How to Turn Off AI Overview Google on All Devices Easily

By

|

Published on

TURN OFF AI OVERVIEW GOOGLE

Table of Contents

Google has recently changed how search results appear by placing AI-generated summaries called AI Overviews right at the top of many queries. These summaries are designed to answer your question immediately, often pushing traditional web links further down the page. While some users appreciate the speed, others find these AI results inaccurate, distracting, or unnecessary.

That’s where the search term “turn off AI Overview Google” comes in. People are actively looking for ways to bypass or remove these automated summaries to get back to clean, link-based search results. This guide walks you through the most effective and practical solutions whether you’re on desktop, Firefox, Android, or just want a permanent-feeling fix without any extensions.

What Are Google AI Overviews?

Google AI Overviews were introduced as part of the company’s push into AI-enhanced search. Originally launched under Search Generative Experience (SGE), it became a global feature in 2024. Powered by large models like Gemini, AI Overviews are designed to generate quick summaries for your search queries  pulling in information from across the web.

But unlike featured snippets (which used to pull from a single trusted source), these new overviews are fully AI-written. That changes the whole structure of search.

How They Appear

You’ll recognize an AI Overview right away it’s the chat-style box with several sentences answering your question, often followed by buttons with follow-up queries. It’s placed above organic links, pushing down traditional results.

For some, it’s helpful. For others, it feels like clutter  or worse, misinformation.

Why Some Users Object

Users have called out several issues:

  • The AI sometimes gives incorrect or even bizarre suggestions.
  • It delays access to real websites.
  • It feels like an unwanted assistant speaking over reliable sources.

This has led many to look for ways to disable Google AI summary and return to a more straightforward search experience.

Can You Turn Off AI Overview Google Officially?

Google Search Labs Toggle

For users who previously enabled Search Labs, there may be a setting inside the Google app under “Search Labs” to disable generative answers. However, this only applies to users enrolled in the test phase and doesn’t guarantee long-term results.

Even when toggled off, AI summaries may still appear — especially on desktop or in certain regions. It’s inconsistent and limited, which is why users seek more reliable solutions.

Web Tab Workaround

Google quietly introduced a “Web” tab at the top of the search results. Clicking this tab filters your search to show only traditional blue links — no AI, no summaries.

It’s not automatic, but it’s effective. If you frequently find yourself searching “remove AI Overviews from Google,” this simple move can restore the search results you’re used to.

Turn Off AI Overview Google Android

If you’re using an Android device, your options are different  but not limited.

Use a Custom Search Shortcut

You can create a shortcut that forces Google to skip AI summaries. Here’s how:

  1. Open Chrome or Firefox on Android.
  2. Bookmark this URL:
    https://www.google.com/search?udm=14&q=your+search+here
  3. Use that shortcut when searching from your bookmarks or homepage.

This method gives you traditional search results every time  no summaries.

Use Alternative Search Tools

Websites like TenBlueLinks.org let you search Google without AI content. You can also try search tools like Startpage or DuckDuckGo, which emphasize private, link-based search results.

These are good choices if you’re tired of AI summaries blocking what you’re actually looking for.

Turn Off AI Overview: Google Firefox

If you’re browsing with Firefox, you can avoid AI Overviews using a couple of smart tweaks.

Add a Custom Search Engine

Set up a shortcut using the ?udm=14 flag:

  1. Go to Firefox Settings → Search → Add Search Engine.
  2. Use this:

    • Name: Google Web
    • Keyword: gw
    • URL: https://www.google.com/search?udm=14&q=%s
  3. Save and use gw your search term in the address bar.

This shortcut will keep AI Overviews out of your way and help you get straight to the sources you want.

Use uBlock Origin Custom Filter

Install uBlock Origin, then add this line in My Filters:

www.google.com##.Xz5tfb

That blocks the AI container directly on the page.

Workarounds to Disable AI Overviews

Let’s go over the most reliable workarounds available today to block AI answers in search.

1. Browser Extensions

Use extensions like:

  • “Hide Google AI Overviews”
  • “Bye Bye, Google AI”

These automatically remove the AI box from your search view. Great for Chrome and Brave users. The only downside? They may need updates if Google changes its layout.

2. UDM‑14 Trick in Chrome

A popular fix is the custom search engine method using the ?udm=14 flag:

  • Go to Chrome Settings → Search Engine → Manage
  • Add a new engine:

    • Name: Google Classic
    • URL: https://www.google.com/search?udm=14&q=%s
  • Assign it a shortcut like gc

Now, typing gc best headphones 2025 shows results without AI summaries.

3. TenBlueLinks.org (For Mobile & Desktop)

A simple bookmark to tenbluelinks.org routes your searches directly to Google’s clean results  no summaries, just websites. It’s especially helpful for mobile users where extensions aren’t an option.

4. Manual URL Flag

Add this to the end of your search URL:

&udm=14

So instead of:

https://www.google.com/search?q=budget+travel+destinations

You type:

https://www.google.com/search?q=budget+travel+destinations&udm=14

It takes an extra second but guarantees no AI box.

Pros & Cons of Each Method

MethodProsCons
ExtensionsFast, automaticDesktop only, may break
UDM‑14 TrickReliable, clean resultsRequires setup
TenBlueLinks.orgWorks on all devicesExternal tool
Manual URLNo install neededNot practical every time

Choosing the right method depends on your habits and device. For many, using the custom search engine with the udm=14 flag is the easiest long-term fix.

Wrapping Up

You’re not alone in feeling frustrated by AI Overviews. What should be a simple search often turns into sifting through AI-generated blocks instead of direct answers. Luckily, now you know the most practical ways to turn off AI Overview Google using extensions, custom engines, mobile tricks, and URL tweaks.

Whether you want to disable Google AI summary on Firefox, Android, or Chrome, the methods above will help you get back to a cleaner, faster, more reliable search experience. Give a few of them a try  your searches will feel more natural and useful again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I fully disable Google AI Overviews forever?

No. There’s no permanent built-in setting yet. You’ll need to use workarounds.

Q2. Will browser extensions break after Google updates?

Sometimes. If the design changes, developers must update the code. Look for updated versions or switch to the URL-based method.

Q3. Do these tricks work on mobile?

Yes especially TenBlueLinks and custom search engines. Extensions, however, are desktop-only.

Q4. Is the Web tab enough to remove summaries?

Yes, but you have to click it manually each time unless you create a search shortcut.

Q5. What’s the easiest way to Turn Off AI Overview Google for all searches?

Using the ?udm=14 URL flag or setting up a custom search engine is the simplest and most consistent method to Turn Off AI Overview Google across devices.

Follow Us On

Latest Article

Scroll to Top

Book Your Package