In the ever-evolving digital landscape, generative AI has become a significant presence, especially within Google's ecosystem. While it offers exciting possibilities for summarizing information, generating content, and enhancing various services, many users prefer a more traditional, AI-free experience. Perhaps you're concerned about privacy, the accuracy of AI-generated content, or simply prefer to sift through information yourself. Whatever your reasons, taking control of your digital environment is key.
Are you tired of AI overviews cluttering your search results, or do you simply want to minimize generative AI's presence in your daily Google interactions? If so, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various steps to turn off or significantly reduce the impact of generative AI on Google.
Navigating the AI Landscape: Understanding Where Generative AI Appears
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's helpful to understand where Google's generative AI primarily manifests. This will help you target your efforts effectively.
AI Overviews (Search Generative Experience - SGE): This is perhaps the most prominent manifestation of generative AI, where Google provides an AI-generated summary at the top of your search results page, often with follow-up questions.
Google Assistant: Voice commands and smart responses from your Google Assistant leverage AI.
Gmail (Smart Compose, Smart Reply): These features suggest words, phrases, and even full email responses.
Google Photos: AI helps with organizing, suggesting edits, and even generating new images.
Google Docs, Sheets, and other Workspace apps: AI-powered writing assistance, data analysis, and other smart features are increasingly integrated.
Chrome's AI innovations: Some experimental AI features might be active within your Chrome browser settings.
Now, let's get down to the business of turning them off!
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| How To Turn Off Generative Ai On Google |
Step 1: Taking Control of AI Overviews (Search Generative Experience)
The AI Overviews in Google Search are often the first point of contact with generative AI for many users. While Google views them as helpful, you might find them redundant or prefer traditional search results.
Sub-heading: Option A: Opting Out via Search Labs (If Applicable)
Google introduced generative AI features through "Search Labs" as an experimental program. If you opted into this, you can usually disable it directly.
Check for the Labs Icon: When you're on Google Search, look for a "Labs" icon (often a beaker or similar symbol) near the search bar or at the top-right of the page. If you see it, you likely have Search Labs enabled.
Access Search Labs Settings:
On your computer: Open any browser, ensure you're signed into your Google Account (Incognito mode off). Go to
https://labs.google.com/search/manageor click the "Labs" icon and then "Manage."On mobile (Chrome app): Open the Chrome app, ensure you're signed in. Tap the three-dot menu (top-right on Android, bottom-right on iPhone/iPad), then select "New tab." Search for anything. Tap the three-dot menu again, then "Settings" > "Search engine." You might see "Google web" in "Recently visited" if you've already used it (more on this below). Alternatively, look for a "Labs" icon within the search results page.
Toggle Off "AI Overviews and more": Within the Search Labs management page, you should see a toggle for "AI Overviews and more." Simply slide this toggle to the off position.
Important Note: Even if you turn off "AI Overviews and more" in Search Labs, Google has sometimes rolled out AI Overviews to a broader audience as part of experiments that extend beyond opted-in Search Labs users. In such cases, these overviews cannot be turned off directly through Search Labs. Don't despair, though! The next options are for you.
Sub-heading: Option B: Using the "Web" Tab for AI-Free Results
This is a quick and effective way to get traditional search results without AI overviews for individual searches.
Perform Your Search: Type your query into the Google search bar as usual.
Select the "Web" Tab: After the search results load, look for a series of tabs below the search bar (e.g., All, Images, News, Videos).
On a computer: Click the "Web" tab. If you don't see it immediately, you might need to click "More" (often represented by three vertical dots or a "More" text link) and then select "Web."
On mobile: Swipe left on the tabs below the search bar until "Web" appears, then tap it.
This will filter your results to show only traditional web pages, bypassing any AI overviews.
Reminder: Revisit older posts — they stay useful.
Sub-heading: Option C: Setting "Google Web" as Your Default Search Engine (For Persistent AI-Free Search)
For a more permanent solution that avoids AI overviews for all your searches, you can configure your browser to use a specific Google "web" filter. This method leverages a special Google parameter (udm=14) that forces traditional web results.
For Chrome (Desktop):
Open Chrome.
Type or paste
chrome://settings/searchEnginesinto the address bar and press Enter.Under "Search engines," find the "Site search" section and click "Add."
Fill in the following details:
Search engine: AI-Free Google (or any name you prefer)
Shortcut: @web (or a shortcut you'll remember, like
ai-off)URL with %s in place of query:
https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14
Click "Add."
Now, find your newly added "AI-Free Google" in the list, click the three vertical dots next to it, and select "Make default."
From now on, when you search directly from your Chrome address bar, it will use this AI-free version of Google.
For Chrome (Mobile - Android/iOS):
This is a bit trickier, as you can't directly add custom search engines in the same way. However, you can use a workaround:
Go to
tenbluelinks.orgin your Chrome app. This site is designed to help you set the AI-free version of Google as your default.Follow the on-screen instructions, which typically involve searching for something on Google through their interface, then going into Chrome's settings.
