How to Turn Off AI Features in Google Search: Disable AI Overview

If you've noticed Google's search results getting crowded with AI-generated summaries, you're not alone. These "AI Overviews" can bury the websites and direct links you're actually looking for. Maybe you just want classic search results, free of algorithmic guesses and summaries. Luckily, there are straightforward ways to take back control and get back to basics—but you need to know the right techniques. Here's what you should consider next.

What Are Google AI Overviews and Why Do People Want to Remove Them?

Google AI Overviews are designed to provide users with quick answers to their queries directly within search results. However, some users express dissatisfaction with these AI-generated responses due to concerns regarding their accuracy and the potential difficulty in accessing reliable sources.

With Google’s AI Overviews, users may observe a reduced number of links to authoritative websites compared to previous search formats. This shift can impede users' ability to verify information and explore topics more comprehensively.

As a result, many individuals are expressing a desire for the option to disable AI Overviews in favor of traditional search results that they consider more trustworthy.

Currently, Google doesn't provide a straightforward method to disable these AI features, which has led some users to explore alternative solutions to revert to their preferred search experience.

This situation highlights the ongoing conversation surrounding the balance between innovation in search technologies and the importance of access to reliable information.

Using the NOT Operator to Exclude AI Overviews

While Google doesn't provide a specific option to disable AI Overviews, users can employ the NOT operator, denoted by the minus sign (-), to exclude these types of responses from search results.

To implement this in a Google search, include -AI in your query. For instance, to find information on “who owns Facebook” without AI-generated summaries, you'd enter “who owns Facebook -AI.”

This method utilizes the NOT operator to filter out AI content, thereby allowing users to tailor their search results more effectively. This approach offers a straightforward means of refining the search experience.

Switching to Traditional Web Results

If you find the use of the NOT operator to be restrictive, an alternative method to gain more control over your search results is to use traditional web results.

You can do this by clicking the “More” menu located under the search bar and selecting the “Web” filter. This action disables AI-generated overviews for your query, thus prioritizing conventional web results which may enhance the accuracy of the information retrieved.

It's important to note that the Web filter needs to be applied with each search, as Google doesn't provide an option to set it as the default.

Additionally, while using this filter will exclude AI content, it may also omit YouTube links and rich snippets, resulting in a search experience that's predominantly text-based.

Adding URL Parameters to Hide AI Overviews

One effective method to bypass Google's AI Overviews is by appending the `&udm=14` parameter to your search URLs.

This adjustment allows users to conceal AI-generated summaries, thereby returning to a search experience that prioritizes standard web results.

This modification doesn't necessitate any additional tools or browser extensions; users simply need to alter their Google search URL by adding `&udm=14` at the end.

This approach can be utilized directly in the browser, saved as bookmarks, or shared with others who may also desire a traditional search format that avoids AI features.

Setting Up AI-Free Search Engines in Your Browser

To eliminate AI-generated overviews from your search results, you can adjust your browser settings to incorporate an AI-free search engine.

This involves modifying the search URL to include `&udm=14`, which disables AI features. In Google Chrome, this can be done by navigating to chrome://settings/searchEngines and creating a new search engine entry labeled “AI-Free Web.”

For Mozilla Firefox, access the settings menu to incorporate similar adjustments.

Additionally, users may consider adding `-AI` to their queries as a straightforward method to filter out AI-generated content.

Bookmarking specific URLs that yield the desired results can also streamline access. Furthermore, browser extensions may be utilized to enforce traditional search results, reducing the prevalence of AI overviews in the search experience.

This approach allows for more control over the types of results displayed during online searches.

Disabling AI Overviews on Mobile Devices

Disabling AI Overviews on mobile devices is more complex than on desktop platforms due to limited plugin support and the absence of straightforward disabling options.

While it isn't possible to completely turn off AI in Google Search on mobile devices, there are methods to filter out AI-generated overview content. One option is to use tenbluelinks.org, a search engine that provides results without AI features.

Users can simply open a new tab and perform their searches there to bypass AI Overviews. Additionally, for mobile users utilizing the Firefox browser, there's an option to manually configure settings that can help reduce the visibility of these AI-generated summaries.

Leveraging Firefox to Block AI Overviews on Mobile

For users seeking greater control over search results on mobile devices, Firefox provides a practical method for filtering AI-generated content.

Within the Firefox mobile application, users can navigate to the settings by tapping the three stacked dots located in the upper right corner. From the settings menu, it's possible to add a new search engine, which can be labeled "AI-free Web."

This process involves careful configuration of the search string to exclude AI-generated content from search results. Once this setup is saved, users can utilize this alternate search engine to avoid AI Overviews during their browsing experience.

It's important to note that any changes made to Firefox's mobile settings or updates to the application may necessitate a revisit to these configurations to ensure ongoing filtering of AI-related content.

While Google's search interface increasingly incorporates AI-generated summaries, it remains possible to obtain traditional search results through the use of proxy sites and specific browser extensions. For instance, proxy sites such as udm14.com allow users to circumvent AI Overviews by appending the &udm=14 parameter to their search queries.

Browser extensions can facilitate this process; however, they necessitate access to search page data, which may raise privacy concerns. It is important to consider user privacy when utilizing these tools, as proxy sites might log user queries. Therefore, reviewing their privacy policies is advisable.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of various extensions and tools can vary considerably; thus, users should verify feedback from other users prior to installation. By selecting the appropriate resources, users can effectively reduce exposure to AI-generated content in search results.

Exploring Alternative Search Engines Without AI Features

With the increasing integration of AI features in mainstream search engines like Google, some users may seek alternatives that prioritize simplicity and privacy.

DuckDuckGo and Qwant are notable choices for those who value user privacy and prefer to avoid AI-generated content, offering a straightforward search experience without AI-driven summaries.

Startpage is another option that provides Google search results while ensuring user privacy by eliminating tracking and avoiding AI enhancements.

For environmentally-conscious users, Ecosia may be appealing, as it not only refrains from intrusive AI features but also allocates a portion of its revenue to reforestation initiatives.

While Bing does incorporate some AI functionalities, it allows users to maintain more control over AI interaction with their search queries.

This can be advantageous for those wishing to limit AI's influence on their search results while still utilizing the platform's search capabilities.

Conclusion

Turning off AI features in Google Search is easier than you think. By tweaking URL parameters, using the NOT operator, or setting up privacy-focused browsers, you can quickly restore the classic search experience you prefer. Don’t forget about tools like proxy sites, browser extensions, and alternative search engines—they’re all at your disposal. With just a few simple steps, you’re in control of your search results and can skip Google’s AI Overviews whenever you want.