Is NotebookLM free to use?

Yes. NotebookLM is available for free with a Google Account. Google may offer premium tiers with additional features or higher usage capacity. Check notebooklm.google.com for the most current plan details.

Do I need a special account?

No special account is required. Sign in with any Google Account—personal Gmail, Google Workspace, or any other Google-managed account—and you can start using NotebookLM right away.

How many notebooks can I create?

You can create multiple notebooks. Each notebook can hold up to 50 sources. There is no published limit on the total number of notebooks per account. For details on what counts as a source and size constraints, see Supported formats.

Is NotebookLM available in my country?

NotebookLM is available in many regions but not all. Visit notebooklm.google.com to check whether it is accessible from your location. If the site is unavailable, your region may not yet be supported.

What languages does NotebookLM support?

NotebookLM supports multiple languages. It generally works best when your sources and your questions are in the same language. Audio Overview is generated in the language detected in your sources, so if you want the audio in a specific language, make sure your sources are written in that language.

Can I use NotebookLM on mobile?

Yes. NotebookLM is accessible through a web browser on mobile devices. There is no dedicated mobile app at this time—use your device’s browser (such as Chrome or Safari) to access the full interface at notebooklm.google.com.

How is NotebookLM different from Google Search or Gemini?

Unlike general-purpose AI assistants or search engines, NotebookLM only draws on the sources you upload. It cannot browse the internet, access your Google Drive broadly, or use knowledge from outside your notebook. This constraint makes its answers more focused and verifiable—every response is traceable to a specific passage in your sources. See Introduction for a full comparison.

Can the AI access the internet or search for information?

No. The AI only uses content from the sources you’ve added to that notebook. It does not have internet access and cannot retrieve information from outside your uploaded material. If you ask about something your sources don’t cover, NotebookLM will tell you rather than guessing.

What happens to old notebooks?

Notebooks are saved to your account indefinitely. They do not expire or get automatically deleted. You can delete any notebook from the home screen at any time by selecting the menu icon on the notebook card and choosing Delete notebook.

Can I export my notebooks or notes?

There is no one-click export of an entire notebook. However, you can copy AI-generated content—summaries, study guides, chat answers, and Notebook Guide outputs—and paste it into other tools like Google Docs or a text editor. Citations are included in the copied text where applicable.