If you’ve followed any of Google’s announcements recently or used its apps over the past few years, you’ve probably noticed one thing, it’s all about AI now. From Gmail and Google Drive to Docs and even Messages, Gemini has made its way into almost every Google app, whether you asked for it or not.
To me, AI still seems like a buzzword. There are only a few use cases on my phone that I find really useful. If you’re in a similar situation and want to cut off Google AI features in your apps, this guide will show you how to do so.
What you need to know before disabling Google AI on your phone
As important as it sounds, unfortunately there is no switch to disable AI on your Android phone. This is partly because different manufacturers have implemented AI features in their own ways, but I still think all apps should have at least a universal toggle to turn off Gemini.
Article continues below
The good news is that you can still disable Gemini in many Google apps, along with some Pixel-specific AI features, if you know where to look in Settings. And if you change your mind later, you can turn these features back on just as easily.
Below, I will tell you how to Disable Google AI features in apps like Messages, Gmail, Google Photos, and even some Pixel-exclusive tools. I used a Pixel 10 Pro for this, but the steps should be pretty similar on most Android phones.
google messages
If you’ve opened the Messages app on your Android phone and found the Gemini button located above the plus icon a bit annoying, you can easily turn it off. Personally, I also think it’s better to keep a Gemini away from where you handle your personal conversations.
1. open Google Messages App.
2. tap profile icon Top right.
3. choose message settings.
4. Scroll down and tap gemini in messages.
5. Disable toggle for show gemini button.
Gmail
Gemini has also slowly made its way into Gmail, whether it’s showing updates for your online orders, tracking flights, suggesting ways to improve your email, or just introducing a new feature. AI-powered inbox. Similar to Google Messages, you’ll need to go to Gmail’s settings to turn off these features.
1. open gmail app On your phone.
2. tap hamburger menu Go to top left and settings.
3. In Settings, Select your email account and then search Google Workspace Smart Features.
4. open it and disable both Smart features in Google Workspace And Smart features in other Google products.
This will disable Gemini and AI features not only in Gmail, but also in workspace apps like Google Chat, Drive, and Meet. If you disable the second toggle as well, Gemini will also be removed from services like Google Wallet and some smart features in Google Maps.
google photos
With the last few updates, Google has also replaced the general search in Google Photos with a Gemini-powered feature Ask for pictures. Apart from this, Google Photos also has other AI features like Remix, Photos to Videos, Memories, and more. If you don’t want Google’s AI to get into your personal photos, here’s how you can disable it:
1. open Google Photos app.
2. tap profile icon from the top right and then select photo settings.
3. Tap Preferences And then Characteristics of Gemini in pictures. Disable Gemini features you don’t need. If you don’t need any of them, you can just disable the top one Use Gemini Zodiac Signs in Photos Toggle.
phone app
If you have a Google Pixel smartphone, chances are Google has added a bunch of AI features to core apps, including the Phone app. While some of these features, like call screen and Hold on for me, can be useful, not everyone wants to be on all the time. If you want to keep things simple, you can turn them off.
1. go to phone app On your phone.
2. tap hamburger menu Go to More in the upper left corner settings.
3. Below call assistance In the section, you will see all the AI-powered features. Tap on any feature and disable toggle For this.
pixel screenshot
1. open pixel screenshot app On your phone.
2. tap gear icon In the top right corner.
3. Disable toggle for Search your screenshots with on-device AI.
Alternatively, if you don’t plan on using it, you can go to the app information page and disable the Pixel Screenshot app completely.
These are some of the ways you can get rid of Google AI in all the apps on your phone. If you don’t want to use Gemini at all, you can simply disable the app itself, which breaks its integration into other apps and essentially turns off AI features on your device.
I’ve felt for some time that although some AI features are really useful, most of them still have a fairly low hit rate and are not as practical as companies make them out to be. Personally, I like to keep things simple and that’s how I do it.
