There’s no full “off” switch, but you’re not stuck with it. You can toggle it off in Search Labs, add “noai” to your searches, or change your default search engine to get back the clean, classic Google experience.
In this guide on how to remove AI Mode from Google, I’ll show you the top alternatives for a better search experience and explain how turning it off can instantly improve your privacy and speed. Let’s help you take back control.
What is Google AI Mode?
AI Mode is an experimental feature in Google Search (launched via Labs) that extends the capabilities of AI Overviews using a custom version of Gemini 2.0. It allows users to:
- Ask complex, multi-part, or nuanced questions.
- Get AI-powered answers with deeper reasoning and multimodal understanding.
- Receive follow-up capabilities and links to high-quality content.
- Tap into real-time sources like the Knowledge Graph and shopping data.
Can You Turn Off Google AI Mode Directly?
No, Google does not offer a full “off” switch for AI Mode. You can turn off some AI features through Search Labs, but tools like AI mode are built-in and can’t be completely disabled. Only partial workarounds like browser extensions or using the “Web” filter are available.
How to Turn Off AI Mode on Google [Quick Video Tutorial]
This short video walks you through the exact steps to remove or hide Google’s AI Mode, so you can get back to clean, classic search results fast.
According to Robby Stein, VP of Product at Google Search, AI Mode is designed to offer a richer search experience by using multimodal understanding. It lets users upload images, ask questions, and get detailed answers with useful links.
How to Remove AI Mode from Google [4 Simple Steps]
Google doesn’t offer a one-click way to disable AI Mode completely, but you can still hide or avoid AI mode using a few simple tricks. Here are four effective ways to do it:
- 1. Use the “Web” Filter in Google Search
- 2. Add a Browser Extension (Desktop Only)
- 3. Set Up a Custom Google Search Without AI
- 4. Use a Different Search Engine
1. Use the “Web” Filter in Google Search
This is the quickest way to remove AI summaries from your search results without needing tools or setup. Google’s “Web” filter shows only traditional blue links, just like the old days.
It works well for quick searches when you don’t want AI-generated responses getting in the way.
Here’s how you can filter out AI Mode results using a custom search URL:
- Go to google.com and type your search.
- At the top of the results page, click or tap “More”.
- Select “Web” from the dropdown.
- You’ll now see standard results with no AI answers on top.
2. Add a Browser Extension (Desktop Only)
If you use Google Search regularly on desktop, a browser extension can automatically block AI results for you. Once added, it filters out AI Mode so you only see normal search links.
It’s a simple one-time setup that runs in the background every time you search. Some extensions also help turn off Google AI features more broadly, including other AI experiments beyond AI Mode.
Here’s how you can turn off AI Mode using an extension:
- Open the Chrome Web Store
- Search for extensions like “Hide Google AI Mode” or “Bye Bye, Google AI”
- Click Add to Chrome
- Follow the extension’s setup steps if prompted
3. Set Up a Custom Google Search Without AI
This method creates a cleaner Google experience without AI summaries by using a custom search engine. Once set up, it loads traditional results every time. It takes a few minutes to configure but works reliably across devices.
Here’s how you can turn off AI Mode using a custom search URL:
For Chrome:
- Go to Settings then Search Engine
- Click Manage Search Engines
- Click Add and enter the following
- Name: Classic Google
- Keyword: google
- URL: {google:baseURL}search?q=%s&udm=14
- Click Make default
For Firefox:
- Go to Settings then Search
- Click Add Search Engine
- Use the same URL format above and set it as default
4. Use a Different Search Engine
If you want to skip AI entirely, switching search engines is the easiest fix. Tools like DuckDuckGo and Brave Search focus on privacy and deliver clean results without AI summaries.
They work out of the box and need no configuration.
Here’s how you can turn off AI Mode by switching search engines:
- Visit duckduckgo.com or search.brave.com
- Go to your browser’s Settings
- Set your preferred search engine as the default
- You’re now using a clean, AI-free search experience
How to Turn Off Google AI Mode on Different Devices?
You can disable Google AI Mode from Search Labs in any browser. Just make sure you’re signed in to your Google account. Here’s how to do it on the following devices:
How to Turn off Google AI on Android?
- Turn on or off “AI Mode” in Search Labs
- On your Android device, open any browser.
- Make sure you’re signed in to your Google Account.
- At the top of the page, tap Search Labs, and then Manage.
- Toggle off or on “AI Mode”.
How to Remove AI Mode from Computer?
- Turn on or off “AI Mode” in Search Labs
- On your computer, open any browser.
- Make sure you’re signed in to your Google Account.
- At the top of the browser, click New tab.
- At the top of the page, click Search Labs, and then Manage.
- Toggle off or on “AI Mode”.
How to Turn off Google AI on iPhone?
- Turn on or off “AI Mode” in Search Labs
- On your iPhone, open any browser.
- Make sure you’re signed in to your Google Account.
- At the top of the page, tap Search Labs, and then Manage More.
- Toggle off or on “AI Mode”.
Why You Might Want to Turn Off Google AI Mode?
Not everyone enjoys AI features in search. If you prefer the classic results, here’s why you might want to turn off AI Mode or even turn off Meta AI on other platforms doing the same.
