How to turn off AI Mode in Google Search (and turn it on)

By · 2 min read · Updated

The short answer

There's no switch to turn off AI Mode in Google Search. AI Mode is a separate tab, so you only use it if you open it. Stay on the All tab, or use the Web filter for plain links. To turn it on, click AI Mode under the search box or go to google.com/aimode.

AI Mode and AI Overviews are different things

AI Overviews are the summaries that sometimes appear at the top of normal results. AI Mode is a whole chat-style search you open on purpose, with follow-up questions. People often mean one when they say the other, and the fixes are different. If the summary at the top is what bothers you, see how to hide AI Overviews.

If AI Mode keeps opening

  • Check the search bar shortcut. Some Chrome and Android versions put an AI Mode button next to the search box; tap the normal search field instead.
  • Remove any bookmark or home-screen shortcut that points to google.com/aimode.
  • In Chrome on desktop, set Google as your search engine using the standard address, not an AI Mode one.

If AI Mode isn't showing

It's rolled out by country, language and account. Signing out, using a work or school account, or being outside a supported country can hide it. Updating the Google app or Chrome usually brings it back where it's available.

Why a business owner should care

Your customers are using it even if you turn it off. AI Mode answers questions like "best roofer near me" with a written recommendation and a few links, and it builds that answer from your website, your Google Business Profile and what other sites say about you. Search your own services in AI Mode now and then to see what a customer sees.

Questions

Can I turn off AI Mode permanently?

No. Google doesn't offer a setting. It only opens when you choose it.

Does the -ai trick work?

Adding "-ai" to a search has been reported to skip AI Overviews on some accounts. It isn't a Google setting and may stop working.

Is AI Mode free?

Yes. It's part of Google Search wherever it has launched.

About the author

, Founder

Jason has spent two decades building sites, search programs, and digital products for businesses. At Lehvel, he leads product and strategy.

Jason Murphy on LinkedIn

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