How to Disable AI Features in Your Google Account: Step-by-Step Guide
Photo: CNET
Quick answer
You can partially disable AI in Google via account settings, but this will result in losing some useful features like smart suggestions in Gmail and personalized search.
Google is aggressively integrating artificial intelligence into its services, making AI nearly unavoidable for users. However, not everyone appreciates the constant presence of AI, especially if it disrupts workflows or raises privacy concerns. The company allows users to partially disable AI features, though with some limitations.
To reduce AI influence in Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, you need to disable "smart features" in Google Workspace settings. Open Gmail, go to settings, navigate to the "Manage Workspace smart features" section, and turn off both toggles. This will remove AI suggestions but also eliminate some useful functionalities, such as automatic event additions from emails to Google Calendar.
As for AI Overviews in Google Search*, completely removing them is not possible. However, you can try disabling the experiment in Google Labs or adding the "-ai" parameter to search queries. This won’t guarantee the complete removal of AI results but may reduce their frequency. Switching to an alternative search engine or browser remains an option.
It’s worth noting that even after disabling some AI features, Google will continue using artificial intelligence in other services. The company does not provide full control over this process, leaving users to balance convenience and privacy.
Common questions
- Can I completely disable AI in Google?
- No, Google does not allow users to fully disable artificial intelligence, but you can deactivate some AI features through account settings. This reduces AI influence but may lead to the loss of certain convenient functionalities.
- Which features will I lose when disabling AI in Google Workspace?
- Disabling AI will remove smart suggestions in Gmail, automatic event additions from emails to Google Calendar, and personalized search results. AI features in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides will also stop working.
- How can I reduce the number of AI Overviews in Google Search?
- You can disable the AI Overviews experiment in Google Labs or add the parameter "-ai" to search queries. This won’t eliminate all AI results but may reduce their frequency.
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