Google AI features started showing up on my phone, and I’m having trouble figuring out how to disable them. I’ve checked the Google app and phone settings, but I’m still seeing AI tools I don’t want to use. I need help finding the right steps to turn off Google AI on mobile and get my usual search and app experience back.
Google keeps moving these switches, so the fix depends on which AI thing you mean.
Try these spots.
-
Google app AI Overviews and Search stuff
Open Google app.
Tap your profile picture.
Settings.
Look for Labs, Search, or Google Assistant.
Turn off anything named AI Overviews, Search Generative Experience, or Labs. -
Gemini on Android
Open Gemini app, if installed.
Tap profile picture.
Settings.
Turn off Gemini features you do not want.
If you want Assistant back, go to Settings, Apps, Default apps, Digital assistant app, pick Google Assistant or None. -
Circle to Search
Phone Settings.
Search for Circle to Search.
Turn it off.
On some phones it sits under Display, Navigation, or Gestures. -
AI in Messages or keyboard
Open Gboard.
Settings.
Turn off Proofread, Smart Compose, or Help me write if you see them. -
Photos AI tools
Google Photos.
Profile picture.
Photos settings.
Look for Gemini features, Memories, or suggestions, then disable them. -
Samsung phone
Samsung adds its own AI junk too.
Settings, Advanced features, Advanced intelligence or Galaxy AI.
Turn off each item.
If you still see it, post your phone model and Android version. Google hides this stuff in differnt places on Pixel, Samsung, and other brands.
One thing I’d add to what @caminantenocturno said: sometimes you can’t fully ‘turn off Google AI’ because some of it is now baked into app updates, not exposed as a neat switch anymore. Annoying, yes. But there are still a few workarounds people miss.
If it’s showing inside Search, try logging out of the Google app or using a different search engine in your browser instead of the Google app itself. Sounds dumb, but it sidesteps some AI junk completely.
Also check Play Store and uninstall updates for apps like Google, Gemini, or Photos if the AI stuff only appeared recently. Settings > Apps > Google > 3-dot menu > Uninstall updates. That sometimes rolls back the feature set. Same idea for disabling the Gemini app entirely if your phone lets you.
Another thing: if you use Chrome on mobile, open chrome://flags and search for anything related to AI or compose. Not every phone shows useful flags, but on some builds it helps.
And honestly, if it’s a carrier or manufacturer skin forcing this stuff, the answer may be ‘you can only reduce it, not remove it.’ Kinda stinks, but thats how Google does it now. If you post your exact phone model, people can be more specific.