Gemini is on by default in Google Search and some Android devices, but you can turn it off in your account settings

Google's Gemini is an AI assistant that appears in Google Search results, Gmail, and on some Android phones. If you don't want it running, you can disable it through your Google Account settings, though the steps differ depending on where Gemini is showing up. The process takes a few minutes and doesn't require you to change your Google password or delete your account.

Gemini is not the same as Google's search algorithm. Disabling Gemini won't affect regular search results — it only removes the AI chat feature and the "Ask with Gemini" button that appears above your search results. You'll still get normal Google Search working exactly as before.

Key Takeaways

  • Gemini can be disabled in Google Account settings under "AI features and personalisation" — the exact location varies by device type.
  • On Android phones, you can also remove Gemini from your home screen by long-pressing the app and selecting "Uninstall" or "Remove."
  • Disabling Gemini in your account settings affects all your devices signed into that Google Account.
  • Turning off Gemini does not affect your regular Google Search results or other Google services like Gmail or Drive.

How to disable Gemini in Google Account settings on desktop

Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in with the Google Account where you want to disable Gemini. On the left side menu, click Data & privacy. Scroll down until you see Gemini apps and features — it may also appear as AI features and personalisation depending on your region.

Click on that section. You'll see a toggle or checkbox next to "Gemini in Search" or "Gemini" itself. Turn it off by clicking the toggle so it becomes gray, or uncheck the box. Google will ask you to confirm — click the confirmation button. The change takes effect immediately, though it may take a few minutes to stop appearing in your search results.

If you don't see this option in your Data & privacy settings, your account may not have Gemini enabled yet, or you may be in a region where it's not available. In that case, there's nothing to disable.

How to remove Gemini from Android phones

On Android devices, Gemini often appears as a dedicated app on your home screen or in your app drawer. To remove it, long-press the Gemini app icon until a menu appears. Select Uninstall or Remove from Home screen — the exact wording depends on your phone model and Android version.

If you see "Uninstall," your phone allows you to remove the app entirely. If you only see "Remove from Home screen," the app stays on your device but won't clutter your home screen. You can still access Gemini through Google Search or the Google app if you change your mind later.

Some Android phones have Gemini built in as a system app that cannot be uninstalled. In that case, you can only remove it from your home screen. To prevent it from launching when you press and hold the power button (a common shortcut on newer Android phones), go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and change the "Assist app" to something else, like Google Assistant.

How to disable Gemini in Gmail and other Google services

Gemini also appears in Gmail as a compose feature and in Google Docs as a writing assistant. To turn it off in Gmail, go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right) > See all settings > Advanced. Scroll down to Gemini in Gmail and select Gemini off. Save your changes at the bottom of the page.

In Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides, click Tools > Preferences and uncheck Show "Help me write" and other Gemini features. This removes the Gemini writing suggestions from those apps.

These settings are separate from your main Gemini toggle in Account settings. You can disable Gemini in Search but keep it in Gmail, or vice versa. Each service has its own on-off switch.

What happens when you disable Gemini

When Gemini is off, the "Ask with Gemini" button and the AI-generated summary box will no longer appear above your Google Search results. Your search results themselves stay the same — you'll still see the same websites and information you always did, just without the AI chat feature.

In Gmail, the "Help me write" button disappears from the compose window. In Google Docs, you won't see suggestions to rewrite sentences or generate content. Regular Google Search, Gmail, and Docs functionality continues to work normally.

If you change your mind later, you can turn Gemini back on by reversing these steps. Go back to your Google Account settings, find the Gemini toggle, and turn it back on.

Why you might want to disable Gemini

Some people disable Gemini because they prefer traditional search results without AI summaries. Others turn it off for privacy reasons — Gemini processes your search queries and email content to generate responses, and some users want to limit what data Google processes.

You might also disable it if you find the AI suggestions distracting, if you're concerned about the accuracy of AI-generated summaries, or if you simply don't use the feature. There's no penalty for disabling it, and you can turn it back on whenever you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does disabling Gemini affect my regular Google Search results?

No. Disabling Gemini only removes the AI chat feature and summary box. Your search results, ranking, and the websites that appear remain exactly the same. You're only turning off the optional AI layer on top of search.

Will disabling Gemini in my account settings turn it off on all my devices?

Yes. When you disable Gemini in your Google Account settings, it affects all devices signed into that account. If you have multiple Google Accounts, you'll need to disable Gemini separately in each one if you want it off everywhere.

Can I disable Gemini in Search but keep it in Gmail?

Yes. Each Google service has its own Gemini toggle. You can turn it off in Search through your Account settings, but keep it on in Gmail by not changing the Gmail settings. The toggles work independently.

What if I don't see Gemini in my Google Account settings?

Gemini is rolling out gradually and isn't available in all regions or on all account types yet. If you don't see it in your settings, your account may not have access to it. You can check back later, or you may be in a location where it's not yet available.

If I uninstall Gemini from my Android phone, can I reinstall it later?

Yes. You can reinstall Gemini from the Google Play Store by searching for "Google Gemini" or "Gemini app." Alternatively, you can access Gemini through the Google Search app or Google app without having a separate Gemini app icon on your home screen.