How To Remove AI Overviews From Google Search Results?

Google’s AI Overviews have taken over the search experience. These AI-generated summaries appear at the top of your results for more than 55% of searches. They pull information from multiple sources and present it as a neat little package.

Google does not offer a simple off switch for AI Overviews. The company calls them a core feature, not an optional add-on. This means you cannot flip a toggle in your settings and make them disappear forever.

But here is the good news. Several clever workarounds exist. Each method works differently. Some take five seconds. Others need a one-time setup. All of them give you back control over your search results. This post covers every reliable method, explains the pros and cons of each, and helps you pick the right approach for your needs.

Key Takeaways

AI Overviews are a permanent, non-optional feature of Google Search. Google has hardcoded these summaries into its search interface. There is no official setting, button, or toggle that turns them off completely. Every method in this guide is a workaround, not an official solution. The good news is these workarounds work well and consistently.

The udm=14 URL parameter is the most durable long-term fix. This URL trick forces Google to return web-only results without AI summaries. You can set it as your default search engine in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Once configured, every search you run automatically skips the AI Overview. It requires no extensions and no manual effort after the initial setup.

The -AI query trick is the fastest method for occasional use. Just add -AI to the end of any search query. The negative operator confuses Google’s AI trigger system and suppresses the overview. This works on desktop and mobile without any browser changes. It is perfect for quick searches when you do not want to reconfigure your whole browser.

Browser extensions automate the entire process. Extensions like Hide Google AI Overviews and Bye Bye, Google AI remove AI summaries from every search automatically. You install once and forget about it. Most are free, open source, and require zero ongoing maintenance.

Switching search engines eliminates the problem entirely. Alternative search engines like DuckDuckGo, Brave Search, and Kagi either have no AI summaries or let you turn them off with a single setting. This is the most complete solution if you are ready to leave Google behind.

Mobile users have fewer but still effective options. You can use the -AI trick on any mobile browser. You can also set up a custom search engine with the udm=14 parameter in Chrome or Firefox on Android. Safari users on iPhone tend to see fewer AI Overviews automatically.

What Are Google AI Overviews and Why Remove Them?

AI Overviews are summaries generated by Google’s Gemini language model. They appear at the very top of search results, above all the traditional blue links. Google launched this feature widely in May 2024. Today, AI Overviews show up in more than half of all Google searches.

The feature pulls information from multiple web pages and blends it into a single paragraph. It often includes links to source pages. The goal is to answer your question without requiring you to click through to any website. For simple queries like “how tall is the Eiffel Tower,” an AI Overview works fine. For complex questions, the results can be messy.

Why do so many people want to remove them? The reasons vary. Some users report that AI Overviews frequently contain errors. Early examples became internet legends. Google’s AI once suggested adding glue to pizza to stop cheese from sliding off. Another infamous result recommended eating one small rock per day for health benefits. Both came from satirical Reddit posts that the AI treated as facts.

Other users dislike how AI Overviews reduce clicks to original sources. A 2025 Pew Research study found that users are half as likely to click organic links when an AI summary appears. Publishers have reported traffic drops of 20% to 60% on affected queries. The education platform Chegg filed a lawsuit against Google, claiming AI Overviews cannibalized their traffic.

Some people simply prefer the classic search experience. They want to scan ten blue links and decide for themselves which source to trust. They do not want a machine to do the filtering and summarizing for them. Whatever your reason, the methods below will help you reclaim your search results.

Method 1: The -AI Query Trick

This is the fastest method. It requires no settings changes, no extensions, and no technical know-how. You simply add -AI to the end of any search query. The minus sign acts as a negative search operator. It tells Google to exclude results that mention the word “AI.” This disrupts the trigger mechanism that activates the AI Overview.

How to do it:

Step 1. Type your search query as you normally would.
Step 2. Add a space followed by -AI at the end.
Step 3. Press Enter and check the results.

Example: Instead of searching “best hiking trails Colorado,” search “best hiking trails Colorado -AI.”

The AI Overview should disappear. You will see the classic list of blue links instead. This method works on desktop Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. It also works on mobile browsers for both iPhone and Android. You do not need a Google account. You do not need to sign in. You do not need any special software.

Pros of the -AI trick:

It is instant. You can start using it right now without any setup. It works everywhere. Desktop, mobile, any browser, any operating system. It is free. No cost, no subscription, no registration. It is simple. Anyone can understand and apply this trick immediately.

