How to Turn Off AI Overview in Google Search

If you dislike Google’s AI-generated summaries at the top of results, you are not alone. Many users search for “how to turn off AI Overview” because they want classic blue-link results back, or they simply do not trust AI answers. This guide explains what you can and cannot disable today, plus practical workarounds for desktop and mobile.

Why Google Shows AI Overview So Often

AI Overview is Google’s summary box that appears above normal results for some queries. Google uses its AI models to pull information from multiple pages and show one combined answer, which can feel pushy or unreliable if you prefer to read original sources.

Right now, Google does not offer a single master switch in settings to fully disable AI Overview for all searches. However, you can reduce how often you see it, use alternative search modes, or change tools. The best option depends on how strict you want to be and how much you rely on Google Search each day.

How AI Overview Affects Your Search Results

AI Overview changes where your eyes land on the page and which links you click. The summary often pushes organic results lower, so you may miss useful pages that would normally appear at the top. If you want more control, you need to change how you reach Google and how you load results.

Can You Fully Turn Off AI Overview in Google?

You cannot completely turn off AI Overview with one official toggle in Google Search settings. Google controls when AI Overview appears, based on your query, language, and region. Some users see it more often than others because Google runs experiments and gradual rollouts.

However, you still have meaningful control over your experience. You can change how you access Google, what URL you use, and which browser features you rely on. Think of this guide as a set of workarounds and habits that, combined, almost remove AI Overview from your daily searches.

Limits of Google’s Current Controls

Google’s public settings focus on history, personalization, and ads, not on disabling AI features. That means you must rely on layout choices, URL parameters, and tools outside Google to hide or avoid AI Overview. These methods work well today, but you should expect them to change over time.

Step-by-Step Ways to Reduce AI Overview

Follow these steps in order. Each step reduces AI Overview in a different way. You can stop after the first one that gives you a search experience you like, or stack several together for stronger control.

1. Use “Web” filter instead of “All” on desktop
   On desktop Google Search, run your query as usual.
   At the top, under the search bar, click the Web tab instead of All.
   The Web tab shows a classic list of links and usually hides AI Overview.
   If you like this layout, bookmark a search with the udm=14 parameter and reuse it.
2. On mobile, switch to Web results when available
   On Android or iOS, search in your browser or the Google app.
   Look for the horizontal menu under the search bar (All, Images, Videos, etc.).
   If you see Web, tap it to switch to link-only results.
   This view typically does not show AI Overview, though availability can vary by country and app version.
3. Add “&udm=14” to your Google search URL
   On desktop browsers, type your query into the address bar, then open the result page.
   In the address bar, add &udm=14 at the end of the URL and press Enter.
   This parameter tells Google to load the Web results layout, often without AI Overview.
   You can create a custom search engine in your browser that always adds &udm=14.
4. Use a different Google domain or interface
   Some regional domains or test interfaces show fewer AI Overviews.
   Try using the main global domain instead of a local one in your browser settings.
   If AI Overview appears less often there, set that URL as your default search engine address.
5. Install a browser extension that hides AI blocks
   On Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and other desktop browsers, search for extensions that hide AI answers or AI Overview in Google Search.
   Install one from a trusted developer with strong reviews and clear permissions.
   Most of these tools remove AI sections visually, so you only see regular results, even if Google still generates the AI content in the background.
6. Use alternative search engines for sensitive or important queries
   If you strongly dislike AI summaries, consider using engines that focus on classic results.
   Set one of those engines as your default search in your browser for everyday use.
   You can still use Google when you want, by typing the Google address manually or using a keyword shortcut.
7. Adjust your Google account’s personalization settings
   Open your Google account dashboard and go to data and privacy controls.
   Turn off or limit Web and App Activity and ad personalization if you want fewer personalized results.
   This does not remove AI Overview, but it can change how results look and may reduce some AI-driven personalization.

These steps work best together. For example, use the Web tab plus a browser extension and an alternative engine. That mix gives you control without relying on a single setting Google could change at any time.

Quick Checklist: Which Methods to Try First

If you want a simple plan, focus on the methods that give the biggest change with the least effort. Start with layout changes, then add tools if you still see AI Overview too often.

