Google’s AI Overviews, formerly known as SGE (Search Generative Experience), have become a prominent feature in Google search results, offering AI-generated summaries and insights in response to user queries. While intended to provide quick and convenient information, some users may find these AI overviews disruptive, inaccurate, or simply prefer traditional search results. If you’re among those looking to disable Google AI Overviews, this comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods, explaining the nuances of each approach and providing step-by-step instructions.
Understanding Google AI Overviews
Before diving into how to disable them, it’s essential to understand what Google AI Overviews are and why they might not suit everyone. AI Overviews are designed to leverage Google’s advanced AI models to synthesize information from various web sources and present a concise summary at the top of search results. This summary typically includes key facts, insights, and sometimes even suggested next steps. While this can be helpful for some users seeking quick answers, there are several reasons why you might want to turn them off:
- Accuracy Concerns: AI-generated content isn’t always perfect. Overviews might sometimes include inaccuracies, outdated information, or misinterpretations of the original source material.
- Preference for Original Sources: Many users prefer to directly engage with the original articles and websites that rank in search results, rather than relying on an AI’s interpretation. This allows for deeper understanding and the ability to evaluate the source’s credibility.
- Distraction: AI overviews can sometimes be quite lengthy, pushing traditional search results further down the page, making it harder to quickly scan and find what you’re looking for.
- Lack of Transparency: It’s not always immediately clear where the information presented in an AI overview came from, potentially raising concerns about source verification and reliability.
- Personal Preference: Some users simply prefer the traditional search experience and dislike the interruption of an AI-generated summary.
Given these reasons, it’s understandable why many users seek methods to disable AI Overviews. Let’s explore the various options available to you.
Methods to Disable Google AI Overviews
Unfortunately, Google doesn’t offer a single, universal toggle to completely disable AI Overviews. This means you’ll need to explore various workarounds and settings adjustments. Here are the most effective methods currently available:
Method 1: Using Browser Extensions
One of the most reliable ways to disable Google AI Overviews is through the use of browser extensions. These extensions, typically available for Chrome, Firefox, and other Chromium-based browsers, can intercept Google search results and remove or modify the AI Overviews before they are displayed. Here’s how to use them:
Step 1: Identify Suitable Browser Extensions
Search your browser’s extension store (e.g., Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons) for extensions designed to block or remove Google AI Overviews. Some commonly used extensions include:
- ‘uBlock Origin’ (Recommended): While not specifically designed for AI Overviews, uBlock Origin is a powerful and versatile ad blocker that can effectively block the elements responsible for displaying AI summaries with the right filter lists.
- ‘Disable AI Overviews on Google’: Some extensions are specifically named for disabling AI overviews, making them an easy search and a more targeted option.
- ‘Customizable JavaScript for Google’: This extension allows advanced users to inject custom JavaScript code to manipulate the HTML content of search results and remove specific elements like AI overviews.
Always check the ratings and reviews of an extension before installation, as not all extensions are trustworthy. Look for extensions with high ratings, a large number of users, and a good reputation for privacy and security.
Step 2: Install the Chosen Extension
Once you’ve found an extension, click on the ‘Add to Chrome’ (or the equivalent button for your browser) to install it. Once the installation is completed, the extension icon will appear in your browser toolbar.
Step 3: Configure the Extension (if needed)
Some extensions, such as uBlock Origin, may require some configuration. For uBlock Origin, you’ll need to add filter lists specifically designed to block AI Overviews. This usually involves going to the uBlock Origin settings and adding filter lists. Here are some example filter lists you could add (these lists may need to be updated as Google changes how it displays the overviews):
- Filter List Examples for uBlock Origin:
www.google.*##div[data-text-ad]:has(div[aria-label="AI overview"]) > div:first-of-type www.google.*##.hJvN8e www.google.*##[jscontroller="iV3nJb"] www.google.*##div[data-text-ad]:has(div[aria-label="AI overview"])
Note: the specific filters may need adjustments as Google updates their interface. Check community forums for updated filters if those provided above do not work. For extensions specifically designed to block AI Overviews, you might not need to do any additional configuration after installation.
Step 4: Test the Results
After installing and configuring your chosen extension, perform a Google search to see if AI overviews are no longer displayed. If the extension is working correctly, you should see the traditional search results without the AI summary. If the AI Overviews are still visible, check your extension settings, try another extension, or look for updated filters.
Method 2: Using Custom JavaScript Code (Advanced)
For more technically inclined users, injecting custom JavaScript code into Google search pages can offer a more granular way to disable AI Overviews. This method usually requires the help of a browser extension that can run custom JavaScript on specific pages. As an example, let’s use the extension ‘Customizable JavaScript for Google’ which is available for Chrome and Firefox.
Step 1: Install a Customizable JavaScript Extension
Install the ‘Customizable JavaScript for Google’ extension from your browser’s extension store.