Cons of the -AI trick:

You must type it every time. The effect does not carry over to your next search. It is not 100% reliable. Google’s AI triggers sometimes ignore the exclusion. This happens more often with very specific or unique queries. It may filter legitimate results. If your search topic genuinely involves AI technology, adding -AI will remove relevant pages alongside the AI Overview.

The -AI trick works best for quick, occasional searches when you do not want to modify your browser permanently. For daily heavy searching, consider the methods below for a more automated solution.

Method 2: The udm=14 URL Parameter

This is the most reliable long-term workaround. Google has a hidden web filter that strips away AI Overviews, Shopping blocks, Featured Snippets, and other modern search extras. It gives you the classic ten blue links from the early 2010s. You access it by adding &udm=14 to any Google search URL.

The method became popular in May 2024 when Ars Technica first reported it. Today, major publications like PCMag, CNET, and Wired recommend it as the best permanent fix. The parameter continues to work consistently as of 2026.

How to make it your default search engine in Chrome:

Step 1. Click the three-dot menu in Chrome and go to Settings.
Step 2. Click Search Engine on the left sidebar.
Step 3. Click Manage search engines and site search.
Step 4. Click the Add button next to Site search.
Step 5. Fill in the fields:

Name: Google Web (or anything you like)
Shortcut: @web (optional, for quick access)
URL: {google:baseURL}search?q=%s&udm=14

Step 6. Click Save.
Step 7. Find your new entry in the list, click the three dots next to it, and select Make default.

Now every search from your address bar will automatically use the web-only filter. You never have to type &udm=14 manually again. The same setup works in Firefox and Edge. For Firefox, go to Settings, then Search, scroll down to Search Shortcuts, and click Add. Use the same URL format.

Pros of the udm=14 method:

It is permanent after one setup. Set it once and forget it. It is reliable. This URL parameter has worked consistently since 2024. It requires no extensions. Your browser handles everything natively. It removes more than just AI. Shopping results, knowledge panels, and other clutter also disappear.

Cons of the udm=14 method:

You lose some useful features. The web-only view removes video previews, image carousels, and news blocks along with the AI Overview. It requires a browser-level change. Some users may feel uncomfortable modifying search engine settings. Google could disable it. While the parameter has been stable for years, Google could theoretically remove support at any time.

This method is ideal for users who want a set-and-forget solution. It works on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and any Chromium-based browser. You can also use it on Android devices by following the same steps in Chrome for Android.

Method 3: The Web Tab Filter

Google actually provides a built-in web filter that removes AI Overviews. It is buried in the interface, but it works. After you run a search, look just below the search bar. You will see a row of filter tabs: All, Images, Videos, News, Shopping, and more. One of them is called Web. If you do not see it, click the More menu or the three-dot overflow button. The Web option will be there.

Clicking the Web tab takes you to a results page with only traditional links. No AI Overview. No featured snippets. No video thumbnails. No People Also Ask boxes. Just ten blue links, exactly like Google looked a decade ago.

How to do it:

Step 1. Run any Google search as normal.
Step 2. Look at the filter tabs below the search bar.
Step 3. Click Web. If it is hidden, click More and then select Web.
Step 4. View your AI-free results.

Pros of the Web tab filter:

It is official. Google built this feature and supports it. It works on any device. Desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers all show the Web tab. It is simple. One click and the AI disappears.

Cons of the Web tab filter:

You must click it every single time. Google does not let you set Web as your default view. Each new search starts on the All tab with AI Overviews enabled. It hides more than AI. Video previews, image results, and knowledge panels also vanish. Finding it takes effort. The Web tab hides behind the More menu on many screen sizes.

The Web tab is best for occasional use. If you want a permanent solution, combine this with the udm=14 method described above. They achieve the same result, but udm=14 automates the Web tab selection for every search.

Method 4: Browser Extensions

Browser extensions offer the easiest automated solution. You install one, and it handles AI Overviews silently in the background. Every search you run will look clean. You never touch settings or type special commands again.

Several extensions exist for this purpose. Here are the most popular and trusted options:

Hide Google AI Overviews is a Chrome extension with over 100,000 users. It removes AI-generated summaries from Google search results automatically. The extension is open source. You can view its code on GitHub. It does not collect or share your data. It has a 4.5 star rating on the Chrome Web Store. Installation takes about ten seconds.