• Switch to the Web tab on desktop and mobile whenever it appears.
• Use the &udm=14 parameter or a custom search engine shortcut.
• Install one trusted extension that hides AI sections in Google Search.
• Pick one alternative search engine for privacy-sensitive or serious research.

Once you build these habits, AI Overview will appear far less often in your day-to-day searches, even though Google has not given you a direct off switch.

Using the Web-Only View to Avoid AI Overview

The Web view is currently the closest thing to a built-in “turn off AI Overview” option. Instead of mixing AI answers, videos, and other features, Web view concentrates on simple text links. Many users find this faster and easier to scan, especially for research or technical topics.

On desktop, once you click Web for one search, Google may remember that choice for later searches in the same session. Still, you should not rely on this fully. If AI Overview reappears, check that you are still on the Web tab and not back on All, especially after new searches or page reloads.

Comparing “All” vs “Web” Search Views

The table below compares the main differences between the All tab and the Web tab in Google Search. This can help you decide which view fits your habits and how strongly you want to avoid AI Overview.

Key differences between Google’s All and Web search views

The Web tab gives you a more predictable layout and fewer distractions. If you want to avoid AI Overview without leaving Google entirely, making Web your default view is one of the most effective steps.

Handling AI Overview in the Google App

The Google app on Android and iOS does not currently have a clear toggle named “AI Overview off.” AI features are built into the main search experience, so you cannot disable them from a single switch inside the app menus.

However, you can still shape your experience by mixing app settings and browser-based search. Many users keep the app for features like Discover or Lens, but rely on a browser for most searches, where they can use the Web tab, URL parameters, and extensions.

Practical Options for Mobile Users

On mobile, your choices are more limited, but you still have options. You can change your default browser, adjust which app opens links, and decide when to use the Google app at all.

One option is to keep the Google app installed for specific tools, but run most searches in a browser with your preferred search engine or with the Web filter. If you do not need the app, you can disable it and rely only on browser search, which gives you more control over layout and privacy settings.

Privacy and Trust Concerns Behind AI Overview

Many people want to know how to turn off AI Overview because they worry about accuracy or privacy. AI answers can be wrong, outdated, or poorly sourced, and the summary may not show where each claim comes from. Some users prefer to click through to original pages and read full context themselves.

From a privacy angle, Google still collects data about your searches, regardless of AI Overview. Turning off Web and App Activity, limiting personalization, and using privacy-focused browsers can help reduce tracking. However, these steps are separate from AI Overview itself and do not stop Google from generating AI summaries.

Reducing Data While You Reduce AI

If you want less AI and less tracking at the same time, combine layout workarounds with privacy tools. Use the Web tab, the &udm=14 parameter, and extensions to hide AI blocks, while also adjusting your account history settings and cookie preferences. This blend gives you more control over what you see and how much data is stored.

Alternatives If You Really Do Not Want AI in Search

If you have tried the workarounds and still feel frustrated, you may prefer to cut back on Google entirely. Several search engines emphasize traditional results and keep AI features separate from the main results page. Each has pros and cons, but all can reduce your exposure to AI-generated summaries.

You do not need to switch completely right away. Many people keep Google as a backup while using another engine for most daily queries. Over time, you can decide which mix feels best for speed, privacy, and result quality across different topics.

Choosing the Right Mix of Search Tools

Think of your search setup as a toolkit rather than a single choice. Use Google with Web view for broad queries, a privacy-focused engine for sensitive topics, and a specialist site search for technical or academic research. This approach limits AI Overview without forcing you to give up useful search features entirely.

What to Expect as Google Changes AI Overview

Google is still testing and adjusting AI Overview. The layout, frequency, and controls may change with little notice. A workaround that hides AI today might work differently in a few months, especially if Google updates how the Web tab or URL parameters behave.

Check your browser extensions from time to time and review your default search engine settings after big browser or OS updates. If Google adds a real “turn off AI Overview” switch in the future, it will likely appear in Search settings or your Google account preferences, so those are good places to check regularly.

Final Takeaways on Turning Off AI Overview

You cannot fully disable AI Overview with a single Google setting yet, but you can avoid it most of the time. Use the Web tab, the &udm=14 parameter, trusted extensions, and alternative search engines to keep your results closer to the classic Google you prefer. Combine those steps with privacy controls in your Google account, and you will have more control over both what you see and how your data is used.