- Accuracy and Reliability: Sometimes, AI gives answers that are wrong or confusing. This can be a problem if you’re looking for something serious or detailed. Many people like to read from different websites and decide for themselves, instead of reading just one AI answer.
- Privacy Concerns: AI tools often collect data to learn more about you. If you don’t like the idea of your searches being watched or saved, you may want to turn off this feature and keep your searches more private.
- User Experience: AI answers can take up a lot of room on your screen. They sometimes make it harder to see the regular search results. This can slow you down if you just want to quickly click on a website.
- Control and Preference: Some people simply like the normal search style better. Turning off AI Mode lets you stay in control and look through results your own way, without any extra help from AI.
Additional Tips
- Extensions can be toggled on/off if you want to temporarily see AI mode again.
- No official Google setting currently exists to permanently disable AI mode for all users.
- Clearing browser cache or disabling other AI-powered features (like Google Assistant) does not affect AI mode in search results.
“AI Mode” Annoying You Too? Here’s What Reddit Users Are Saying
Most Reddit users are frustrated with Google’s new AI Mode tab, especially its placement next to the “All” tab, which they believe is designed to trick users into clicking it. Many have already removed AI Overviews using extensions but are now trying to block just the AI Mode tab itself.
The most common solution shared is using uBlock Origin with custom filters. Some are even considering switching to alternative search engines like Ecosia or StartPage, though many admit they still depend on Google for tools like Maps.
There’s a shared concern that Google is forcing AI adoption without giving users proper control.
Gemini vs ChatGPT vs Perplexity: Which AI Tool Gives You the Best Search Experience?
Here is the comparison of Gemini (Google), ChatGPT (OpenAI), and Perplexity AI to help you decide which one fits your style or whether you want to avoid them all.
Feature | Gemini (Google AI Mode) | ChatGPT | Perplexity AI |
Summary Style | Instant snapshots above search results | Conversational chat-based answers | Real-time answers with citations |
Source Transparency | ❌ No citations shown | ✅ Shows source if browsing enabled | ✅ Always links sources |
Control Over Results | ❌ Limited (no opt-out) | ✅ Full control with custom GPTs | ✅ Use /focus to fine-tune |
Data Privacy | Google tracks searches | Optional login | Anonymous mode available |
Hidden Trick | Use “Web” filter to skip AI | Use Custom GPTs to mimic search | Type /focus for deeper answers |
Best For | Visual summaries and mobile use | Creative workflows, API use | Research-heavy tasks with citations |
⭐ Overall Rating | ⭐⭐ (2/5) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
Does Disabling AI Mode Improve Privacy and Speed?
Yes. Turning off Google’s AI Mode (also called Search Generative Experience or SGE) can significantly boost both your privacy and search speed, especially in 2025 where AI results often add clutter and increase background tracking.
When it comes to privacy, here’s what improves after disabling AI Mode:
- Less Tracking: Google stops collecting detailed behavior like your clicks, scrolls, and hover time.
- No Predictive Monitoring: It won’t analyze your habits to generate auto-suggestions or preemptive answers.
- Fewer Background Requests: Disabling SGE stops hidden preload calls that quietly fetch AI results behind the scenes.
How Google AI Mode Might Change in the Future?
AI Mode is evolving fast. Here’s what to expect in the coming years:
- Multimodal AI Integration: AI will move beyond text. It will combine text, voice, images, and video to give richer, more natural answers. For example, you might see a summary with helpful videos or hear an audio clip along with your search result.
- Personalization with Memory: AI Mode will remember your past searches, preferences, and behavior. It can suggest things like restaurants or events based on your history. You’ll also have the option to manage or limit what it remembers.
- Easier AI Creation for All: No-code and low-code tools will let anyone build custom AI using simple interfaces. This means non-tech users like teachers, creators, and small businesses can create AI tools quickly without programming.
- Smarter and Private Computing: Technologies like neuromorphic computing and federated AI will let devices learn locally. Your phone or smart gadget can process AI tasks without sending raw data to servers, improving privacy and performance.
- Better Context Handling: AI will handle longer conversations and remember more details. It will give smarter replies that consider your past inputs without using too much computing power.
- Impact Across Industries: AI Mode will improve healthcare (personalized care), education (custom learning), finance (risk analysis), transport (smart traffic), and marketing (targeted ads). It will also automate repetitive work and support decision-making.
Google’s new AI Mode is already making waves. In early tests using Gemini 2.5, it boosted engagement by 10% compared to regular searches. That means more people are interacting with what they see, right inside the AI results.
If this keeps up, it might be worth using tools like the “Web” filter or setting up a custom search, just to keep a bit more control over what you’re seeing. After all, no one wants to feel stuck in a loop of the same AI-generated answers.
Explore More How-to Guides
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- How to Turn off Copilot
FAQs
Can I turn Google AI off?
How do I cancel Google AI?
How do I turn off AI on the internet?
How do I turn off AI on Android?
Wrap Up
To be clear, removing AI Mode isn’t as simple as clicking one button. But with the right steps, you can reduce its impact and get back to a more familiar search experience.
This guide showed you how to remove AI Mode from Google using four simple methods. Now it’s up to you to choose what works best.
Do you prefer the classic search or the new AI version? Let me know in the comments.