Bye Bye, Google AI is another popular choice. It lets you customize which elements to hide. You can block AI Overviews, ads, discussion panels, and video results according to your preferences. A simple settings panel gives you full control. The extension has roughly 100,000 users.

uBlock Origin can block AI Overviews with a custom filter rule. If you already use this ad blocker, you do not need to install anything new. Open the uBlock Origin dashboard, go to the My Filters tab, and add this line:

google.com##.hdzaWe

Click Apply. Refresh your search results. The AI Overviews disappear. Note that Google occasionally changes its CSS class names. If the filter stops working, use uBlock Origin’s element picker tool to select the AI Overview box and generate a fresh rule.

How to install an extension:

Step 1. Open the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons page.
Step 2. Search for “Hide Google AI Overviews” or “Bye Bye Google AI.”
Step 3. Click Add to Chrome or Add to Firefox.
Step 4. Confirm the installation when prompted.
Step 5. Run a Google search to verify the AI Overview is gone.

Pros of browser extensions:

They work automatically. No manual effort after installation. They are customizable. Many let you choose exactly what to hide. They update regularly. Developers fix issues when Google changes its interface. They preserve other features. Unlike the udm=14 method, extensions only remove AI Overviews while keeping other search features intact.

Cons of browser extensions:

They add to your browser’s extension load. Each extension consumes a small amount of memory and processing power. They require trust. You must trust the extension developer not to collect your data. Check for open-source projects if privacy concerns you. They may break temporarily. Google occasionally changes its page structure. Extensions need updates to keep working. Mobile support varies. Android Chrome supports some extensions. iOS Safari does not support Chrome extensions at all.

Extensions work best for desktop users who want a hands-off experience without losing other Google search features.

Method 5: AdGuard and Content Blockers

AdGuard is a powerful ad and privacy protection tool. It can also block AI Overviews from Google search results. This method works across all browsers if you use the AdGuard desktop application or browser extension.

AdGuard includes built-in filter lists that target annoyances and unwanted page elements. The Annoyances filter specifically blocks cookie notices, social media widgets, and AI-generated content panels. Enabling this filter requires just a few clicks.

How to enable AI Overview blocking in AdGuard:

Step 1. Open the AdGuard application or click the AdGuard extension icon.
Step 2. Go to Settings or Filtering Settings.
Step 3. Look for the Filters section.
Step 4. Find and enable the Annoyances filter list.
Step 5. Under Annoyances, enable any sub-filters related to AI or search annoyances.
Step 6. Refresh your Google search page.

The AI Overview should now be hidden. AdGuard applies these filters at the network level or page level, depending on your setup. The blocking happens before the content renders.

Pros of using AdGuard:

It blocks ads and AI in one tool. You solve two problems with a single application. It works system-wide. The desktop app filters all browsers and apps on your computer. Filter lists update automatically. The AdGuard team maintains and updates filter lists regularly.

Cons of using AdGuard:

It is a larger commitment. Installing a system-wide content blocker is more involved than a single browser extension. Some features require payment. The desktop application has premium tiers. Filter lists can conflict. Enabling too many filters may break some websites. Learning curve. AdGuard offers many settings that may overwhelm casual users.

AdGuard works best for users who already want ad blocking and privacy protection. The AI Overview blocking becomes a bonus feature rather than the primary reason to install it.

Method 6: Brave Browser’s Built-in AI Blocker

Brave browser includes a native feature specifically designed to block AI-generated suggestions. You do not need to install any extensions. The setting lives right inside Brave’s Shields panel.

Brave positions itself as a privacy-first browser. It blocks trackers, ads, and fingerprinting by default. The AI suggestions blocker extends this philosophy to search results. When enabled, Brave strips AI Overviews from Google search pages before they display.

How to enable the AI suggestions blocker in Brave:

Step 1. Open Brave browser.
Step 2. Click the menu icon (three lines) and go to Settings.
Step 3. Click Shields in the left sidebar.
Step 4. Scroll down to the Content filtering section.
Step 5. Check the box for AI suggestions blocker.
Step 6. The setting applies immediately to all future searches.

Brave also offers its own search engine, Brave Search, which does not use AI summaries by default. If you set Brave Search as your default, you avoid AI Overviews entirely without any extra configuration.