Tap the three-dot menu, then "Settings" > "Search engine."
You should now see "Google web" in the "Recently visited" section. Select it to make it your default.
For Firefox (Desktop & Mobile):
Open Firefox.
Click the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-right corner, then select "Settings" (on desktop) or "Search" (on mobile).
Scroll down to "Search Shortcuts" (desktop) or "Default Search Engine" (mobile).
Click "Add new search engine" or "Add Search Engine."
Fill in the name (e.g., "AI-Free Web") and for the search string, use:
https://www.google.com/search?udm=14&q=%sSave your changes and make this your default search engine if you wish.
Sub-heading: Option D: Using Browser Extensions (e.g., uBlock Origin)
For users who want to block AI overviews with a content blocker, uBlock Origin is a popular choice.
Install uBlock Origin: If you don't already have it, install the uBlock Origin browser extension for your desktop browser (it's available for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.). Note: uBlock Origin might no longer be available in the Chrome Web Store for new installations, so if you're a new user on Chrome, this might not be an option.
Access uBlock Origin Settings: Click on the uBlock Origin icon in your browser's toolbar, then click the gear icon (often in the bottom-right) to open the dashboard.
Go to "My Filters": In the uBlock Origin dashboard, click on the "My Filters" tab.
Add the Blocking Filter: On a new line in the filter list, type or paste the following:
www.google.com###Odp5DeAlternatively, some users report success with:google.com##.GcKpuorgoogle.com##.hdzaWeif the first one doesn't work. Google frequently changes their AI overview elements, so these filters may need occasional updating.Click "Apply changes": Save your changes.
This filter should hide the AI overview element from Google search results.
Sub-heading: Option E: The "Cuss Word" or -AR Trick (Less Reliable, More of a Hack)
Some users have found that adding certain characters or even a "cuss word" to their search query can sometimes prevent AI overviews from appearing. This is not an official method and is highly unreliable, as Google's algorithms are constantly updated.
Appending
-arse(with a space and hyphen) to your search query has been reported by some users to block AI overviews. For example, "What is the price of milk? -arse"Appending
-ai overview(with quotes and a dash) can also sometimes work.
Disclaimer: This method is not recommended for consistent results and may lead to unexpected search outcomes.
Step 2: Managing AI in Google Account Settings
Google uses your "Web & App Activity" to personalize various AI features across its services. By managing these settings, you can reduce the impact of AI on your personalized experience.
Go to Your Google Account:
Open your web browser and go to
myaccount.google.com.Sign in if you haven't already.
Navigate to "Data & privacy": In the left-hand menu, click on "Data & privacy."
Manage "Activity controls": Scroll down to the "History settings" section and click on "Web & App Activity."
Toggle Off "Web & App Activity":
This is a significant step. Turning off "Web & App Activity" prevents Google from saving your searches and activity from sites, apps, and devices that use Google services. This will largely disable AI-driven personalization in Search, Google Assistant, and other services.
Click the toggle to turn it off. You'll likely see a pop-up explaining the implications. Confirm your choice.
Consider Other Activity Controls:
While on the "Activity controls" page, you might also consider turning off:
Location History: If you don't want Google to store your location data.
YouTube History: To prevent personalized video recommendations.
Ad Personalization: To limit AI-driven ad targeting.
Impact: Turning off "Web & App Activity" will significantly reduce the personalization of your Google experience, including AI-driven features. This means your search results will be less tailored to your past behavior, and recommendations across Google services will be less personalized.
Tip: Scroll slowly when the content gets detailed.
Step 3: Disabling Google Assistant and Voice Features
Google Assistant relies heavily on AI to understand and respond to your commands. If you wish to reduce this AI interaction, you can disable the Assistant.
Sub-heading: For Android Devices
Open the Google App: Find and open the "Google" app on your Android phone.
Access Settings: Tap your profile picture (usually top-right), then select "Settings."
Find Google Assistant: Scroll down and tap on "Google Assistant."
General Settings: Within the Google Assistant section, look for "All Settings" or "General settings" and tap on it.
Turn Off Google Assistant: Find the toggle to turn off "Google Assistant" and slide it to the off position.
Disable "Hey Google" (Optional but Recommended): To prevent your phone from constantly listening for the "Hey Google" hotword, go back to the Google Assistant settings, find "Voice Match," and toggle off "Hey Google."
Sub-heading: For Smart Speakers/Displays (Google Home App)
Open the Google Home App: Launch the Google Home app on your mobile device.
Select Your Device: Tap on the specific smart speaker or display you want to manage.
Device Settings: Tap the gear icon (Settings) for that device.
