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How to Turn Off Gemini in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide

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By Tech Writer and VPN Researcher Gintarė Mažonaitė
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Last updated: 8 April, 2026
An illustration showing a phone and a turn off button

Key Takeaways

  • Gemini is Google’s AI-powered feature that adds AI-generated overviews and enhanced results to standard Google Search.
  • Not everyone prefers AI summaries — some users disable Gemini for a cleaner search experience or due to privacy concerns.
  • You can turn off Gemini through Google Search Labs, where experimental AI features like AI overviews can be disabled.
  • Gemini can also be turned off on Android devices and Google Assistant by adjusting AI-related settings in the Google app or Assistant settings.
  • Disabling Gemini restores a more traditional search experience, giving you greater control over how information appears in Google results.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to turn off Gemini, you're not alone. While Google’s Gemini feature offers AI-enhanced search results that can help you find what you’re looking for faster, it’s not for everyone.

Whether you're simply looking for a more streamlined search experience or you have privacy concerns, you have the option to disable it.

This Mysterium VPN guide will walk you through the simple process of turning off Gemini, no matter where you encounter it — on Google Search, Android, or Google Assistant. Let’s dive in!

What Exactly is Gemini?

Before diving into how to turn off Gemini, it's important to understand what Gemini is. Gemini is a feature introduced by Google that uses AI to modify search results.

In addition to the usual text-based results, Gemini presents users with more detailed AI overviews. These overviews are meant to help you find more comprehensive information in less time.

While that might sound convenient, it doesn’t work for everyone. Some people find the overviews distracting, or perhaps they prefer the simplicity of basic search results. Others may just want to turn off Gemini for privacy reasons. Whatever your reason, there’s a way to regain control.

Why You Might Want to Disable Gemini

An illustration showing different reasons to disable Gemini

Some users prefer to turn off Gemini due to concerns about privacy, performance, or reliability. Here are a few common reasons:

  • Privacy concerns: Gemini can access data from services like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos to generate responses, which may involve processing personal information.
  • Data sharing: Interactions with third-party apps or extensions may involve different privacy policies and data handling practices.
  • Device performance: On some devices, AI features can slow down performance or create intrusive prompts and suggestions.
  • Security risks: Researchers have noted that AI assistants could potentially be manipulated through hidden prompts in messages or emails.
  • AI inaccuracies: Like other generative AI tools, Gemini may sometimes produce incorrect or misleading information.

If you prefer not to use Gemini, you can usually switch back to the traditional Google Assistant in your Android settings or disable Gemini-related features in Google Search Labs or Gmail extensions.

How to Turn Off Gemini

If you’ve decided that Gemini isn’t for you, the good news is that turning it off is relatively straightforward. Depending on where you encounter Gemini, whether in Google Search, on your Android device, through Google Assistant, or in Chrome, the steps may vary slightly.

Below, we’ll walk you through the most common ways to disable Gemini so you can return to a more traditional search and assistant experience.

If you’re a Google Search user and you’re wondering how to turn off Gemini, the process is simple. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  • Open Chrome or your preferred browser: First things first, you’ll need to open Chrome or another browser, like Firefox, on your computer or phone. Gemini works through your Google search, so you’ll be interacting with the Google website directly.
  • Sign in to, Google: Make sure you’re signed in to your Google account. This is necessary for controlling your settings and modifying any preferences.
  • Access Search Labs: Google’s search enhancements are often managed in “Search Labs.” Go to the Google Search page and locate the Search Labs section.
  • Locate Gemini settings: Once in Search Labs, you’ll find various experimental features, including Gemini. Here, you’ll see the option to turn off Gemini, either by disabling the AI overviews or completely opting out of the feature.
  • Turn it off: Click on the option that allows you to disable the feature. Once selected, it will be disabled, and your search results will return to their previous, less AI-heavy format.

On Android

Gemini can also be found on Android devices, especially within the Google app. Here’s how to turn off Gemini on Android:

  • Open the Google app: Go to your Google app on your Android phone or tablet.
  • Access settings: Tap on the profile icon in the top-right corner and open your settings.
  • Disable Gemini AI: Scroll down to find the “Search Labs” or “AI” options. Here, you can turn off Gemini by disabling its overviews and other AI features.
  • Confirm the change: Tap “Done,” and you’ll no longer see Gemini AI results in your searches.

On Google Assistant

The Google Assistant, which often uses AI to give you search results, is another area where Gemini can appear. But don’t worry; you can turn off Gemini here, too:

  • Open Google Assistant: Activate Google Assistant by saying, “Hey Google,” or tapping the Assistant icon on your phone.
  • Access Assistant settings: Open the Google Assistant settings menu by tapping the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner.
  • Disable Gemini: Search for the “AI” or “Gemini” options in the settings. Toggle them off to disable Gemini's influence on your assistant’s responses.

In Google Chrome

If you prefer to search in Chrome but want to turn off Gemini, here’s what to do:

  • Open Chrome: Launch Chrome on your desktop or mobile device.
  • Go to settings: Click on the three dots in the top-right corner and select "Settings."
  • Look for Search options: Under the “Search” section, look for options related to search results and labs. Here, you’ll find Gemini, and you can disable it.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to turn off Gemini, you can enjoy a more personalized and simplified search experience.

Whether you want to turn off Gemini on Android, in Google Search, or within Google Assistant, you have the power to customize your online experience.

Sometimes, less is more, and controlling the features that impact your digital life can be incredibly freeing. Go ahead, take control, and turn off Gemini whenever you choose!


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Frequently Asked Questions

How to disable Gemini AI?
To disable Gemini AI, you need to adjust your Google Search settings. Simply visit the Search Labs section on Google Search or through the Google app. From there, you can disable Gemini's AI-generated overviews or entirely opt-out of the feature.
How do I close my Gemini AI account?
Since Gemini is a feature of Google Search and not a standalone account, you cannot “close” a Gemini AI account. However, you can turn off Gemini by adjusting your Google Search or Assistant settings. This process ensures that you no longer receive AI-powered search results.
Why is Gemini installed on my phone?
Gemini is likely enabled by default on your Android phone if you’re using Google’s Search, Assistant, or the Google app. It’s a feature that Google uses to enhance the quality of your search results. However, if you don’t like it, you can easily turn it off through the settings.
How do I quit Gemini?
To quit Gemini, you’ll need to disable it across your Google services, including Google Search, Google Assistant, or the Google app. Just follow the instructions in the settings, and you’ll be able to turn it off in no time.
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Gintarė Mažonaitė
Tech Writer and VPN Researcher

Gintarė is a cybersecurity writer at Mysterium VPN, where she explores online privacy, VPN technology, and the latest digital threats. With hands-on experience researching and writing about data protection and digital freedom, Gintarė makes complex security topics accessible and actionable.

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