Google AI Overview offers AI-generated summaries at the top of search results for quick information. Even though users enjoy using the best AI tools, many still prefer traditional search ways due to concerns about AI accuracy and a desire for more control over the sources they see.
Learn how to turn off Google AI Overview, with these steps. You can use the “Web” tab on a desktop to hide AI summaries. For mobile devices, explore the settings in your Google app or browser to manage and limit AI-generated content.
Want to learn how to disable Google AI? Keep reading to learn more!
What is Google AI Overview?
Google AI Overview provides AI-generated answers to your search queries. Starting May 14, these summaries appear at the top of search results when Google determines they can quickly provide useful information.
For example, if you search “How do airplanes fly,” you might see a summary explaining the principles of lift and aerodynamics, along with links to the sources.
This improvement in search quality comes amidst Google’s decision to suspend the creation of AI-generated summaries, reflecting their commitment to responsibly harnessing AI advancements while addressing concerns around accuracy and reliability.
Can you Turn off Google AI Overview?
Unfortunately, you cannot turn off Google AI Overview directly. This feature, much like knowledge panels, is integrated into Google Search and is designed to enhance the search experience by providing quick, AI-generated answers.
However, if you find these overviews unhelpful, there are several workarounds to reduce their presence:
How to Turn Off Google AI Overview on Desktop? – Step-by-Step Guide:
Let’s get straight to the point: there’s no direct “off” button for Google’s AI Overviews feature. Instead, you can use the “Web” tab to hide AI summaries and see traditional search results. Here’s how to turn off Google AI Overview on your desktop:
1) Hiding AI with the Web Tab
- On a Computer: After running your search, click the “⋮ More” tab above the search results, then select “Web” to hide the AI-generated summary and view the usual list of links.
2) Blocking AI with a Chrome Extension
- Install the Hide Google AI Overviews Extension
If you prefer not to switch to the “Web” tab every time you search and use a computer, you can install the “Hide Google AI Overviews” extension.
This browser extension automatically removes AI-generated summaries from Google search results.
To Install:
Step. 1: Go to the Hide Google AI Overviews page on the Chrome Web Store.
Step 2: Click “Add to Chrome.”
Step 3: Click “Add extension.”
3. Turn Off Google AI Overview Using Chrome Settings
Step 1: Open Google Chrome on your computer.
Step 2: Click on the three dots (⋮) in the browser’s upper-right corner to open the menu, then select “Settings.”
Step 3: In the Settings menu, scroll down to the “Search engine” section and click “Manage search engines and site search.”
Step 4: Click on the “Add” button next to “Site search.”
Step 5: In the pop-up that appears, fill in the following details:
-
- Search engine: Google Web
- Shortcut: google.com
- URL with %s in place of query: {google:baseURL}/search?udm=14&q=%s
- Click “Add.”
Step 6: Find the newly added search engine in the list, click on the three dots (⋮) next to it, and select “Make default.”
Step 7: Restart Chrome to apply the changes.
How to Turn Off Google AI Overview on Mobile Devices?
Managing AI Overviews on your Android device is straightforward. Follow these steps to learn how to turn off Google AI Overview on your Android device.
- Open Your App or Browser: On your Android or iOS device, open the Google app, Chrome, or Firefox.
- Sign In: Ensure you’re signed in to your Google Account and that Incognito mode is turned off.
- Access Labs: Tap on the “Labs” icon at the top of the screen.
- AI Overviews and More: Go to AI Overviews and more.
- Turn off the switch for “AI Overviews and more.”
Note: Turning off “AI Overviews and more” in Search Labs won’t disable all AI Overviews in Google Search. AI Overviews are integrated features like knowledge panels and can’t be completely turned off.
Why Would You Want to Turn It Off?
You may want to turn off Google AI Overview due to:
- Preference for Classic Search Results: Some people just like the traditional list of search results more than the AI-generated summaries.
- Skepticism About AI Content: You might worry about how reliable or accurate the AI’s information is.
