If you've searched the web recently, you've probably noticed a change. Instead of a list of blue links, Google now often places an AI-generated summary at the top of results, known as AI Overviews. These summaries are designed to provide quick answers by scraping content from publishers, but they can reduce the incentive to click through to actual websites. For many users, the AI summaries are not only unwanted but also potentially misleading. While Google has not provided an official way to disable them, several effective workarounds exist. Here are four easy methods to hide or avoid AI Overviews in Google Search.

1. Use '-AI' in your search query

Google results with zero AI (works on desktop and mobile)

One of the quickest and simplest ways to suppress AI Overviews is by adding the modifier "-AI" to the end of your search query. This tells Google's algorithm to exclude any AI-generated content from the results page, leaving you with a standard list of blue links. It works on both desktop and mobile browsers, as well as within the Google app.

How to search with the '-AI' modifier

1. Open your browser or the Google app and go to google.com.
2. Type your search term followed by a space and then "-AI". For example: "how to clear iPhone cache -AI".
3. Press Enter. You'll see classic search results without the AI Overview panel.

Note that you may still see other features like featured snippets. These have been around for years and typically include a prominent link to the source. Unlike AI Overviews, featured snippets encourage you to click through for the full information. This method is free, requires no setup, and can be used immediately on any device.

2. Enable Web Guide mode

Classic search links with deprioritized AI (works on desktop)

Google has introduced a new Search Labs experiment called Web Guide mode. This feature still uses AI to organize results but moves AI Overviews further down the page, allowing classic links to appear first. It is currently available only to desktop users and may or may not roll out permanently.

How to enable and use Web Guide

1. Sign into your Google account and visit Search Labs.
2. Locate the Web Guide experiment and toggle it on.
3. Perform any search on desktop. The results will show a "Web" tab alongside All, Images, Videos, etc.
4. Click the Web tab to see the Web Guide experience, where AI summaries appear below a few blue links.

This method preserves some AI organization without letting it dominate the top of the page. It is a balanced approach for those who want both classic links and occasional summaries.

3. Just search with Google's Web tab

Always use the Web tab to avoid AI (works on desktop)

Google Search has a hidden "Web" tab that delivers pure blue links with no AI Overviews. Normally, it is tucked under the "More" menu, but you can make it the default by creating a custom site search shortcut in Chrome or other browsers.

How to create a Site search shortcut

1. Open Chrome and go to Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search.
2. Under Site search, click Add.
3. Fill in the fields:
   • Name: Google (Web)
   • Shortcut: (optional, can be left blank)
   • URL: {google:baseURL}search?udm=14&q=%s
4. Click Add, then click the three-dot menu next to your new entry and select Make default.

After this, every search from the address bar will automatically use the Web filter, bypassing AI Overviews. Edge and Firefox have similar settings, and Firefox even supports adding this shortcut on mobile. This method is ideal for power users who want a permanent, hands-off solution.

4. Try a Chrome extension

Hide AI summaries in Google Search (works on desktop)

For those who prefer a visual approach, several browser extensions can hide AI Overviews from search results. These extensions remove the AI Summary panel from the page entirely, so you can continue using the standard Google interface without seeing the AI content.

How to download and use an extension to hide AI Overviews

1. Visit the Chrome Web Store (or the equivalent for your browser).
2. Search for "Hide AI Overviews" or "Bye Bye, Google AI".
3. Click Add to Chrome and confirm the installation.
4. Reload any Google Search page. The AI summary panel will no longer be visible.

Extensions are available for Chrome and Edge, but they only work on desktop. They are a straightforward solution for users who want a one-click fix without modifying their search habits. However, be cautious about security—only install extensions from reputable sources and review permissions.

Frequently asked questions

What are Google AI Overviews and where are they available?

AI Overviews are Gemini-powered summaries that appear at the top of search results to provide quick answers without requiring users to click through to websites. They were launched in the US in May 2024 and have since expanded to over 200 countries and territories, available in more than 40 languages.

Can I disable or turn off Google's AI summaries in Search?

No, there is no official setting to disable AI Overviews. However, the four methods described above are effective workarounds that allow you to avoid or hide the summaries. These remain the only known solutions as of the latest updates.

What's the difference between Google's Web tab and Web Guide mode?

The Web tab is Google's classic, pure link view—no AI content, just blue links. Web Guide is a Search Labs experiment that still uses AI to organize results but places classic links at the top and AI summaries below. Web Guide is only available on desktop for now.

Can I use a different search engine to avoid AI Overviews?

Yes, several alternative search engines do not rely on AI summaries. DuckDuckGo, for example, has an optional AI assist feature that can be easily disabled if it appears. Other engines like Dogpile and Metacrawler also prioritize traditional links.

Which method is most recommended?

For simplicity and cross-platform support, adding "-AI" to your search queries is the easiest and most versatile method. It requires no setup and works instantly on any device. For a permanent desktop solution, creating a custom site search shortcut or installing a browser extension may be more convenient.

By using one of these workarounds, you can restore a more traditional search experience and avoid the distractions and potential inaccuracies of AI-generated summaries. Each method has its own strengths, so choose the one that best fits your browsing habits and device preferences.

Source:ZDNET News