Pros of using Brave:

It is built into the browser. No extensions, no URL hacks, no custom search engines needed. It blocks other annoyances too. Ads, trackers, and cookie popups disappear alongside AI Overviews. Brave Search offers a complete alternative. Switch to Brave’s own search engine for a fully AI-free experience.

Cons of using Brave:

You must switch browsers. If you prefer Chrome or Firefox, this method is not for you. The blocking is browser-specific. It does nothing for searches you run in other browsers. Brave promotes its own ecosystem. The browser encourages you to use Brave Search, Brave Rewards, and Brave Wallet.

Brave is an excellent choice for users willing to change their browser. The AI suggestions blocker works without any extra effort once enabled.

Method 7: Google Account Settings Adjustments

Google does not offer a direct toggle labeled “Turn Off AI Overviews.” But your account settings do influence how and when these summaries appear. Making a few adjustments can reduce how often you see them.

The most impactful setting involves Google Labs. This is Google’s experimental features platform. Some AI features activate through Labs experiments. Disabling these experiments may reduce AI Overviews in your search results.

How to disable AI experiments in Google Labs:

Step 1. Sign in to your Google account.
Step 2. Visit labs.google.com/search.
Step 3. Look for any active AI-related experiments.
Step 4. If you see “AI Overviews and more,” click it.
Step 5. Toggle the experiment off.

Note that disabling Labs experiments does not guarantee the removal of all AI Overviews. Google rolls these features out broadly, beyond the Labs program. The toggle reduces AI features tied specifically to Labs. It does not affect the core AI Overview system.

Other account settings to review:

Web and App Activity controls what Google remembers about your searches. Disabling this setting reduces personalization. Less personalization means fewer triggers for customized AI Overviews. Go to myactivity.google.com and turn off Web and App Activity.

Search personalization settings also matter. Google uses your search history to determine when an AI Overview would help you. Using Incognito mode for searches strips away your history. Without personalization signals, Google serves fewer AI Overviews. This is not a guarantee, but it helps.

Pros of adjusting account settings:

No browser changes required. You adjust settings in your Google account. It affects all devices. Account settings apply everywhere you are signed in. It improves privacy generally. Disabling activity tracking benefits your privacy beyond just removing AI Overviews.

Cons of adjusting account settings:

The effect is limited and indirect. These changes reduce but do not eliminate AI Overviews. You lose useful features. Disabling Web and App Activity affects personalized recommendations in Maps, YouTube, and other Google services. Google may ignore these settings. The company ultimately decides when to show AI Overviews regardless of your preferences.

Account settings adjustments work best when combined with other methods from this guide. They are a supplementary approach, not a standalone solution.

Method 8: Proxy Sites That Strip AI Overviews

Several websites act as proxies for Google Search. You type your query into their search box. They forward the search to Google with the udm=14 parameter automatically added. The results come back without AI Overviews. You never have to modify your browser or install anything.

The most popular proxy site is udm14.com. It presents a simple search box. You type, press Enter, and see Google results in the clean web-only view. Another popular option is tenbluelinks.org, which offers the same functionality with clear setup instructions for making it permanent.

How to use a proxy site:

Step 1. Open udm14.com or tenbluelinks.org in your browser.
Step 2. Type your search query into the box.
Step 3. Press Enter.
Step 4. View your AI-free results.
Step 5. Optionally, bookmark the site for quick access.

Pros of proxy sites:

Zero setup required. Just visit the website and search. Works on any device. Any browser, any operating system, desktop or mobile. You can test the experience. Try web-only search before committing to the udm=14 default setup.

Cons of proxy sites:

Privacy risks. A proxy site can potentially read your search queries. The site owner could log what you search for. It adds an extra step. You must visit the proxy site before searching instead of using your address bar. The site could disappear. If the proxy owner stops maintaining the site, your workflow breaks.

Proxy sites are best for testing the web-only experience or for occasional use on shared computers where you cannot modify browser settings.

Method 9: Mobile Solutions for iPhone and Android

Removing AI Overviews on a phone presents additional challenges. Mobile browsers offer fewer customization options. Browser extensions have limited or no support on mobile. Manual URL editing on a small screen is tedious. But several effective workarounds exist for both iPhone and Android.

For iPhone users:

Use Safari instead of Chrome. Google serves fewer AI Overviews to Safari users. This happens because Safari is not a Google-owned browser. The company prioritizes its own browser for AI feature rollouts. Simply switching to Safari reduces your AI Overview exposure significantly.

