How to Hide Google AI Overviews From Search Results (Desktop and Mobile)

Background

In the last few years Google has layered more automation on top of its familiar list of blue links. One of the most visible additions is AI Overviews—auto‑generated summaries that attempt to answer a query in a single block at the top of the page, often before you see organic results. The feature is designed to save time on broad or how‑to searches, but many people find it distracting, untrustworthy on certain topics, or simply not what they came for.

Unlike early experiments that lived behind a "Labs" toggle, AI Overviews now appear for a subset of searches by default. There’s no universal, permanent "off" switch in Google’s account settings as of early 2026. The good news: there are several effective workarounds to minimize or eliminate AI Overviews from your screen—without giving up web search entirely.

This guide explains the current state of AI Overviews, why they show up, and practical, low‑friction ways to avoid them on desktop and mobile. We’ll also cover search alternatives if you’re ready to move on.

What happened

Google introduced AI-generated answers in limited trials, then broadened access and rebranded the feature as "AI Overviews." Rollout has been gradual and varies by query type, language, and region.
Early versions drew criticism for factual mistakes on sensitive and everyday topics alike. Google adjusted triggers, constrained sources, and added disclaimers, but Overviews still appear for many common "what/why/how" searches.
In response to feedback from users who prefer traditional results, Google added a "Web" filter that shows a mostly link‑only view. The company also continues to test interface tweaks, which means what you see may differ between accounts or over time.
There remains no official, global setting to disable Overviews across all searches. Instead, you can change how you search, where you search, or how your browser sends and displays results to all but remove them from daily life.

How to hide AI Overviews today

Below are practical methods that work right now. You can use one or combine a few depending on your devices and habits.

1) Use Google’s Web filter (fastest, no setup)

After you submit a query on google.com, look for the "Web" option near the top of the results page (alongside "All," "Images," "News," etc.).
Click or tap "Web" to switch to a simplified, link‑forward view. In this mode, AI Overviews and many other modules are removed.
Tip: Pin the Web filter to your top bar if Google offers customization. Even if you can’t make it the default everywhere, it’s a quick two‑click escape from summaries.

Pros: Zero setup, works on any device, and uses the regular Google index. Cons: You must remember to click it each time unless you combine it with a bookmark or URL trick below.

2) Make “web‑only Google” your default with a URL parameter

Google exposes a web‑only view behind a URL parameter you can bookmark and even set as your default search in most browsers.

The parameter to know: udm=14
Example search URL: https://www.google.com/search?udm=14&q=YOUR+QUERY

How to use it easily:

Create a bookmark: Save https://www.google.com/search?udm=14&q=%s as a bookmark. In many browsers, %s becomes the placeholder for your typed query when a bookmark is used as a custom search.
Make a custom search engine (Chrome/Brave/Edge):
- Settings → Search engine → Manage search engines.
- Add a new one with a keyword like gw and the URL https://www.google.com/search?udm=14&q=%s.
- Optional: Set it as the default so your address bar always sends queries to the web‑only view.
Firefox: Open Settings → Search → Add search engine (or use the "Add keyword for this search" option by right‑clicking in the URL bar after loading the web‑only results). Use the same URL template.
Safari (macOS): You can’t set arbitrary templates as the default, but you can create a bookmark with the URL above and assign it to a custom Shortcut or use a Safari extension to intercept queries.

Why it works: udm=14 asks Google to return a lightweight, links‑first results page. While not an officially documented feature, it reliably suppresses AI Overviews as of this writing.

Caveats: Because it’s an interface parameter, Google could change or remove it in the future. Keep a fallback method handy.

3) Turn on Verbatim search for exact matches

Google’s Verbatim mode focuses on literal matching rather than synonyms or interpretation. It reduces the chances of Overviews by forcing a more traditional retrieval.

Desktop: After running a search, open "Tools" (or the "More"/filters row), then choose Verbatim. Some interfaces also expose Verbatim via the "All results" dropdown under "Tools."
URL method: Append &tbs=li:1 to a results URL. You can combine it with udm=14 if you want ultra‑plain results.

Trade‑off: Verbatim can be overly strict, so you might need to try a couple variations of your terms.

4) Adjust your queries to avoid triggering summaries

AI Overviews are more likely to appear for broad, how‑to, definition, and troubleshooting queries. Narrowing your intent often bypasses them:

Add a site or file operator:
- site:docs.python.org list comprehension
- filetype:pdf 10-K Apple 2024
Force exact phrasing with quotes:
- "error code 0x80070057 fix"
Specify sources inline:
- postgres vacuum analyze docs
- best trail shoes site:reddit.com
Use task verbs that point to documentation or repos:
- install nginx ubuntu 22.04 documentation

These aim the query at resources you actually want—and at result types where Overviews rarely help.

5) Hide the Overview block with a content blocker

If you already use a content blocker, you can add a cosmetic rule that hides the AI Overview container on google.com.

