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What is Google AI Mode?
Short answer
AI Mode is a free tab in Google Search that answers questions with an AI written response, plus links to websites, and lets you ask follow up questions like a chatbot. Google launched it in the UK on 28 July 2025. It runs many searches at once and combines the results. It is separate from the Gemini app.
How to use AI Mode
You can get to AI Mode in three ways:
- Search on Google as normal, then select the AI Mode tab above the results.
- Go straight to google.com/ai in any browser.
- Open the Google app on Android or iPhone and tap AI Mode.
Type a longer, more detailed question than you would in normal search. Google's example from the UK launch was planning a weekend in Edinburgh for friends who like food and music. You can then ask follow ups, such as "which of those are near Leith?", and AI Mode keeps the context. You can also ask using your voice or a photo.
How AI Mode works
Google calls the technique "query fan out". AI Mode breaks your question into subtopics, issues lots of searches at the same time and writes an answer from what it finds, with links to the sources. When Google is not confident an AI answer would help, it shows ordinary web links instead. At UK launch it used a custom version of Gemini 2.5; Google updates the model over time.
AI Mode, AI Overviews and Gemini compared
| AI Overviews | AI Mode | Gemini app | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | Top of normal Google results | Its own tab or google.com/ai | gemini.google.com and the Gemini app |
| What it does | Short summary for some searches | Full AI answer with follow ups | General assistant for writing, images and tasks |
| Cost | Free | Free | Free, with paid Google AI plans |
| Best for | Quick facts | Research and comparisons | Writing, planning, creating |
If you mainly want an answer grounded in current web pages, AI Mode is usually the better fit. If you want to draft an email or make an image, use Gemini. See is Google Gemini free?
Does AI Mode save my history?
Yes, if your history settings are on. Google is moving Search to new settings called Search Services History and Personalised Recommendations, which replace Web and App Activity for Search. With history on, you can pick up past AI Mode conversations; you can turn history off or delete AI Mode searches in your Google Account. Google says history may now include images and audio you used. Google Workspace business accounts may need an administrator to enable Search history.
Using AI Mode for business research
AI Mode is good for questions like "compare van leasing options for a sole trader in the UK" or "what do I need to register as a food business in Leeds". To get better results:
- Mention that you are in the UK and, where it matters, England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- Ask it to cite GOV.UK, HMRC or the regulator, then click through and check.
- Ask follow ups rather than starting again, so it keeps your context.
- Treat figures, deadlines and legal points as leads to check, not final answers. See is Google AI Overview accurate?
What AI Mode means for your website
AI Mode can answer questions without people clicking through, which worries many small businesses. The pages it links to tend to be clear, specific and trustworthy. Make sure your Google Business Profile is complete and your site answers real customer questions in plain English. See how to monitor Google AI Overviews and does AI written content rank on Google?
Common mistakes
- Assuming AI Mode answers are checked by Google staff. They are generated automatically.
- Typing short keyword searches, which waste what AI Mode is good at.
- Forgetting that UK law and tax often differ between the nations.
- Leaving history on for a shared work computer.
Want AI Mode and ChatGPT to find your business? See how to get your business recommended by ChatGPT (UK).
Related questions
Is Google AI Mode free?
Yes. AI Mode is free in Google Search for anyone in a supported country, including the UK. You do not need a paid Google AI plan.
Is Google AI Mode the same as Gemini?
No. Both use Google's Gemini models, but AI Mode is part of Google Search and focuses on web answers with links. The Gemini app is a separate assistant.
Can I turn off AI Mode?
AI Mode only appears when you choose the tab or go to google.com/ai, so you can simply not use it. AI Overviews are different. See can you turn off AI Overviews?
Is AI Mode available on iPhone?
Yes, in the Google app for iPhone and in any browser at google.com/ai.
Sources
- Google: introducing AI Mode in the UK (28 July 2025)
- Google Search Help: get AI powered responses with AI Mode
- Google Search Help: Search Services History and Personalised Recommendations
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
- Are AI chatbots dangerous?
- Can AI analyse a video?
- Can AI compare two documents?
- Can AI help me write a book?
- Can AI proofread a document?
- Can ChatGPT be used for business?
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