You can also set up a custom search engine in Chrome for iOS. Go to Settings, then Search Engine, then Manage Search Engines. Add a new entry with the URL https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14 and set it as default.

Bookmark tenbluelinks.org on your home screen. Tap the share button in Safari and select “Add to Home Screen.” This creates an app-like shortcut that opens directly to AI-free Google search.

The -AI query trick works in any mobile browser. Just add -AI to the end of your search terms. It takes two extra seconds per search.

For Android users:

Set up a custom search engine in Chrome. Open Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings, then Search Engine. Select Manage search engines and add a new entry. Use the URL https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14. Set it as your default.

Firefox for Android offers the same custom search engine option. Go to Settings, Search, and Add search engine. Use the same udm=14 URL format.

The Google app itself shows more AI Overviews than any browser. If you want the least AI possible, avoid the Google app. Use Chrome, Firefox, or any third-party browser that lets you customize search settings.

Pros of mobile solutions:

They work on the go. You can remove AI Overviews wherever you search. Multiple approaches to choose from. Pick the method that fits your comfort level. Browser choice alone makes a difference. Simply using Safari or Firefox reduces AI Overviews.

Cons of mobile solutions:

Fewer options than desktop. Mobile browsers restrict customization. Manual methods feel clunky on small screens. Typing -AI on every search gets old. The Google app cannot be modified. If you rely on the Google app for search, you are stuck with AI Overviews.

Mobile users should combine methods for best results. Use Safari or Firefox as your default browser. Set up the udm=14 custom search engine. Apply the -AI trick for occasional one-off searches. This layered approach covers most scenarios.

Method 10: Switch to a Different Search Engine

The most complete solution is also the simplest in concept. Stop using Google. Several search engines offer AI-free experiences or let you toggle AI features off with a single setting.

DuckDuckGo is the most popular privacy-focused alternative. Its AI chat feature is completely separate from search results. Your standard DuckDuckGo searches show traditional links without any AI summaries. The search engine pulls results from Bing, Yahoo, and its own web crawler. Index coverage is solid for most everyday queries. DuckDuckGo does not track your searches or build a profile on you.

Brave Search operates its own fully independent search index. It does not rely on Google or Bing at all. By default, Brave Search shows traditional ranked results. It offers an optional AI Summarizer feature that is disabled by default. You can toggle it off permanently in settings if it ever appears. Brave Search is an excellent choice for users who want complete independence from Google’s ecosystem.

Kagi is a paid search engine starting at $5 per month. It offers extensive user controls. You can disable AI summaries entirely. You can boost or block specific domains in your results. You can customize ranking preferences. Kagi has no advertising, so it has no incentive to push AI features. Power users and researchers often prefer Kagi for its precision and customization.

Startpage serves Google’s search results but strips away all the extras. No AI Overviews. No personalization. No tracking. It acts as a privacy middleman between you and Google. You get Google’s search quality without Google’s AI add-ons.

Mojeek built its own search index from scratch. It does not use any AI features at all. It is a pure link-based search engine in the classic style. Index coverage is smaller than Google or Bing, but it works well for general web searches.

How to switch your default search engine:

Step 1. Open your browser Settings.
Step 2. Find the Search Engine section.
Step 3. Select your preferred alternative from the dropdown.
Step 4. If your choice is not listed, click Manage search engines and add it manually.
Step 5. Set it as default and start searching.

Pros of switching search engines:

AI Overviews disappear completely. You never see them again. You gain privacy benefits. Most alternatives do not track your searches. You support competition. Using alternatives reduces Google’s search monopoly. Many offer better customization. Kagi and Brave give you more control than Google ever has.

Cons of switching search engines:

You lose Google’s search quality. Google’s index and ranking algorithms are still the industry benchmark. Some alternatives produce less relevant results for niche queries. Learning curve. Each search engine has its own interface and syntax. Some alternatives cost money. Kagi requires a subscription. Ecosystem lock-in. If you use Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Drive, switching search engines fragments your experience.

Switching search engines works best for users who value privacy and simplicity over Google’s ecosystem integration. Try DuckDuckGo or Brave Search for a week. Many users find the results perfectly adequate for daily needs.

