How to Turn Off AI Overviews on Google Search (Phone and PC)

“How to turn off AI on Google” is now one of the top searches Google itself suggests. Many people want the classic list of links back instead of a long AI summary at the top of every search. The catch is that Google has no official on-off switch. This guide shows every working way to turn off AI Overviews, or at least hide them, on your phone and computer, plus how to deal with AI Mode and Gemini on Android.

What are AI Overviews?

AI Overviews are the AI-written summaries that appear above normal results for many searches. They are generated by Google’s Gemini models and try to answer your question directly, with links to a few sources.

Some people find them useful. Others find them slow, repetitive or wrong, and prefer to judge the sources themselves. AI Mode, a separate chat-style tab in Google Search, goes even further. You can avoid AI Mode simply by not opening that tab, but AI Overviews show up on their own.

Method 1: Use the Web filter (fastest)

Google added a “Web” filter that shows only traditional text links.

1. Search for anything on Google.
2. Under the search box, tap Web.
3. If you do not see it, tap More or All filters, then choose Web.

This works on phones and computers, but you must do it for every search. It is a quick fix for one search, not a permanent one.

Method 2: Turn off AI Overviews in Chrome on a computer

The Web filter adds a hidden code, udm=14, to the search address. You can make that your default search engine in Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and go to Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search.
2. Next to Site search, click Add.
3. Name it “Google Web”, use a shortcut such as “gw”, and paste https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14 as the URL.
4. Click the three dots next to the new entry and choose Make default.

Now every search from the address bar opens the Web results with no AI Overviews. Google has not officially documented udm=14, so it could stop working one day.

Method 3: Use Firefox on Android

Chrome for Android does not let you add a custom search address, but Firefox does:

1. Install Firefox from the Play Store.
2. Open Settings > Search > Default search engine.
3. Tap Add search engine and paste the same udm=14 address.
4. Select it as your default.

This is the easiest permanent fix on an Android phone today. Some people also use third-party redirect sites, but check their privacy policy before you trust them.

Method 4: Switch search engines

A cleaner option is another search engine. DuckDuckGo, for example, lets you switch off AI-assisted answers in its settings. In Chrome on Android, go to Settings > Search engine and pick one from the list.

What about Gemini on Android?

Google has been replacing Google Assistant with Gemini on Android phones. If you prefer not to use it:

• Open the Google or Gemini app settings and review which assistant answers when you hold the power button or say “Hey Google”.
• Turn off Gemini Apps Activity in your Google Account if you do not want your chats saved.
• Remove Gemini from your home screen and disable the power-button shortcut in Settings > System > Gestures on many phones.

Menus differ between brands and versions. Use the Settings search bar if you cannot find an option.

Should you turn off AI Overviews?

AI Overviews can be handy for simple facts, but they sometimes mix up sources or miss local details, such as prices in Nigeria or the latest phone codes. For anything important, like health, money or legal questions, always open the original sources. Google explains how the feature works on its Search help pages.

Search is also only one part of your phone’s privacy. Read how to protect your phone from hackers and turn on WhatsApp two-step verification for extra safety.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an account setting that removes AI summaries?

No. There is currently no account setting that removes AI Overviews for everyone. Workarounds like udm=14 are the closest option.

Does the Web filter remove ads?

No. It removes AI Overviews and most extra boxes, but ads can still appear.

Does this work on iPhone?

The Web filter works in any browser. Custom search engines are limited on iPhone, so behaviour varies.

Will hiding AI Overviews make Google slower?

Usually the opposite. The Web results page often loads faster because no AI summary is generated.

Try the Web filter on your next search, then set up the udm=14 trick so you can turn off AI Overviews for good on the devices you use most.

Related on Froshvibes

• New Tesla Roadster: Specs, Thrusters, Price and Release Date
• How to Check for the Android 17 Update on Any Phone
• How to Turn On Earthquake Alerts on Android (Now in 200+ Regions)