AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 28, 2026
Understanding Unwanted AI on Your Phone
If you’ve noticed artificial intelligence (AI) features appearing more and more when you use your smartphone—like Google’s AI summaries at the top of your searches, Siri suggestions on iPhone, or Galaxy AI on Samsung devices—you’re not alone. While AI can streamline tasks, sometimes you want to use your device without automated responses or summaries. Fortunately, there are several ways to regain control and remove AI from your phone.
How to Avoid Google AI Overviews on Mobile
When searching with Google, you might encounter AI Overviews: summaries generated by AI and displayed above regular search results. Google currently doesn’t offer a way to permanently turn off these overviews, but you have a couple of workarounds.
Add -AI to Your Google Searches
- Open your browser and go to Google.com.
- Enter your search terms and tap Search.
- If you see an AI Overview, return to the search box and add -AI at the end of your query.
- Search again.
This may remove the AI Overview, but it’s not guaranteed. Adding -AI excludes results containing "AI," possibly omitting related pages.
Use Google’s Web Filter for Classic Search Results
- After searching, look for filters at the top of results.
- Tap Web (swipe or tap More if you don’t see it).
This filter shows traditional web links without AI Overviews. You’ll need to apply it for each new search.
Note: Disabling AI Overviews in Google Search Labs does not always remove them from standard searches.
Ditch AI in Search with DuckDuckGo No-AI
If you want an AI-free search experience, try DuckDuckGo No-AI via noai.duckduckgo.com. This version of DuckDuckGo removes AI answers, suggestions, and filters out most AI-generated images. You don’t need to change your phone’s default search engine—you can just use the site directly.
Managing AI on iPhone and iPad
Change Your Default Search Engine
- Go to Settings > Search > Search Engine.
- Select your preferred search provider (like DuckDuckGo).
Note: Using DuckDuckGo as the default won’t automatically activate its No-AI experience—visit their No-AI site when you want that option.
Disable Siri Suggestions
- Open Settings > Siri > Suggestions.
- Turn off Suggest Apps Before Searching.
This stops suggested apps from appearing before you begin typing in search. Other controls allow you to hide Siri suggestions in the App Library or sharing menu.
Turn Off or Revert Siri AI
- Open Settings > Siri.
- Select Turn Off Siri.
- To restore the classic Siri, tap Turn On Siri and select Siri Classic.
Siri AI is only available on certain models and regions; older iPhones won’t display these options.
Disable AI Notification Summaries
- Go to Settings > Notifications > Summarize Notifications and turn this feature off.
- For messages, go to Settings > Apps > Messages and turn off Summarize Messages.
- Similarly, disable summarized mail previews if desired.
Turning Off Galaxy AI Features on Samsung Phones
- Open Settings > Galaxy AI (or Advanced features > Galaxy AI).
- Select any feature you wish to disable and turn off the relevant switch.
Note: Some AI features are built into the system and cannot be disabled. Controls and settings may differ by model or software version. Restart your device for changes to take effect.
Other AI Controls
- To remove Now brief on the lock screen, go to Settings > Lock screen > Now bar and turn off Now brief.
- To keep AI data processing on-device, turn on Process data only on device in Galaxy AI settings.
- Disable Circle to Search via Settings > Display > Navigation bar.
Disabling Pixel AI Features
Magic Cue (Pixel 10)
- Open Settings > Magic Cue.
- Deactivate suggestion types and features as desired.
Proactive Assistance (Pixel 11)
- Go to Settings > Proactive Assistance.
- Turn off Use Proactive Assistance and control which apps it can access.
Other Controls
- Turn off Circle to Search via Settings > search for Circle to Search.
- In Pixel Screenshots app: go to Settings > turn off Search your screenshots with AI and, if desired, delete all AI summaries and metadata.
Managing Gemini: Google’s AI Assistant on Android
- To stop “Hey Google” from launching Gemini, use the Gemini app’s settings and turn off voice activation.
- Disable Gemini on the power button: Settings > System > Gestures > Press & hold power button and choose another action.
- Remove Gemini as your default assistant: Settings > Apps > Default apps > Digital assistant app > set to None.
Is Complete Removal of Smartphone AI Possible?
No single switch currently exists to disable all AI features on any device. Many are built into system software or individual apps. However, using these controls, you can significantly disable AI features and improve your smartphone AI control. Managing these settings can help ensure your device works the way you want, with AI only when you choose.
Source: foxnews.com.