Disable Google Assistant: Look for an option related to "Google Assistant" or "Digital wellbeing" and disable it. The exact phrasing may vary slightly depending on the device.
Step 4: Managing AI in Gmail (Smart Compose & Smart Reply)
Gmail uses generative AI to offer writing suggestions and quick replies.
Open Gmail: Go to
mail.google.comin your web browser.Access Gmail Settings: Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner, then select "See all settings."
Navigate to the "General" Tab: Ensure you are on the "General" tab.
Disable Smart Compose: Scroll down to the "Smart Compose" section.
Select the radio button for "Writing suggestions off."
Disable Smart Reply: Scroll down a bit further to the "Smart Reply" section.
Select the radio button for "Smart Reply off."
Save Changes: Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Save Changes."
Step 5: Reviewing Chrome's AI Innovations (Experimental Features)
Chrome itself may have experimental AI features. It's worth checking these if you want to minimize AI presence.
Open Chrome Settings: Type or paste
chrome://settings/aiInnovationsinto your Chrome address bar and press Enter.Review AI Features: This page will show you any experimental AI features that might be enabled.
Toggle Off Unwanted Features: If you see any toggles for "AI innovations" or similar features, you can turn them off. Read the descriptions carefully to understand their function.
Note: This section might be empty or not visible depending on your Chrome version and whether you're part of any AI-related experiments.
Step 6: Addressing AI-Powered Autofill and Suggestions in Chrome
While not "generative" in the same way as AI Overviews, Chrome's autofill and suggestions rely on AI to predict your input.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Open Chrome Settings: Go to
chrome://settings.Autofill Section: In the left-hand menu, click on "Autofill."
Here you can manage "Passwords," "Payment methods," and "Addresses and more." You can turn off saving these details or delete existing entries if you wish to reduce AI's role in filling them out.
"Sync and Google services": In the left-hand menu, click on "You and Google," then "Sync and Google services."
Scroll down to "Other Google services."
You can toggle off "Autocomplete searches and URLs" to prevent Chrome from suggesting completions based on your typing and Browse history.
Final Thoughts
While completely eradicating AI from all Google services might be an ongoing challenge due to its deep integration, following these steps will significantly reduce its visible presence and influence on your daily interactions. Google is constantly evolving, so it's a good idea to periodically review your settings and stay informed about new AI features that might be introduced. Empowering yourself with knowledge about these settings allows you to customize your digital experience to your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to turn off AI Overviews in Google Search?
You can turn off AI Overviews by using the "Web" tab after a search, setting "Google web" as your default search engine in Chrome/Firefox with the udm=14 parameter, or using a browser extension like uBlock Origin with a specific filter. If you opted into Search Labs, you can disable "AI Overviews and more" there.
How to stop Google Assistant from listening?
You can stop Google Assistant from listening by disabling it in your Android phone's Google app settings under "Google Assistant" > "General settings" and by turning off "Hey Google" in "Voice Match." For smart speakers, disable it through the Google Home app for the specific device.
How to prevent Google from personalizing search results with AI?
To prevent AI from personalizing search results, go to your Google Account's "Data & privacy" settings and turn off "Web & App Activity." This will stop Google from saving your search and Browse history for personalization purposes.
How to disable Smart Compose and Smart Reply in Gmail?
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
Open Gmail settings, go to the "General" tab, and find the "Smart Compose" and "Smart Reply" sections. Select "Writing suggestions off" and "Smart Reply off" respectively, then save your changes.
How to manage experimental AI features in Chrome?
You can manage experimental AI features in Chrome by typing chrome://settings/aiInnovations into your address bar. Here, you can review and toggle off any AI innovations that are enabled.
How to remove AI-driven autofill and suggestions in Chrome?
Go to Chrome settings, then navigate to "Autofill" to manage saved passwords, payment methods, and addresses. Under "You and Google" > "Sync and Google services," you can also toggle off "Autocomplete searches and URLs."
How to know if I have Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) enabled?
Look for a "Labs" icon (often a beaker) near the search bar or at the top-right of your Google Search page. If you see this icon, you likely have SGE or other Search Labs experiments enabled.
How to get traditional "ten blue links" Google search results?
You can consistently get traditional "ten blue links" by using the "Web" tab after a search or by setting up a custom search engine in your browser (like Chrome or Firefox) that includes the udm=14 parameter in the search URL.
How to block AI overviews with uBlock Origin?
Install uBlock Origin, open its settings, go to "My Filters," and add www.google.com###Odp5De (or other current filters like google.com##.GcKpu or google.com##.hdzaWe) to hide the AI overview element. Remember to apply changes.
How to provide feedback to Google about AI Overviews?
At the bottom of each AI Overview, you'll typically find "Thumbs up" and "Thumbs down" icons. Click these to indicate if the overview was helpful or unhelpful, and you'll often have an option to provide more detailed feedback or report a problem.
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