How to get plain Google search results without AI Overviews
The writer finds Google's AI Overviews unreliable enough that checking their sources takes more time than skipping them. Google offers no direct off switch, but the Web filter removes AI Overviews and all other result types except links. The article explains how to reach that mode and notes that it cannot be made the default.
Google provides no toggle in Chrome or its app to turn off AI Overviews. The Web filter is tucked into Search's filters—under More on desktop and by swiping left on the mobile filter bar—and it strips out videos, images, news, Maps, and shopping results, leaving only links. That mode cannot be set as default.
A workaround is adding "-ai" before a query, which removes AI Overviews but keeps other result types; it must be repeated each search. Alternatively, a custom search engine can route queries through the Web filter using a URL ending in udm=14&q=%s, with a shortcut such as "gg"; this works in browsers that support custom search engines.
For everyday search users, especially students, researchers, and anyone checking facts, these workarounds could reduce exposure to unverified AI summaries and encourage link-based browsing. The extra steps may discourage casual users, however, so the effect could be uneven: motivated users gain more control, while others may keep seeing AI Overviews by default. Website publishers may also see different referral patterns if link-only searches become more common.