Method 11: Verbatim Search Mode

Verbatim search mode forces Google to use your exact search terms. Normally, Google modifies your query behind the scenes. It adds synonyms, ignores some words, and guesses what you really meant. Verbatim mode turns all of that off. It also reduces how often AI Overviews appear.

When Google applies fuzzy matching to your query, the system sometimes triggers an AI Overview because it thinks your question is complex enough to need a summary. Verbatim mode signals that you want precise results. The AI Overview trigger activates less frequently.

How to enable Verbatim mode:

Step 1. Run a Google search as normal.
Step 2. Click the Tools button below the search bar.
Step 3. Click the “All results” dropdown.
Step 4. Select “Verbatim” from the menu.
Step 5. Your results reload with exact-match precision.

You can automate Verbatim mode using a URL parameter. Add &tbs=li:1 to any Google search URL to activate it. Combine this with the udm=14 parameter for maximum effect:

{google:baseURL}search?q=%s&udm=14&tbs=li:1

This search engine URL gives you web-only results with exact-match search terms. It is the closest you can get to the pre-2015 Google experience.

Pros of Verbatim mode:

More precise results. Google stops guessing and uses your exact words. Fewer AI Overviews. The reduced query interpretation lowers AI triggers. It pairs well with udm=14. Combining both parameters creates a powerfully clean search experience.

Cons of Verbatim mode:

You must enable it each time. Like the Web tab, Verbatim mode does not stick between searches unless you use the URL parameter. It can produce zero results. Exact matching sometimes misses relevant pages that use slightly different wording. The Tools button is easy to overlook. Many users never notice it exists.

Verbatim mode is an excellent companion to the udm=14 method. If you already set up the custom search engine with udm=14, add &tbs=li:1 to the URL for an even cleaner experience.

Method 12: Use Incognito or Private Browsing Mode

Incognito mode prevents Google from using your search history and personal data to customize results. Without personalization signals, Google serves AI Overviews less frequently. This happens because AI Overviews rely partly on your search patterns to determine when a summary would be helpful.

Opening an Incognito window gives you a fresh session with no history, no cookies from previous browsing, and no account-linked personalization. Google treats you like a first-time visitor. The AI Overview system becomes less aggressive.

How to use Incognito mode:

Step 1. Press Ctrl+Shift+N in Chrome (Cmd+Shift+N on Mac).
Step 2. Alternatively, click the three-dot menu and select New Incognito Window.
Step 3. Search Google as you normally would.
Step 4. Notice fewer AI Overviews in your results.

For Firefox, use a Private Window with Ctrl+Shift+P. For Safari, use a Private Window from the File menu. All major browsers support private browsing.

Combine Incognito mode with the -AI query trick for even better results. The session isolation plus the query modifier creates a strong AI-free search environment. Add a custom search engine with udm=14 and use it in Incognito mode for maximum effect.

Pros of Incognito mode:

No setup required. It is built into every browser. It adds privacy benefits. Your searches are not saved to your history or account. It works across all Google services. YouTube, Maps, and other Google products also lose personalization in Incognito.

Cons of Incognito mode:

You open a separate window. Switching between normal and Incognito windows adds friction. It does not guarantee removal. Google still serves AI Overviews in Incognito, just less frequently. You lose useful personalization. Quick access to frequently visited sites and autofill suggestions disappear. It does not hide you from Google. Google can still identify you through IP address and browser fingerprinting.

Incognito mode works best as a supplement to other methods. Use it when you need a quick, privacy-enhanced search session without changing your default settings.

When AI Overview Removal Matters for SEO Professionals

SEO professionals and digital marketers face unique challenges with AI Overviews. These summaries occupy position zero in search results. They push organic links down the page. They change click-through patterns. They obscure the data that rank trackers and SERP analysis tools depend on.

If you perform keyword research, competitor analysis, or rank tracking as part of your job, AI Overviews interfere with accurate measurement. You need to see the exact SERP that a typical user sees. You need to know which organic results appear above the fold. You need to identify featured snippets, People Also Ask boxes, and other SERP features without an AI summary blocking the view.

The udm=14 method is the go-to solution for SEO professionals. It gives you the clean web-only view that shows organic rankings clearly. Set up a separate browser profile with the udm=14 search engine as default. Use this profile exclusively for SEO work. Keep your main browser profile on the standard Google search for everyday browsing.

