How to Turn Off AI Mode on Google (Including AI Overviews)

Google has recently introduced more AI-powered features into search, including what many users call “AI mode” and the new AI Overviews.

While these features aim to provide instant answers, not everyone finds them useful. Some users prefer the classic search experience with simple blue links — especially when AI summaries feel distracting, inaccurate, or push down organic results.

Google's AI Overviews might be a bit off in some cases

If you’re wondering how to turn off AI mode on Google, or specifically how to turn off Google AI Overviews, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll explain what AI mode actually is, why people want to disable it, and the different methods — both official and workaround — you can use to get rid of AI Overviews and restore a more traditional search layout.

What Is AI Mode in Google?

AI mode in Google refers to the integration of generative AI into search results. Instead of just showing a list of blue links, Google now inserts AI-generated summaries, known as AI Overviews, at the top of the results page. These are powered by Google’s Gemini model and are designed to give quick, conversational answers.

While useful in theory, AI Overviews can:

That’s why many users search for how to turn off AI mode on Google — they want control over their search experience and the ability to choose when AI results appear.

Google AI Overviews vs. Google AI Mode

Although people often use the terms interchangeably, there’s an important distinction between Google’s AI Overviews and its broader AI Mode:

Google AI Overviews

Google AI Mode

In short: AI Overviews are one expression of Google’s AI Mode, while AI Mode itself is a broader evolution of search into an interactive, multi-modal, and context-aware experience.

Why Users Want to Turn Off AI Mode on Google

Google’s AI Overviews were designed to make search faster and more convenient, but not everyone is happy with them. Here are the main reasons people look for ways to turn off AI mode on Google:

Accuracy concerns

AI-generated summaries can sometimes get facts wrong or oversimplify answers. For important queries — like health, finance, or legal topics — users may prefer to read information directly from trusted sources.

Intrusive placement

AI Overviews often appear above traditional search results, pushing organic links further down. This makes it harder for users to find and compare sources on their own.

Preference for classic search

Many people are used to scanning Google’s traditional “ten blue links.” For them, the AI mode feels like an extra layer they didn’t ask for.

Control over the experience

Some users simply want a choice. Being able to toggle AI on or off gives them more control over how they interact with search.

For these reasons, searches like “how to get rid of AI mode on Google” and “how to turn off Google AI Overviews” have surged in popularity since the rollout of the feature.

How to Turn Off AI Mode on Google (Official Options)

While Google hasn’t released a single universal “off switch” for AI mode, there are a couple of official settings and features you can use to limit or disable AI Overviews.

1. Turn off AI Overviews in Search Labs

If AI Overviews are available in your region, you can disable them through Google’s experimental settings:

Once this is disabled, AI Overviews will no longer appear by default in your searches.

2. Use the “Web” filter in search results

Even if you don’t have access to Search Labs, Google has introduced a Web filter on the results page. This filter shows only traditional search results without AI summaries, images, or extra panels.

While not permanent, this method gives you more control on a search-by-search basis.

Workarounds to Remove AI Mode or AI Overviews

Since there’s no permanent global switch for everyone yet, many users rely on workarounds to consistently hide or bypass AI mode in Google search. Here are the most effective methods.

1. Custom search engines (desktop browsers)

You can create a custom search engine in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge that always loads results in the Web tab (which excludes AI Overviews).

This adds the “&udm=14” parameter, which forces Google to show only classic search results.

2. Browser extensions

Extensions like Hide Google AI Overviews or privacy filters available on the Chrome Web Store automatically block AI summaries from appearing in your results. These are especially handy if you don’t want to edit search settings manually.

3. uBlock Origin filters

If you use an ad-blocker such as uBlock Origin, you can add a custom filter to remove AI Overview sections from search:

This hides the AI box without affecting the rest of your results.

4. Mobile workarounds

On Android or iOS, you can use third-party services such as tenbluelinks.org or udm14.com to create shortcuts that always load search in Web-only mode. Some mobile browsers also let you set custom search engines with the &udm=14 parameter.

Tips for Maintaining a Classic Search Experience

Even with official settings and workarounds, Google may continue experimenting with AI features. These tips can help you consistently keep your searches clean and closer to the classic experience.

Use the Web filter regularly

If you don’t want to adjust browser settings, simply make a habit of selecting the Web filter whenever you search. Bookmarking search queries with the filter applied can save time.

Bookmark shortcuts

Sites like udm14.com and tenbluelinks.org automatically redirect your searches to the Web-only version of Google. Save them as bookmarks or set them as your homepage for quick access.

Try incognito or alternative browsers

Incognito mode often strips out some experimental features. Alternatively, browsers focused on privacy, like Brave or DuckDuckGo, offer simpler, AI-free search experiences.

Keep extensions updated

If you rely on an extension or custom filter to block AI Overviews, check regularly that it still works. Google updates its search layout often, which can temporarily break these fixes.

Common Pitfalls & What Doesn’t Work

While many methods exist to hide or reduce AI Overviews, it’s important to know their limits.

No universal “off” switch

As of now, Google does not provide a permanent setting that completely disables AI mode for every user. Even if you turn off AI Overviews in Search Labs, the feature may still appear in the future as Google continues testing.

Temporary fixes may break

Browser extensions and custom filters depend on Google’s current page structure. If Google updates its design or element IDs, these fixes might stop working until developers update them.

Mobile limitations

On iOS and Android, customization options are more restricted than on desktop browsers. Unless you use third-party apps or services like UDM14, you may still see AI results in the Google app.

Confusing AI with ads or snippets

Not all prominent boxes at the top of Google results are AI Overviews. Ads, featured snippets, and knowledge panels may still appear even if you hide AI summaries.

Conclusion

Google’s AI mode — especially AI Overviews — has changed the way search results look and feel. While some find it helpful, many users prefer the traditional “ten blue links” experience.

If you’re looking for how to turn off AI mode on Google, your best options today include disabling AI Overviews in Search Labs, using the Web filter for classic results, or setting up custom searches and extensions to block AI content. None of these methods are perfect or permanent, but they do give you more control over your search experience.

As Google continues to evolve, keeping an eye on new settings, browser tools, and workarounds will help you adapt. And if you want to explore more SEO updates and strategies, check out our SEO news and guides.