Google Search has undergone its most significant transformation in a decade with the global rollout of AI Overviews. While some users find the generative summaries helpful for quick answers, a significant portion of the user base—researchers, developers, and power users—feels that these AI-generated blocks clutter the screen, delay access to primary sources, and occasionally provide inaccurate information.

The most frustrating aspect of this update is the lack of a prominent "Off" switch in the settings menu. Google considers AI Overviews a core feature rather than an optional add-on. However, by leveraging browser configurations and specific URL parameters, it is entirely possible to reclaim the classic search experience.

Understanding the Google AI Overview Integration

Before diving into the technical workarounds, it is important to understand what you are trying to remove. AI Overviews, previously known as the Search Generative Experience (SGE), use the Gemini large language model to synthesize information from across the web into a single response at the top of the search results page.

In our testing, these summaries can occupy up to 80% of the initial viewport on mobile devices and 50% on desktop monitors. For users who rely on the "10 blue links" to verify information across multiple authoritative domains, this represents a significant friction point. Furthermore, the concern over AI "hallucinations"—where the model confidently presents false information as fact—makes the ability to bypass these summaries a necessity for many professional workflows.

The Official Manual Method via the Web Tab

Google recently introduced a "Web" filter as a nod to users who prefer a stripped-back experience. This is currently the only "official" way to view results without AI Overviews, videos, or shopping panels.

When you perform a search, you will notice a row of tabs under the search bar (Images, News, Videos, etc.). By clicking on "More" and selecting "Web," Google reloads the page to show only text-based links.

While this is the safest and most straightforward method, it has a major drawback: it is not persistent. You must manually click the "Web" tab for every single search query you perform. This adds an extra step to every interaction, which is why most power users prefer a more automated solution.

How to Permanently Disable AI Using the udm=14 Parameter

The most effective way to permanently remove AI from Google Search is to force the browser to use a specific URL parameter: &udm=14. This internal code tells Google’s servers to render the "Web" interface by default, effectively hiding the AI Overview container before it even has a chance to load.

By setting up a custom search engine in your browser, you can make this AI-free view your default experience every time you type a query into your address bar.

Setting Up a Custom Search Engine in Google Chrome

Chrome is the most popular browser for this fix, and the setup is relatively simple once you know where the settings are hidden.

  1. Open Settings: Click the three dots in the top-right corner of Chrome and select "Settings."
  2. Navigate to Search Engines: On the left sidebar, click "Search engine," then select "Manage search engines and site search."
  3. Add a New Site Search: Scroll down to the "Site search" section and click "Add."
  4. Enter the Parameters:
    • Name: Google (Web)
    • Shortcut: google.com (or @web)
    • URL with %s in place of query: {google:baseURL}search?q=%s&udm=14
  5. Set as Default: Once added, find your new "Google (Web)" entry in the list, click the three-dot menu next to it, and select "Make default."

From now on, every search you perform from the Chrome address bar will automatically append the udm=14 parameter, bypassing the AI summaries entirely.

Configuring Firefox for AI-Free Results

Mozilla Firefox handles custom search engines differently than Chrome. While it used to be easier to add custom URLs, modern versions often require a small helper extension or a manual edit of the search configuration.

One of the most reliable methods for Firefox users is to use an extension like "Add Custom Search Engine." Once installed:

  1. Navigate to the extension's options.
  2. Set the name to "Google Classic."
  3. Set the search URL to https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14.
  4. After adding it, go to Firefox Settings -> Search and select "Google Classic" as your default search engine.

This method ensures that even if you are using Firefox on a different operating system, the logic remains consistent.

Managing Search on Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is built on Chromium, so the process is almost identical to Chrome, though the menu labels differ slightly.

  1. Go to edge://settings/search.
  2. Click on "Manage search engines."
  3. Click "Add" and fill in the same URL structure: {google:baseURL}search?q=%s&udm=14.
  4. Click the three dots and select "Make default."

It is worth noting that Edge also integrates its own AI (Copilot/Bing AI) into the sidebar. While the udm=14 trick removes Google’s AI Overviews from the search results, you may still need to disable the Edge sidebar in the browser settings if you want a completely AI-free workspace.

Bypassing AI Overviews on Mobile Devices

Mobile users are hit hardest by AI Overviews because screen space is at a premium. On a smartphone, the AI summary often requires multiple scrolls before the first organic link appears.

Workarounds for Chrome on Android

Chrome for Android does not allow you to manually edit search engine URLs as easily as the desktop version. However, there is a clever workaround involving "Recently Visited" search engines.

  1. Visit a site that provides a udm=14 search portal (there are community-run sites like "Ten Blue Links" designed for this).
  2. Perform a search using their search bar.
  3. Open Chrome Settings -> Search engine.
  4. Under the "Recently visited" section, you should see an option for the AI-free Google search. Select it as your default.

This bypasses the mobile restriction and allows you to enjoy the classic layout on your Android device.

Solutions for Safari on iPhone and iPad

iOS is notoriously restrictive regarding default search engine parameters. Safari does not let you add a custom URL string like &udm=14.