For local SEO audits, removing AI Overviews is particularly important. AI summaries can overlap with or replace the local map pack. You need to see whether a business’s Google Business Profile displays correctly. You need to verify map pack rankings without AI interference. The web-only view strips these distractions away.

Content gap analysis also benefits from AI-free search. You want to see which pages rank for a target keyword. The AI Overview synthesizes content from multiple sources, making it hard to identify which individual URLs Google values most. Traditional results reveal the exact hierarchy of competing pages.

Why Google Will Not Add an Official Off Switch

Understanding Google’s position helps set realistic expectations. Google has invested billions of dollars in AI infrastructure. Gemini, the language model powering AI Overviews, represents years of research and development. The company sees AI summaries as the future of search, not an optional add-on.

Google faces intense competition from AI-native search platforms. ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other AI-first tools are eroding Google’s search monopoly. AI Overviews are Google’s competitive response. They keep users on Google’s results page instead of clicking away to other platforms for quick answers.

User data from AI Overviews also improves the system. Every interaction trains Google’s models. Every click on a source link provides a relevance signal. Google uses this data to make AI Overviews more accurate and useful over time. Offering an opt-out would reduce the training data and slow improvement.

Regulatory pressure may eventually change this. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act designates Google as a gatekeeper platform. Future rulings could require user controls for AI features. Antitrust cases in the United States may also force changes. But for now, Google has no business incentive to let users turn AI off.

This is why workarounds matter. They give you control that Google chooses not to provide. They work because Google’s search infrastructure supports multiple output formats. The udm=14 parameter exists for the Web tab. The -AI trick exploits the negative search operator. Extensions modify the page after Google delivers it. These methods do not ask Google’s permission. They use the tools Google itself provides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I permanently turn off Google AI Overviews through settings?

No. Google does not provide an official toggle or setting to permanently disable AI Overviews. The feature is a core part of Google Search. Every method in this guide is a workaround. The most permanent solution is setting up a custom search engine with the udm=14 URL parameter as your default. This automates the web-only view for every search you run.

Does the udm=14 parameter still work in 2026?

Yes. The udm=14 parameter continues to work consistently as of mid-2026. It has been functional since Google introduced the Web tab filter in May 2024. Ars Technica, PCMag, CNET, and many other publications have confirmed its ongoing reliability. Since it is a server-side routing instruction rather than a visual hack, it tends to remain stable even as Google updates its page design.

Will the -AI trick work on my phone?

Yes. The -AI query trick works on any mobile browser, including Safari on iPhone and Chrome on Android. Simply add -AI to the end of your search query and press search. You do not need to install anything or change any settings. The trick works the same way on mobile as it does on desktop.

Are browser extensions safe to use for hiding AI Overviews?

Most extensions for this purpose are safe and privacy-respecting. Hide Google AI Overviews is open source with publicly viewable code on GitHub. It states clearly that it does not collect or share user data. Always check an extension’s privacy policy and permissions before installing. Stick to extensions with high user counts, good reviews, and transparent developers. If you are concerned about privacy, the udm=14 method requires no extensions at all.

What is the best method for someone who is not technical?

The -AI query trick is the easiest method for non-technical users. Just add -AI to the end of any search. No settings, no installations, no learning curve. If you want a one-time fix, ask someone technical to set up the udm=14 custom search engine for you. It takes about two minutes and requires no ongoing maintenance once configured.

Do these methods affect Google’s search quality?

Removing AI Overviews does not change the underlying organic search results. The traditional blue links remain exactly the same. The udm=14 method specifically removes AI enhancements and extra modules. Your search rankings and result relevance stay unchanged. You simply see them in a cleaner format. Some users actually report that web-only results feel more relevant because they can scan and evaluate sources directly.

Can I disable AI Overviews for just some searches?

Yes. The -AI query trick works on a per-search basis. Simply add -AI to queries where you do not want the AI Overview. Leave it off for searches where you find the summary useful. The Web tab filter also works per search without changing your default settings. This flexibility lets you use AI Overviews when they help and skip them when they do not.

Will Google eventually add an official disable option?

Google has not announced any plans for an official disable toggle. Multiple threads on Google’s Support Community forums request this feature. So far, the company has only responded that AI Overviews are a core part of Search and cannot be turned off. Regulatory pressure from the European Union or United States antitrust actions could eventually force Google to add user controls. Until then, the workarounds in this guide remain your best option.