How to disable Google AI Overviews on desktop and mobile

The friction of AI summaries

Google's AI Overviews have become a standard part of the search experience, following an initial rollout that was described as disastrous. While the feature has improved significantly since its debut, many users still find it problematic for high-accuracy tasks. The primary issue is that these summaries often require users to click through to source links to verify every individual fact.

Because the AI can still hallucinate or pull from incorrect sources, the summary can sometimes act as a hurdle rather than a help. For many, it is faster to ignore the AI-generated content entirely and go straight to the original sources. This creates a desire for a way to hide these summaries without losing the core functionality of the search engine.

As androidpolice.com reported, there is currently no single switch in the Chrome browser or the Google app to turn off these overviews. This lack of a toggle means users must rely on specific filters or manual workarounds to customize their search results. These methods vary depending on whether the user is browsing on a desktop computer or a mobile device.

Using the Web filter

The simplest way to bypass AI Overviews on a desktop is to use the 'Web' tab within the search filters. This option is often buried under the 'More' tab, where Google typically places filters that it considers less relevant to the average user. Clicking this option effectively strips away the AI summaries and returns the page to a list of blue links.

While this method is clean and elegant, it is not a selective filter. When you select the 'Web' option, it removes every other category from your results as well. This means you will no longer see videos, images, news articles, Maps results, or shopping suggestions in your search feed. It provides a minimalist experience that focuses exclusively on standard web pages.

A significant limitation of this method is that Google does not allow users to set the 'Web' filter as the default search mode. Every time a user performs a new search, they must manually navigate back to the filter to hide the AI content. This makes it a convenient temporary fix but less ideal for users who want a permanent change to their search behavior.

Prefixes and custom engines

For users who want to keep other filters like Maps or Images while only removing the AI Overviews, a manual prefix can be used. By typing '-ai' before a search query, the AI Overviews will be removed from the results. This method works on both mobile and desktop devices, making it a versatile tool for those who don't mind a small amount of extra typing.

To make this process more efficient on a desktop, users can build a custom search engine in the browser settings. By entering a specific URL that includes the 'udm=14' parameter, a user can create a shortcut that automatically applies the 'Web' filter. This allows the user to bypass the AI Overviews without having to click through the 'More' tab every time they search.

For example, a user can set a shortcut like 'gg' in the Chrome address bar. When they type 'gg' followed by their query, the browser will instantly deliver web-filtered results. This process works in any browser that supports custom search engines, such as Firefox and Vivaldi. However, because mobile apps for Chrome do not support custom search engines, mobile users are generally restricted to using the '-ai' prefix.

Extensions and limitations

There are several extensions available in the Chrome Web Store designed to hide Google AI Overviews. These tools can provide a quick fix for users who prefer a one-click solution rather than learning new search syntax or browser settings. However, these extensions do not actually stop the search engine from triggering the AI; they simply hide the visual output of the summary.

Some users may prefer to avoid extensions because they can be prone to breaking frequently as Google updates its interface. Additionally, if the primary goal is to reduce the 'search cost' of interacting with AI, using the 'Web' filter or the '-ai' prefix is often more direct. These methods ensure the AI content is never requested in the first place rather than just being hidden from view.

Ultimately, the best method depends on the device and the specific needs of the user. While the 'Web' filter is the most thorough for desktop users, the '-ai' prefix remains the most practical way to manage results on mobile. Learning these different ways to manipulate search queries allows users to build a search experience that fits their specific needs for accuracy and speed.