How to Get Rid of AI Overview in Google Search

If you are searching for how to get rid of AI Overview, the most important answer is simple: Google currently does not offer a permanent switch that disables AI Overviews everywhere.

However, you can avoid AI Overviews for individual searches by using Google’s Web filter. That filter shows traditional text-based results without features such as AI Overviews.

Can you turn off Google AI Overviews completely?

As of September 2026, Google Search Help community guidance says there is no built-in setting that permanently turns AI Overviews off across all searches and devices.

This means you should be cautious with browser extensions or unofficial tricks that claim to remove the feature forever. They may work temporarily, but Google can change its search layout at any time.

Method 1: Use the Web filter

The most reliable built-in method is Google’s Web filter.

1. Open Google Search.
2. Enter your search query normally.
3. After the results load, look at the filters near the top of the page.
4. Select Web. If you do not see it immediately, open More first.
5. Google will show text-based web results without the AI Overview block.

This method works per search rather than as a permanent account setting.

Method 2: Bookmark a Web-filtered Google search

If you use traditional results often, you can make the Web filter easier to reach by bookmarking a Google results page after selecting Web. Depending on your browser and Google’s current URL format, the bookmark may preserve the filtered view.

Because Google can change search parameters, treat this as a convenience rather than a guaranteed permanent solution.

Method 3: Use browser tools carefully

Some browser extensions and custom search setups try to hide AI Overview sections. These are third-party solutions, not official Google controls.

Before installing one, check:

• What permissions the extension requests.
• Whether the developer is identifiable and trustworthy.
• Whether the extension reads your browsing history or page content.
• How recently it has been updated.
• Whether it still works with the current Google Search layout.

A simple Web-filter workflow is usually safer than giving an unknown extension broad access to your browser.

Does adding “-ai” remove AI Overviews?

You may see advice suggesting that adding -ai to a Google query can remove AI Overviews. Google Search community discussions have mentioned this workaround, but reports are inconsistent and it should not be treated as an official or reliable off switch.

The minus operator normally tells Google to exclude pages containing a term. That is different from a documented setting for disabling AI Overviews.

For dependable results, use the Web filter instead.

How to avoid AI Overviews on mobile

The same basic method applies on mobile browsers:

1. Run your Google search.
2. Swipe through or open the result-type filters.
3. Choose Web, sometimes located under More.

The exact placement can vary by screen size and Google interface updates.

What if the Web filter is missing?

If you cannot find Web, first check under More. Google also tests interface changes, so filter placement may differ between accounts, countries and devices.

You can also try opening Google in a regular browser instead of a third-party in-app browser, where controls may be displayed differently.

Can you send feedback to Google?

Yes. Google Search provides a feedback option. If you want a permanent AI Overviews control, sending feedback through Google Search is more useful than posting only in the community forum, which is largely answered by volunteers and product experts.

AI Overviews vs the Web filter

Option	What you see	Permanent?
Normal Google results	May include AI Overviews and other search features	Default view
Web filter	Traditional text-based web links	No, generally selected per search
Third-party extension	Depends on the extension	Can stop working after Google changes
“-ai” query trick	Inconsistent behavior	No

Which method should you use?

For most people, the best approach is:

• Use Web when you want classic search results.
• Avoid installing unnecessary extensions only to hide one result block.
• Send feedback to Google if you want an official permanent setting.
• Recheck the available settings after major Google Search updates.

If you are comparing Google’s wider AI products, our Google AI Pro guide explains the company’s paid AI offering, while our best AI tools guide compares broader options.

Quick checklist before changing your search setup

Confirm what you want to remove

AI Overview and AI Mode are different Google Search experiences. If your goal is a cleaner list of links, test the Web filter first before changing browser-wide settings.

Choose the smallest change that solves the problem

• Try Google’s Web filter for a single search.
• Use a browser shortcut only if you want Web results regularly.
• Keep the normal search view available for queries where an AI summary may help.
• Recheck browser extensions after updates because search-page changes can break them.

Our Google Search AI Mode guide explains the difference between AI Mode and standard search features.

Bottom line

The answer to how to get rid of AI Overview is that you cannot currently disable it permanently with an official Google setting. The most dependable built-in workaround is to choose the Web filter after searching.

That gives you traditional text links without the AI Overview block and does not require installing extra software.

Sources consulted

• Google Search Help Community, 2026 discussions on disabling AI Overviews.
• Google Search Help guidance on AI Overviews and search filters.

Editorial transparency: Google can change Search features and interface controls. Steps in this guide were checked against current September 2026 guidance and should be reverified after major Search updates.