Google integrates various AI-powered features to enhance the user experience across its services, including Google Search, Gmail, and Google Assistant. These features can be helpful. However, some users may prefer to limit or turn off certain AI functions. They do this for privacy or personal preference. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to disable AI-driven features on Google services.
Table of Contents
1. Turning Off Google Assistant
Google Assistant is a voice-activated AI tool that helps with tasks like answering questions, setting reminders, or controlling smart devices. If you want to turn it off:
On Android Devices:
- Open the Google app on your phone.
- Tap on your profile icon (top right corner) and select Settings.
- Tap on Google Assistant.
- Scroll down to the General section.
- Toggle off the switch next to Google Assistant.
This will disable Google Assistant on your Android device.
2. Disabling AI Suggestions in Gmail
Gmail uses AI to offer smart features like predictive text, smart reply, and email categorization. To turn off these AI-powered features:
On Gmail Web:
- Open Gmail in your web browser.
- Click the gear icon (top right) to open Settings.
- Click on See all settings.
- Under the General tab, scroll to the Smart Compose and Smart Reply sections.
- Uncheck the boxes for Smart Compose and Smart Reply to turn off these features.
On Gmail Mobile App:
- Open the Gmail app.
- Tap the menu (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Select your email account.
- Scroll down to Smart Compose and Smart Reply, then toggle them off.
3. Turning Off Personalized Search Results
Google Search uses AI to deliver personalized search results based on your activity. If you prefer more neutral search results, you can turn off personalization.
On Google Web:
- Go to Google Search and click on your profile icon (top right).
- Select Manage your Google Account.
- In the left sidebar, click on Data & privacy.
- Scroll down to the History settings section.
- Turn off Web & App Activity by toggling it off.
This will limit how much your search results are tailored to your personal data.
4. Disabling AI in Google Discover
Google Discover is an AI-powered feature that shows news, articles, and updates based on your interests. To disable Google Discover:
On Android Devices:
- Open the Google app.
- Tap your profile icon (top right) and go to Settings.
- Select General.
- Toggle off Discover to stop receiving personalized content
5. Managing Ad Personalization
Google uses AI to serve personalized ads based on your browsing habits and preferences. If you’d like to turn off personalized ads:
On Google Web:
- Go to your Google Account.
- Click on Data & privacy in the left-hand menu.
- Scroll to Ad settings and click Ad personalization.
- Toggle off the Ad personalization switch.
This will reduce the level of AI-driven ads, though you will still see ads that are not personalized.