How to disable AI features on Google and other services

Last update: 29 June, 2026
  • Methods to remove automatic summaries and AI from Google searches using filters and URL commands.
  • Detailed steps to disable Gemini and smart features in the Chrome browser and Workspace suite.
  • Guide to removing Copilot and Microsoft Recall from Windows and Office applications.
  • Configuration options to remove artificial intelligence from WhatsApp, Android, iOS and Firefox.

AI Setup

It seems that these days it's almost impossible to escape artificial intelligence. Big tech companies have taken the liberty of embedding assistants and chatbots in every corner of their programs, often activating them without asking and leaving us with a system that sometimes feels more like an experiment than a useful tool.

Beyond the inconvenience of having features we didn't ask for, the real problem lies in privacy and resource consumption . These neural networks analyze everything from our emails to the documents we save, which poses a security risk in the event of a data breach. Furthermore, they can slow down the computer by consuming excessive RAM and GPU resources.

Goodbye to AI in Google Docs, Gmail, and Workspace

In the Google ecosystem, artificial intelligence tools are grouped under the concept of "smart features ." The problem is that Google doesn't let us choose them one by one; instead, it forces us to accept or reject the entire package.

To remove them, go to Gmail settings (the gear icon) and select "See all settings ." Under the General tab, find the Google Workspace Smart Features section and disable both the general options and those for other Google products. Don't forget to also uncheck the box for Gmail, Chat, and Meet for the change to take effect after restarting the apps.

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Search engine without AI

How to clean up Google search results

The infamous AI Overviews can be a real nuisance when all you want is a direct link. A quick way to avoid them is to add the -ai command to your search , although sometimes it fails and the search engine says it can't find anything.

If that doesn't work, the best option is to use the "Web" filter that appears below the search bar (sometimes hidden in the "More" button). This returns Google to its classic state, showing only traditional links without automatic summaries.

For those looking for something more technical, there's the trick of adding &udm=14 at the end of the URL of search. If you want to automate this in Chrome, you can go to search engine management and create a custom one with the address https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14. As a radical alternative, engines like DuckDuckGo They offer a version without AI at noai.duckduckgo.com.

Remove artificial intelligence from Google Chrome

Chrome divides its AI into two: one that connects to the cloud and one that works locally (like Gemini NanoTo disable them, you need to access the hidden menu by typing chrome://flags in the address bar.

Once there, search for the terms "AI" and "Gemini ." You'll see a list of options that you should turn "Disabled ," especially those related to the Omnibox, user input, and the multimodal directions API. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > Search > Manage search engines and remove Google AI Mode and the Gemini option.

Disable AI in Firefox and other browsers

Firefox is more discreet, but it also has its tricks. In modern versions, there's a section for AI controls in the settings where you can lock all upgrades at once. If you're using an older version, you'll need to go to about:config and change the parameter browser.ml.enabled to false.

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For a complete cleanup in Firefox, it's recommended to disable values ​​like ml.chat.enabled or tabs.groups.smart.enabled . Other browsers like Vivaldi or Brave are great options if you're looking for a more traditional and less intrusive experience.

How to remove Copilot and AI from Microsoft Windows

Microsoft has integrated Copilot into almost everything. In Windows 11 Home, you can uninstall the Copilot app directly from the Start menu or the app list. However, in Pro or PC Copilot+ versions, you'll likely need to edit the system registry to prevent the AI ​​from reinstalling itself.

If you just want it out of the way, you can unpin it from the taskbar in Personalization > Taskbar. For Office apps (Word or Excel), go to File > Options > Copilot and uncheck the enable box , then restart the app.

A critical example is Microsoft Recall , which constantly takes screenshots of your screen. To disable it, go to Privacy and security > Recall and screenshots, make sure Save screenshots is turned off , and delete any data already collected.

AI on WhatsApp and Android devices

On WhatsApp, suggested replies and Meta AI summaries can be disabled in Settings > Chats and in the Notifications section. This is the best way to prevent AI from processing your conversations.

On Android, the process is more complex. In Google Messages, go to account settings > Gemini in Messages and disable it . If you have the Gemini app installed, try uninstalling it; if it's a system app, go to its settings and choose "Disable and delete activity" to limit its access to your data.

Controlling AI on macOS and iOS

Apple has been simpler in this regard. To disable Apple Intelligence and Siri , simply go to the settings menu and look for the section with that name. Depending on your region, it may not even be enabled by default.

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Ultimately, even though companies try to force these tools on us, there's always a way around them , whether through hidden menus, search filters, or by switching browsers. Taking control of these functions not only gives us a cleaner interface but also protects our privacy and optimizes our devices' performance.