When you perform a search on Google, you might now see an AI-generated summary at the top of the results page before any traditional links. These AI Overviews, powered by Google's Gemini model, aim to provide quick answers by summarizing information from multiple sources. However, this feature has drawn criticism for reducing traffic to publishers, providing inaccurate information, and undermining the traditional search experience. As of mid-2025, Google has not introduced an official setting to disable AI Overviews entirely, but several workarounds exist to hide or avoid them. This article explores four easy ways to restore a classic search experience on both desktop and mobile devices.

The Rise of AI Overviews and Their Impact

Google first introduced AI Overviews at its I/O developer conference in May 2024, rolling them out to US users shortly after. By early 2025, the feature expanded to over 200 countries and 40 languages. The company positions AI Overviews as a time-saving tool that synthesizes information from multiple websites, reducing the need for users to click through multiple links. However, a 2025 Pew Research Center study tracking 900 US adults found that when an AI Overview appeared, users clicked a traditional search link only 8% of the time, compared to 15% when no summary was shown. Moreover, 58% of adults encountered at least one AI Overview during their searches, and only 1% of those led to a click on a cited source within the summary. This shift has raised concerns among publishers, journalists, and content creators who rely on search traffic for revenue and visibility.

Beyond the economic impact, AI Overviews have also demonstrated reliability issues. In mid-2024, users reported AI Overviews suggesting dangerous or absurd advice, such as using glue to keep pizza cheese from sliding off. While Google has since refined the model, the potential for misinformation remains a concern. For users who prefer to evaluate sources themselves or who want to avoid AI-generated content, finding ways to bypass AI Overviews has become a priority.

Method 1: Append "-AI" to Your Search Query

The simplest and most effective workaround is to add "-AI" at the end of your search query. This modifier tells Google's algorithm to exclude results that trigger the AI Overview feature. For example, if you search for "how to clear iPhone cache -AI", the search results will display a list of standard blue links without the AI-generated summary at the top. This method works on both desktop and mobile browsers, as well as the Google app. It is free, requires no extensions, and can be used by anyone with a Google account. The only downside is that you must remember to add the modifier to each query. Some users have reported that this trick also reduces the prominence of featured snippets, which are non-AI summaries that still include a clear source link and encourage clicks.

This approach is widely praised by tech journalists and power users. It is particularly useful for complex queries where you want to see multiple perspectives rather than a single AI-generated answer. Since the modifier is a standard search operator, it is unlikely to be disabled by Google in the near future. To make it even more convenient, you can create a browser bookmark that automatically appends "-AI" to your search queries, or use a custom search engine in Chrome that applies the modifier automatically.

Method 2: Use Google's Web Guide Mode (Desktop Only)

Google's Web Guide mode is an experimental feature available through Search Labs. It reorganizes search results to push AI Overviews further down the page, placing traditional blue links at the top. While this mode still uses AI to organize and categorize links, it prioritizes classic search results over the AI-generated summary. To enable Web Guide mode, sign into your Google account, visit Search Labs, and toggle on the Web Guide experiment. Once enabled, perform a search on desktop and click the Web tab (next to All, Images, Videos, etc.) to see the reorganized results.

Web Guide mode is currently limited to desktop users and may not be available in all regions. Google has not announced plans to roll it out widely, but it offers a balanced solution for those who want to benefit from AI organization without sacrificing click-through opportunities. The feature groups links by topic and provides a brief AI-generated summary below the top links, but users can still easily access the original sources. It is important to note that Web Guide mode changes the behavior of the Web tab, so if you prefer a completely AI-free experience, you may want to stick with other methods.

Method 3: Use the Web Tab with a Custom Search Shortcut

Google's Web tab, typically hidden under the More menu in search results, provides a classic search experience without AI Overviews. However, clicking the Web tab every time you perform a search can be tedious. To streamline this, you can create a custom site search shortcut in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge that automatically directs all address-bar queries to the Web tab. In Chrome, go to Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search, click Add, and enter the following details: Name (e.g., "Google Web"), Shortcut (e.g., "gw"), and URL with pattern {google:baseURL}search?udm=14&q=%s. After adding the entry, set it as your default search engine. Every subsequent query typed in the address bar will then use the Web filter, bypassing AI Overviews entirely.

This method works on desktop and, with some adjustments, on mobile browsers like Firefox that allow custom search engines. The URL parameter udm=14 forces Google to return results without AI Overviews, and it also removes other AI-enhanced features like knowledge panels and rich snippets. This is a powerful hack that effectively restores the search experience from before AI Overviews were introduced. However, it may also remove some useful features that rely on structured data, such as weather forecasts or sports scores. Users who rely on those features may prefer other methods.

Method 4: Install a Browser Extension

Several browser extensions are available that hide AI Overviews from Google Search results. These extensions work by detecting the AI Overview container in the HTML and applying CSS to hide it from view. Examples include "Hide AI Overviews" and "Bye Bye, Google AI" for Chrome. To install one, visit the Chrome Web Store (or Edge Add-ons for Microsoft Edge), search for the extension, click Add to Chrome, and confirm the permissions. After installation, reload any Google Search page, and the AI summary panel will no longer appear. These extensions are lightweight and require minimal configuration.

Extensions offer a set-it-and-forget-it solution, but they only work on desktop browsers. Mobile users will need to rely on other methods. Additionally, extensions may stop working if Google changes the structure of its search results page. Users should also be cautious about privacy: only install extensions from reputable developers with good reviews and minimal data collection policies. Some extensions also offer additional features like blocking other AI-generated content across the web.

Additional Considerations

While these workarounds are effective, they are not guaranteed to work forever. Google could change its algorithms or the search page structure at any time. Some users have reported that method 1 (adding "-AI") occasionally fails for certain queries, especially those with very short keywords. In such cases, combining methods (e.g., using the Web tab with a bookmarklet) can provide more consistent results. For users who prefer a completely different ecosystem, alternative search engines like DuckDuckGo, Dogpile, or Metacrawler offer classic link-based results without AI summaries. DuckDuckGo does have an optional AI assist feature, but it can be easily disabled.

Ultimately, the choice of method depends on your lifestyle and technical comfort. The "-AI" modifier is ideal for occasional users who don't mind adding a few characters to their queries. The Web tab shortcut is best for power users who want a permanent, browser-level solution. Browser extensions appeal to users who want a visual removal without modifying search habits. And Web Guide mode offers a middle ground for those who want some AI organization without sacrificing links. Whichever route you choose, you can now enjoy a search experience that prioritizes the websites and publishers you trust, rather than an AI-generated summary.

Source: ZDNET News