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Hide Google AI Overviews with Search Controls

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Google’s AI Overviews can be helpful, but they can also push down the traditional search results you’re looking for. This guide shows you how to turn them off using the search controls built into Google, so you can get back to a standard list of links. You’ll need a Google account and access to Google Search on a desktop browser or the Google app on a phone.

What You’ll Need

  • A Google account (you must be signed in)
  • A desktop browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) or the Google app on Android or iOS

Step-by-Step

  1. Open Google Search. Go to google.com in your browser or open the Google app on your phone.
  2. Perform a search. Type any query and press Enter. The results page will load, possibly with an AI Overview at the top.
  3. Click or tap the “More” button. On desktop, this is a text button located below the search bar, to the right of the filter chips like “All,” “Images,” and “Videos.” On mobile, it appears as a similar text button or a horizontal menu icon (three dots) in the same area.
  4. Select “Web” from the dropdown menu. A menu will open with several options, including “Web,” “Images,” “Videos,” “News,” and more. Clicking “Web” filters your results to only show traditional web links, bypassing AI Overviews and other rich features.
  5. Adjust the filter if needed. After selecting “Web,” you may see a banner at the top saying “Web results” with an “X” to remove the filter. You can keep it on for this search or click the “X” to return to default results.
  6. Set “Web” as your default (optional). If you want to skip this step for every search, you can change your default search settings. On desktop, click the gear icon (Settings) at the top right of the results page, then select “Search settings.” Under “Results,” find the “AI Overviews” section and toggle it off. On mobile, tap your profile picture, go to “Settings,” then “Search settings,” and do the same.
  7. Use the “Web” filter on mobile. In the Google app, after searching, tap the “More” button (three dots) next to the filter chips, then select “Web.” This will temporarily hide AI Overviews for that search.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting to sign in: The “AI Overviews” toggle in settings only appears when you’re signed in to your Google account. If you’re not signed in, you can still use the “Web” filter but can’t make it permanent.
  • Using the “Tools” button instead: Some users click “Tools” below the search bar, but that only shows options like time filters and verbatim mode, not the AI Overview toggle.
  • Expecting the “Web” filter to be remembered: The “Web” filter is temporary. It applies only to the current search. To make it permanent, you must change the default in settings.
  • Clearing cookies after changing settings: If you clear your browser cookies, Google may reset your preferences, including the AI Overview toggle. You’ll need to re-disable it.

Tips

  • Use “Web” for quick, one-off searches: If you only want to avoid AI Overviews for a specific query, the “Web” filter is the fastest way—no settings needed.
  • Bookmark the “Web” results URL: After applying the “Web” filter, the URL in your address bar will contain a parameter like &udm=14. You can bookmark that URL to get web-only results instantly for any search.
  • Try the “Verbatim” tool for exact matches: If your issue is that AI Overviews are too broad, using “Tools” → “Verbatim” can also help, as it forces Google to match your exact words, often reducing the chance of an AI Overview.
  • Use a different search engine if it’s a dealbreaker: If AI Overviews keep appearing despite your settings, consider switching to a search engine that doesn’t have them, like DuckDuckGo or Startpage.

Troubleshooting

  • The “AI Overviews” toggle is missing from settings: This can happen if you’re not signed in, or if your Google account is a work/school account that has restrictions. Try signing in with a personal Google account.
  • AI Overviews still appear after turning off the toggle: Sometimes the change takes a few minutes to propagate. Refresh the page, or clear your browser cache. Also, check that you’re on the same device and browser where you made the change.
  • The “Web” filter doesn’t show up: On some mobile browsers, the “More” button might be hidden. Try scrolling down slightly or switching to the Google app. If you’re using a third-party browser, try Chrome.
  • Settings revert after a few days: This is rare but can happen if Google updates its services. Re-check your settings and consider using the &udm=14 URL trick as a more permanent workaround.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does turning off AI Overviews affect my search results quality?

No. You’ll see the traditional “blue links” that were standard before AI Overviews. You can always turn them back on if you miss them.

Can I hide AI Overviews on my phone’s Google app?

Yes. Use the “More” button after a search and select “Web,” or go to Settings → Search settings and toggle off AI Overviews.

Will this work on any browser?

Yes, as long as you’re signed in to your Google account. The settings are tied to your account, not the browser.

Is there a way to hide AI Overviews without signing in?

You can use the “Web” filter for each search, but you cannot make it permanent without signing in.

Why do I still see AI Overviews on some searches even after turning them off?

Google may occasionally test features or ignore the setting for certain queries. If it persists, use the “Web” filter or the &udm=14 URL trick.

Can I hide AI Overviews on the Google app for iOS?

Yes, the steps are the same: tap “More” after a search and select “Web,” or change the setting in the app’s settings menu.

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