Going online in 2026 means dealing with a constant influx of generative AI tools, including AI-generated summaries in Google Search. If you’re looking for a way to disable these AI Overviews, there is a simple trick: append “–ai” to the end of your search query. This method was brought to light by WIRED readers discussing the potential pitfalls of Google’s AI Overviews, particularly concerning their reliability.
Google acknowledges that many people find the AI Overviews helpful, stating, "People find Search more helpful with AI Overviews, and they’re coming back to search more as a result." However, they also note that users typically use the ‘web’ filter, designed for filtered searches, only a small fraction of the time. The AI Overviews feature has drawn its fair share of criticism, especially when early users encountered inaccurate content, including bizarre suggestions like baking pizza with glue.
Interestingly, users can employ variations of the same trick; for instance, adding any characters after the en dash works to eliminate the AI Overviews altogether. Although this method is not consistently successful across all devices—reportedly working seamlessly in computer browsers and selectively on Android devices—it does provide users with an alternative to the AI-heavy results.
If you’re considering a complete switch from Google, search engines like DuckDuckGo and Brave allow users to manage AI summaries directly in settings, providing a more customizable experience without the influence of generative AI.
Since Google first launched AI Overviews in 2024, the company has continued to refine the feature despite previous controversies. While the accuracy of these AI-generated summaries may have improved, it remains advisable to double-check the information and visit the original sites directly whenever possible.