For iPhone users, the best options are:

  • Third-Party Browsers: Switch to Brave or Firefox for iOS, both of which allow more granular control over search engine URLs.
  • iOS Shortcuts: You can create a simple Apple Shortcut that takes your text input and opens a Safari window with the udm=14 URL appended. You can then place this shortcut on your Home Screen as a replacement for the Safari icon.
  • Userscripts: Using an extension like "Userscripts" for Safari, you can run a small Javascript snippet that automatically redirects every Google search to include the udm=14 tag.

Browser Extensions That Hide AI Summaries

If you do not want to mess with URL parameters or search engine settings, the developer community has created several "Hide Google AI" extensions. These are available in the Chrome Web Store and Firefox Add-ons gallery.

These extensions typically work by injecting CSS into the Google Search results page. They identify the specific HTML container used for the AI Overview and set its display property to "none."

Pros of Extensions:

  • Ease of Use: One-click installation.
  • Visual Focus: They don't just redirect; they often clean up other distracting elements like "People Also Ask" or sponsored ads.

Cons of Extensions:

  • Performance: Since the AI response still loads in the background (it's just hidden from your view), it doesn't save any data or improve loading speeds.
  • Privacy: You must ensure you are using a reputable extension that does not track your browsing history. We recommend checking the permissions and user reviews before installing. Look for extensions like "Hide Google AI Overviews" or "Bye Bye, Google AI."

Advanced Filtering with Ad Blocker Custom Rules

For users who already use advanced ad blockers like uBlock Origin, you can block the AI Overview without installing any additional software. This is a very "clean" method because it uses tools you likely already have running.

You can add a custom filter to your ad blocker's dashboard. For example, in uBlock Origin:

  1. Open the uBlock Origin Dashboard.
  2. Go to the "My filters" tab.
  3. Add a line targeting the specific class used by Google for AI results. (Note: Google frequently updates these class names, so you may need to check community forums like Reddit for the latest rule). A common rule looks like: google.com##.gc-kpu
  4. Apply changes.

This method is highly effective for desktop users and significantly speeds up the perceived page load time by removing the heavy generative elements before they are rendered by the browser.

Why Many Users Prefer Traditional Search Links

The pushback against AI Overviews is not just about being "anti-technology." There are several logical reasons why a professional researcher might want to remove AI from their search workflow.

Information Accuracy and Hallucinations

Generative AI models are designed to predict the next word in a sequence, not to fact-check. This leads to "hallucinations" where the AI creates plausible-sounding but entirely false information. In a professional or medical context, relying on an AI summary can be dangerous. The classic list of links allows users to see the source of the information immediately and judge its credibility.

Respect for the Content Ecosystem

AI Overviews "scrape" content from publishers and present it as their own. This reduces the click-through rate (CTR) to the actual journalists and creators who did the work. Many users prefer to click through to the original website to support the creators and read the full context of a story.

Search Speed and Efficiency

Contrary to Google's claims, AI Overviews can actually slow down a search. The "thinking" time for the model to generate a response often takes several seconds, during which the page layout might shift. For a power user who can scan 10 headlines in a fraction of a second, the AI summary is a bottleneck rather than a shortcut.

Screen Real Estate

On small laptop screens and mobile devices, the AI block is simply too big. It forces users to scroll down to find what they actually came for. Removing it restores the efficiency of the "above the fold" results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn off AI Overviews in the Google Search app?

Currently, there is no toggle in the Google app settings to turn off AI Overviews. The best workaround for the app is to use the "Web" tab manually after every search. If you want a permanent solution on mobile, we recommend using a mobile browser where you can apply the udm=14 fix.

Does turning off "Search Labs" stop the AI Overviews?

In the early stages, opting out of Search Labs would disable the AI summaries. However, as of late 2024 and early 2025, AI Overviews have moved out of the "Labs" experimental phase and are now a standard feature for most users. Disabling Labs will no longer remove the public version of AI Overviews.

Is the udm=14 parameter safe to use?

Yes. The udm parameter is a standard part of Google's URL structure. It is used by Google's own interface when a user clicks the "Web" tab. It does not violate any terms of service; it simply requests a different view of the data.

Will these workarounds stop working if Google updates its code?

The CSS-based methods (extensions and ad blockers) are the most vulnerable to updates because Google can change the names of its HTML classes at any time. However, the udm=14 parameter is built into the backend of Google Search to support the "Web" filter. As long as Google offers a "Web" tab, this parameter should continue to work.

Are there search engines without AI?

Yes. If you find Google's integration too intrusive, you might consider DuckDuckGo or Brave Search. DuckDuckGo prioritizes privacy and traditional layouts, while Brave Search has an AI toggle in its settings that you can easily turn off.

Summary of Methods to Remove Google AI

To summarize, if you want to get rid of AI in your search results, you have three primary paths:

  1. The Quick Manual Path: Click the "Web" tab under the "More" menu after every search. This is the official, zero-setup way to see classic links.
  2. The Permanent Technical Path: Use the udm=14 URL parameter by setting up a custom search engine in your browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge). This is the most robust and recommended solution for power users.
  3. The Visual Path: Use a browser extension or ad blocker filter to hide the AI container. This is great for users who want a cleaner look without changing their search engine settings.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your search experience remains fast, accurate, and focused on the original sources that make the web valuable. While Google continues to push its AI-first vision, these workarounds provide the necessary tools for users to maintain control over how they access and consume information online.