[2026 Updated] Google AI Overviews: How to Turn It Off and Get Classic Search Back

If you've searched on Google recently, you've likely noticed a large, AI-generated summary taking up the top of your screen instead of the traditional blue links.

This feature is officially called AI Overviews. While it can be useful for complex research, it can also be frustrating when you just want fast, straightforward links. Today, we'll cut through the noise and show you the facts about AI Overviews, plus the fastest, most reliable ways to turn it off.

1. What Are Google AI Overviews? (Fact Check)

Often confused with the standalone "Gemini" app or mistakenly called "AI Mode," this search feature is integrated directly into Google's results.

• The Engine: It is powered by Google's Gemini models. As of January 2026, Gemini 3 became the default model for AI Overviews globally, bringing stronger reasoning to the results page (the broader Gemini 3.5 family rolled out at I/O 2026 in May).
• The Timeline: Officially launched in the US in May 2024, it has since rolled out globally and is now the default experience for most users.
• Restrictions: You might not see it if you are under 13, using a supervised Family Link account, or using a Google Workspace account where the admin has disabled it.

2. How to Turn Off AI Overviews: 4 Actionable Methods

Google doesn't offer a simple "off" switch for AI Overviews. However, you can easily bypass it and return to the classic search experience using these data-proven methods.

① The Most Reliable Method: The udm=14 Parameter (Best for Desktop)

This is the ultimate long-term fix. By adding a specific parameter to your default Chrome search engine, you can permanently force Google to show only classic web links.

1. Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu (top right), and go to Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search.
2. Click Add next to "Site search".
3. Fill in the fields exactly like this:
   • Search engine: Google Web (or any name you prefer)
   • Shortcut: gw
   • URL: https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14
4. Click the three dots next to your new 'Google Web' entry and select Make default. Now, every search from your address bar will be 100% AI-free.

② The Fastest Quick Fix: The "Web" Tab

After typing your query, look at the filter tabs just below the search bar (where you see Images, News, etc.). Click on the Web tab. This immediately strips away the AI summary and displays a traditional list of text-based links.

③ The Query Trick: Use -AI

Simply add -AI to the end of your search query (e.g., best running shoes -AI). While not guaranteed to work 100% of the time, it's a quick, low-effort way to suppress AI summaries without changing any browser settings.

④ Browser Extensions

If you want a clean visual experience, you can install free Chrome extensions like "Hide Google AI Overviews" or "Bye Bye, Google AI." These simply block the AI box from appearing on your screen using CSS overrides.

3. What About Mobile?

Mobile browsers (like the Google app or Safari/Chrome on iOS/Android) offer fewer controls. The most practical workaround on mobile is to manually tap the Web tab after searching, or to manually add the udm=14 URL string as a custom search engine in your mobile browser settings.

Strategic Summary & Risk Management

Google's search ecosystem is constantly evolving. If the AI summaries are slowing down your workflow, setting up the udm=14 shortcut is your best strategic move right now. However, remember that AI Overviews excel at synthesizing scattered information. The smartest approach is to keep the classic "Web" view as your default for quick lookups, while utilizing Google's AI features for deep, complex research.

(Information current as of June 2026; details may change as Google updates its features.)

References

• Google The Keyword (Official Blog): Announcements from Google I/O 2024 regarding the official launch of "AI Overviews" and the integration of the Gemini 1.5 Flash model (May 2024).

• Google Search Help Center: Official guidelines on utilizing the "Web" filter tab to display traditional text-based links.

• Search Engine Land & The Verge: Technical SEO analysis and industry reports verifying the effectiveness of the udm=14 search parameter for bypassing AI-generated results.