- Wanting More Source Variety: Sometimes, you might want to see a wider range of perspectives and sources than what the AI summary shows.
- Accuracy Concerns: There’s always the chance that responses of Google AI overview are not right or pick the best information. This concern is magnified when considering the unexpectedly funny errors that can emerge.
- Control Over What You See: You might prefer to choose and evaluate the sources yourself rather than depending on the AI’s picks.
Wondering about the broader implications of AI on search? Concerns have been rising about generative AI ruining Google search results. This article dives into how the introduction of AI in search could affect the quality and trustworthiness of the information we come to rely on.
What Common Issues Might You Encounter and How to Resolve Them?
When trying to disable AI features in your search results, you may run into several issues. Here’s troubleshooting common problems when learning how to turn Off Google AI Overview:
- Difficulty Finding Settings
- Issue: Locating the specific settings to turn off Google AI Overview can be challenging.
- Resolution: Navigate to your Google account settings, then go to “Data & Personalization” and look for AI or personalized search settings.
- Settings Not Available
- Issue: The option to disable AI Overview might not be available in your region or account type.
- Resolution: Check for updates or changes in Google’s settings periodically, or consult Google’s help center for more information.
- Changes Not Taking Effect
- Issue: After adjusting settings, AI Overviews may still appear in your search results.
- Resolution: Clear your browser cache and cookies, then restart your browser to ensure changes take effect.
- Confusion Between Devices
- Issue: Settings changed on one device may not sync with other devices.
- Resolution: Ensure you are signed into the same Google account on all devices and manually update settings on each one if needed.
- Limited Control
- Issue: Some aspects of AI Overview may be controlled by broader Google algorithms that cannot be turned off individually.
- Resolution: Use alternative search engines or browser extensions that limit AI-generated content if complete control is desired.
What Are the Future Trends in AI Integration in Search Engines?
The future of search engines is evolving rapidly with AI, making searches smarter and more personalized. Here are key trends to watch:
- Rise of the AI Oracle
No more complex keyword searches. For instance, asking “What’s a good book to read?” will yield personalized suggestions based on your reading habits. One notable development in this direction is the OpenAI set to challenge Google with a new search engine launch, pointing towards how competitive the future of AI in search engines is becoming. - Focus on “Helpful Content”
High-quality, original content will dominate. For example, detailed guides and in-depth articles will rank higher than keyword-stuffed posts. Here, efforts like Brave roll out new AI-powered search engines demonstrate how modern search engines emphasize delivering value-driven results to users. - Multimedia Explosion
Text isn’t enough anymore. Searching for “how to fix a leaky faucet” might bring up step-by-step videos and interactive guides, not just text. - Voice Search Takes Center Stage
Voice search is growing fast. Asking “Where’s the nearest coffee shop?” will get you instant, voice-optimized results. - Personalization Reigns Supreme
Search engines will tailor results based on your history and behavior. For example, searching “weekend getaways” will show personalized travel options. - Search Beyond the Web
Search engines will blend online and real-world experiences. Searching “concerts near me” could provide live maps and real-time ticket availability.
Get More Inspiration: Explore these How-to Guides Too:
For additional inspiration and practical advice, explore these how-to guides below:
- How to Turn Off Meta AI
- How to Delete My AI on Snapchat
- How to Spot an AI-Generated Image
- How To Use AI To Automate A YouTube Channel
- How to Use AI to Write a Business Plan
FAQs
Is it possible to completely remove AI Overviews from Google Search?
Are there any browser extensions to help disable Google AI Overview?
Does disabling Google AI Overview affect other Google services?
How to Verify If Google AI Overview Is Disabled?
Why does Google have an AI overview?
Wrap Up
Understanding how to turn off Google AI Overview can help you regain control over your search experience.
Whether you prefer traditional search results or have concerns about AI accuracy, managing this feature ensures you access the information you trust most. Want to learn more about AI? Have a look at the AI glossary.
