Reclaim Your Google Apps From Gemini AI

Why Users Are Opting Out of Gemini AI

Many Google users are choosing to disable the integrated Gemini AI features for a variety of reasons. Concerns often center around data privacy, potential performance slowdowns on their devices, or general frustration with AI inaccuracies and unhelpful suggestions. For others, it's simply a matter of personal preference; they prefer the classic, non-AI-assisted experience of their favorite Google apps. Regardless of the reason, it's a relief for many to know that Google provides a way to opt out, even if the settings are somewhat buried. Disabling the feature can bring back a sense of control and return the apps to their familiar, pre-AI state.

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Understanding the Scope of the Opt-Out

When you access the settings panel, typically found within Gmail, you have granular control. The primary toggle manages 'Google Workspace smart features,' which directly impacts Gemini's presence. You can also choose to toggle off a separate setting for 'Other Google products.' Disabling this will remove Gemini's influence across services like Google Maps and Wallet. However, be aware that this might also turn off other convenient smart features, such as the automatic creation of calendar entries from your emails.

Common Questions After Disabling Gemini

Even after you've turned off Gemini, you might still notice icons for features like 'Help me write' in your apps. Don't worry, this is normal. These are often just user interface placeholders. If you click on one, instead of activating the AI, it will simply prompt you to re-enable the 'Google Workspace smart features' in your settings. As long as the main toggle is off, Gemini will not run or process your data.

Should you change your mind later, re-enabling the AI is straightforward. You can return to the same settings page at any time and toggle the features back on.

It's important to note that this process does not affect the new 'AI Overviews' in Google Search. That is a separate feature with its own methods for removal. For those looking to restore the traditional search results page, ZDNET has a detailed guide on how to get back to classic Google Search.

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