Tools: uBlock Origin, AdGuard, or similar blockers with element‑hiding rules.
Approach:
- Run a query that displays an AI Overview.
- Open the blocker’s element picker, select the Overview box, and create a cosmetic filter for it.
- This works even if Google slightly changes class names, because you can re‑target the element yourself.

Note: Exact CSS selectors change frequently. Rather than rely on a copy‑pasted filter that may break, use the picker to generate one on your machine. Keep in mind this hides the element after the page loads; the content still arrives from Google but won’t be visible.

6) Use a different search engine (temporary or permanent)

If you’re open to leaving Google—either occasionally or for good—there are capable alternatives. Their treatment of AI varies, but most either don’t inject summaries by default or let you disable them.

DuckDuckGo: Privacy‑focused, draws from multiple sources. No default AI answer box on standard web searches.
Startpage: Privacy proxy for Google’s index with a classic SERP layout. It typically presents links without Google’s AI modules.
Brave Search: Independent index. Has an optional Summarizer you can disable in settings.
Kagi (paid): Emphasizes curation and user control. Includes summary features you can turn off, plus extensive filters.
Mojeek: Independent crawler with a minimal interface; no AI summaries.
Metasearch options (SearXNG, Whoogle): Community‑run front ends that aggregate without extras; setup varies.

Tip: You don’t have to switch completely. Set an alt‑engine keyword in your browser (e.g., dd query for DuckDuckGo) and use it when you want a clean slate.

7) Mobile tips to make it stick

Android (Chrome/Brave/Edge): Add a custom search engine with udm=14 and set it as default. Many Chromium‑based browsers on Android support arbitrary templates.
iOS (Safari): You can’t change the default template, but you can:
- Create a home‑screen shortcut that opens https://www.google.com/search?udm=14&q= and paste/type your query after the equals sign.
- Use a Shortcut that takes input, then opens URLs with the udm=14 parameter.
- Try third‑party browsers (Arc, Orion, Firefox) that allow custom search engines.
Google app: The built‑in Google app does not support custom URL parameters. If hiding Overviews is a priority, use the browser instead of the app.

What you lose (and keep) with web‑only modes

You lose: AI Overviews, many shopping/flight widgets, and some knowledge panels. The page loads faster but is spartan.
You keep: Core web results, news links, images/videos (when you switch tabs), and advanced operators.
For research, troubleshooting, or developer queries, the trade‑off is usually positive. For local or commercial tasks, you may want to toggle back occasionally for maps or structured data.

Key takeaways

There’s no universal "off" switch for AI Overviews in Google account settings as of early 2026.
The most reliable suppressors are Google’s Web filter and the udm=14 URL parameter. Combine them with a custom search shortcut to make the change permanent.
Verbatim mode and precise queries further reduce Overview triggers while improving result relevance.
Content blockers can hide the Overview block visually if you prefer to keep your current setup.
Switching engines—full‑time or on demand—remains the simplest way to avoid AI modules entirely.

What to watch next

A formal setting from Google: Persistent user controls to disable Overviews would end the game of workarounds. Watch for new toggles in Search settings or the three‑dot "About this result" menu.
Shifts in the udm=14 behavior: Because this parameter isn’t documented for consumers, Google could change it. If it stops working, try the Web filter, Verbatim mode, or an alternative engine.
Regional policy changes: Regulators in multiple markets are scrutinizing how AI summarization affects competition, traffic to publishers, and user choice. Policy outcomes could force more transparency and controls.
Publisher controls: Site owners already have granular ways to limit how snippets appear. Future standards may let sites influence inclusion in AI summaries, which could indirectly affect when Overviews appear.
Browser‑level features: Some browsers are experimenting with search routing, per‑engine rules, or built‑in AI blockers. These can make the "web‑only" experience turnkey.

FAQ

What exactly is an AI Overview?
It’s an automatically generated summary that attempts to answer your query in a few sentences, with citations to sources. It appears above most organic results for certain query types.
Can I turn AI Overviews off in Google settings?
Not globally. You can use the Web filter, URL parameters like udm=14, Verbatim search, or a different engine. Google may add a setting in the future, but there isn’t one today.
Is using udm=14 safe?
Yes. It’s a standard URL parameter that changes how results are displayed. It’s unsupported and could change, so keep a backup method.
Will hiding Overviews improve privacy?
Hiding them changes presentation, not tracking. For privacy, use engines that minimize data collection (e.g., DuckDuckGo, Startpage) or a browser with privacy protections.
Why do Overviews still appear sometimes after I use these methods?
Make sure your query actually used the web‑only or verbatim URL. If you search from a different entry point (e.g., the Google app or a widget), it may ignore your preferred parameter. Consider setting a custom search as your default or using the Web filter each time.
Do other search engines have AI answers?
Many do, but most let you disable them. Check engine settings for "summarizer" or "AI answers" toggles.

Source & original reading: https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-hide-google-ai-overviews-from-your-search-results/

How to Hide Google’s AI Overviews From Your Search Results