Why can't I turn off AI Overviews?

Google treats them as a core part of Search, like knowledge panels, and does not offer a setting to remove them. The Web filter is its official way to see links only.

Does the Web filter work on the Google app?

Yes. After you search in the Google app, swipe along the filters under the search box and tap Web.

Do AI Overviews appear for every search?

No. Google shows them when it thinks they will help, often for questions. Many short searches, such as a business name, show normal results.

Can I report a wrong AI Overview?

Yes. Use the thumbs down button at the bottom of the Overview and explain the problem. For anything dangerous or defamatory, use Google's legal help pages too.

Home › Answers › Getting started with AI

Can you turn off AI Overviews in Google?

Last checked: 18 October 2026 · The AI Till, UK

Short answer

Not completely. Google's help centre says AI Overviews are a core Search feature and cannot be turned off. You can hide them by choosing the Web filter after you search, which shows only text links. You can also make web only results your default in Chrome with a custom search engine, so you rarely see an Overview.

Option 1: use the Web filter

Search on Google as normal.
Under the search box, select Web. On some screens it sits under More.
The page reloads with plain links and no AI Overview, adverts aside.

This works on a computer and on your phone, but you have to do it every time.

Option 2: make web only results your default in Chrome

Chrome lets you add your own search engine. Google's Web filter adds `udm=14` to the search address, and you can use that:

Open Chrome and go to Settings, then Search engine, then Manage search engines and site search.
Next to Site search, select Add.
Name it "Google Web", use a shortcut such as "gw", and set the URL to `https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14`
Save it, then open the three dot menu next to it and choose Make default.

Searches from the address bar now open straight into web results. You can do the same in Edge and Firefox through their search engine settings. On iPhone and Android, where browsers limit custom engines, bookmark a Google page with the Web filter selected, or use a different search engine.

Option 3: switch search engine

Bing shows its own AI generated answers too, and some privacy focused engines, such as DuckDuckGo, let you turn AI answers down or off in their settings. If you want no AI at all, check the settings of whichever engine you choose.

Turning off "AI in Search" in Labs

Google's Labs page has a toggle called "AI in Search". Turning it off stops you getting experimental AI features early. It does not remove standard AI Overviews, which is a common misunderstanding.

AI Overviews in Gmail and other Google apps

Gmail can show AI summaries of long email threads and AI answers when you search your inbox. These are controlled separately. In Gmail on a computer, open Settings, See all settings, then General, and manage "Smart features in Google Workspace". Turning them off removes Gemini features, but it also turns off other smart features, so read what each setting covers first. See is Gemini in Gmail safe?

Why you might still want to read them

AI Overviews can be handy for a quick fact, but they can be wrong, especially on UK tax, law and health, where rules differ between the nations and change each April. If you rely on one, click the linked source and check it is GOV.UK, HMRC, the NHS or another primary source. See is Google AI Overview accurate?

For business owners

You cannot opt your customers out of AI Overviews either. What you can do is make sure Google has good information about your business: a complete Google Business Profile, a website that answers real questions clearly, and up to date prices and opening times. See how to monitor Google AI Overviews.

Common mistakes

Installing a browser extension that promises to block AI Overviews and asks for permission to read every site you visit. Check the publisher and reviews first.
Turning off "AI in Search" in Labs and expecting Overviews to disappear.
Adding "-ai" or swear words to searches. These tricks change your results and stop working without notice.
Confusing AI Overviews with AI Mode, which only appears when you choose it. See what is Google AI Mode?

Sources

Checked 18 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the source before you rely on it. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.

More on getting started with ai

All getting started with ai answers · All answers · Guides · AI tools directory

Get one useful AI tool in your inbox each weekday

Free, plain English, five minutes to read. Unsubscribe any time.

See our privacy notice.