Google’s AI Overview features AI-generated summaries at the top of search results for quick insights. While users love using the best AI tools , many still prefer traditional search methods due to concerns about AI accuracy and a desire to have more control over the sources they see.
Learn how to turn off Google’s AI overview by following these steps. You can use the Web tab on desktop to hide AI summaries. For mobile devices, explore your Google app or browser settings to manage and limit AI-generated content .
Want to know 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 will appear at the top of search results when Google determines they can quickly provide useful information.
For example, if you search for » How airplanes fly , » you’ll see a summary explaining the principles of lift and aerodynamics , along with links to sources.
Can you turn off Google AI Overview?
Unfortunately, you can’t directly opt out of Google AI Overview . This feature, like Knowledge Panels, is built into Google Search and is designed to improve the search experience by providing quick answers generated by AI.
However, if you find these previews unnecessary, there are several workarounds to reduce their presence:
How to Turn Off Google AI Overview on Desktop? – Step by Step Guide:
Let’s cut to the chase: There’s no direct “off” button for Google’s AI Overviews feature. Instead, you can use the “ Web ” tab to hide the AI summaries and see traditional search results. Here’s how to turn off Google’s AI Overviews on your desktop:
1) Hide AI with 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 regular list of links.
2) Block AI with a Chrome extension
- Install the Google AI Hide Previews extension
If you prefer not to switch to the “Web” tab every time you search and are using a computer, you can install the “Hide Google AI previews” extension.
This browser extension automatically removes AI-generated summaries from Google search results.
To install:
Step. 1 : Go to the Hide Google AI previews page on the Chrome Web Store .
Step 2 : Click “ Add to Chrome ”.
Step 3 : Click “ Add Extension ”.
3) Disable Google AI Preview using Chrome Settings
Step 1 : Open Google Chrome on your computer.
Step 2 : Click the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner of the browser 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 the “ Add ” button next to “Site Search”.
Step 5 : In the pop-up that appears, fill in the following information :
-
- Search engine : Google Web
- Shortcut : google.com
- URL with %s instead 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 “ Set as Default. ”
Step 7 : Restart Chrome to apply the changes.
How to turn off Google AI Overview on mobile devices?
Managing AI previews on your Android device is easy. Follow these steps to learn how to turn off Google’s AI preview on your Android device.
- Open your app or browser: On your Android or iOS device, open the Google , Chrome , or Firefox app .
- Sign in: Make sure you’re signed in to your Google account and incognito mode is turned off.
- Access Labs: Tap the “ Labs ” icon at the top of the screen.
- AI Insights and More: Access AI Insights and more.
- Turn off the switch for “AI previews and more”.
Note: Disabling “AI Previews and more” in Search Labs will not disable all AI Previews in Google Search. AI Previews are built-in features like Knowledge Panels and cannot be completely disabled.
Why would you want to turn it off?
You may want to opt out of Google AI Overview for the following reasons:
- Preference for traditional search results: Some people prefer the traditional list of search results to AI-generated summaries.
- Skepticism about AI content: You may be concerned about the reliability or accuracy of the information provided by AI.
- You want a wider variety of sources: Sometimes you may want to see a broader range of perspectives and sources than what the AI summary shows.
- Accuracy issues: There is always a risk that Google’s AI preview answers may not be correct or may not select the best information.
- Control over what you see: You may prefer to choose and evaluate sources yourself rather than relying on AI choices.
Wondering what the broader implications of AI are for search? There are growing concerns that generative AI is ruining Google’s search results. This article examines how the introduction of AI into search could affect the quality and reliability of the information we rely on.
What common problems might you encounter and how to solve them?
When you try to turn off AI features in your search results, you may encounter several issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems when learning how to turn off Google’s AI overview:
- Difficulty finding settings
- Problem: It can be difficult to locate the specific settings to turn off Google’s AI preview.
- Resolution: Go to your Google account settings, then go to “Data and personalization” and look for AI or personalized search settings.
- Settings not available
- Issue: The option to disable AI Overview may not be available in your region or account type.
- Resolution: Check Google settings regularly for updates or changes , or visit the Google Help Center for more information.
- Changes do not take effect
- Issue: After adjusting settings, AI previews may still appear in your search results.
- Resolution: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, then restart your browser to ensure the changes take effect.
- Confusion between devices
- Issue: Settings changed on one device may not sync to other devices.
- Resolution: Make sure you are signed in to the same Google account on all devices and manually update settings on each if necessary.
- Limited control
- Issue: Some aspects of AI presentation 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 rapidly evolving with AI making searches smarter and more personalized. Here are the top trends to watch:
- The Rise of Oracle AI
No more complex keyword searches. For example, asking “What’s a good book to read?” will produce personalized suggestions based on your reading habits. - Focus on “useful content”
Original, high-quality content will dominate. For example, detailed guides and in-depth articles will rank higher than keyword-stuffed articles. - Media explosion text
is no longer enough. Searching for “how to fix a leaky faucet” can bring up step-by-step videos and interactive guides, not just text. - Voice search takes center stage
Voice search is growing rapidly. Asking “Where is 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 for “weekend getaways” will display personalized travel options. - Search beyond the web
Search engines will blend online and real-world experiences. Searching for “concerts near me” could provide live maps and real-time ticket availability.
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FAQ
Is it possible to completely remove AI previews from Google Search?
Are there any browser extensions that can help you disable Google AI previews?
Does disabling Google Overview AI affect other Google services?
How do I check if Google AI Preview is turned off?
Why is Google offering AI Previews?
Conclude
Understanding how to turn off Google AI Overview can help you regain control of your search experience.
Whether you prefer traditional search results or have concerns about AI accuracy , managing this feature ensures you have access to the information you trust most. Want to learn more about AI? Check out the AI Glossary .