Step 2: Create the Custom JavaScript Code
Create a new JavaScript file with the following code:
(function() {
function removeAIOverviews() {
// Attempt 1: Specific elements based on current structure
let aiOverviewContainers = document.querySelectorAll('div[data-text-ad]:has(div[aria-label="AI overview"]) > div:first-of-type');
aiOverviewContainers.forEach(container => {
container.remove();
});
aiOverviewContainers = document.querySelectorAll('.hJvN8e');
aiOverviewContainers.forEach(container => {
container.remove();
});
aiOverviewContainers = document.querySelectorAll('[jscontroller="iV3nJb"]');
aiOverviewContainers.forEach(container => {
container.remove();
});
aiOverviewContainers = document.querySelectorAll('div[data-text-ad]:has(div[aria-label="AI overview"])');
aiOverviewContainers.forEach(container => {
container.remove();
});
}
// Run the removal function on page load
removeAIOverviews();
// Run the removal function again when the user interacts with google search - e.g scrolling or changing page.
document.addEventListener('scroll', function() {
removeAIOverviews();
});
document.addEventListener('click', function() {
removeAIOverviews();
});
document.addEventListener('keydown', function() {
removeAIOverviews();
});
document.addEventListener('mousemove', function() {
removeAIOverviews();
});
})();
This JavaScript code targets elements specifically related to Google AI Overviews and removes them from the page. The multiple selectors and adding event listeners are required because Google updates the page dynamically. Feel free to add any additional selectors in this script.
Step 3: Add the JavaScript Code to the Extension
Open the options page for ‘Customizable JavaScript for Google’ extension. In the appropriate section (usually ‘Custom Scripts’ or similar), paste your JavaScript code. You might need to specify that this script should run on `www.google.com` and any related search domains (`www.google.co.uk`, `www.google.ca` etc.).
Step 4: Save and Test
Save the settings in the extension. Go to Google search results page to confirm that the AI overviews have been removed. If the code isn’t working, double-check that your URLs are configured correctly and ensure there are no typos in the JavaScript.
Method 3: Modifying Google Search Settings (Less Effective)
While Google doesn’t offer a direct setting to turn off AI Overviews, there are a few settings you can adjust that might indirectly influence their prominence:
Step 1: Access Google Search Settings
Go to Google.com and initiate a search. Then, click the ‘Settings’ button (usually a cogwheel icon) located on the bottom right of the screen. Then select ‘Search settings’
Step 2: Adjust Settings
Explore the various settings available. Some settings that might indirectly affect the frequency of AI Overviews include:
- Search Results Per Page: Increasing the number of search results displayed on each page might push AI overviews further down the screen or make them less visible in the initial view.
- Regional Settings: Changing your region might, in some cases, lead to variations in Google’s algorithms that display AI overviews. However this is not reliable.
Step 3: Save Changes
After making the adjustments, save your changes. Then perform a new Google search to assess if your adjustments have made any difference. Note that this approach is less effective than browser extensions or custom JavaScript and may not completely remove AI overviews.
Method 4: Using Google’s Feedback Mechanism
While it won’t instantly disable AI overviews, giving Google feedback about your preferences can influence future product decisions. Here’s how you can provide feedback:
Step 1: Locate the Feedback Option
On a page with an AI Overview, look for the ‘Feedback’ or ‘Thumbs Down’ icon typically found at the top or bottom of the AI Summary box. It can be an option such as ‘Give Feedback’ or similar.
Step 2: Submit your Feedback
Click the feedback option and explain why you don’t like AI Overviews. Be specific in your feedback; mentioning that you would prefer traditional search results instead of AI summaries or that you believe the AI overview is inaccurate could be beneficial.
Step 3: Repeat
Continue providing feedback on a regular basis as you encounter AI Overviews to reinforce your message. It may take time for your feedback to influence Google but it’s still an important step to do.
Important Considerations
- Google Updates: Keep in mind that Google frequently updates its algorithms and features, and so methods used to disable AI overviews may stop working. Monitor online forums and tech blogs for updated methods and browser extensions.
- Privacy: Be mindful of the privacy policies of browser extensions and ensure that you’re only installing trusted and reputable extensions.
- Specificity of Code: The javascript provided is specific to how AI Overviews are currently displayed. It may require adjustments to match changes in how Google handles the HTML.
- Temporary Measures: Remember that Google might ultimately decide to implement AI overviews in such a way that they are no longer removable. The approaches described in this guide are the best options as of the writing of this document.
Conclusion
While Google’s AI Overviews may be useful for some, they are not for everyone. If you prefer the traditional Google search experience, the above methods will help you disable AI summaries and restore a more familiar user interface. Using browser extensions or custom JavaScript code is the most effective approach to hide AI Overviews from Google searches. Regularly updating your extensions or code, along with giving Google feedback are important steps to maintain this preference. With the detailed steps above, you can fine-tune your Google search experience and make it work better for you.