New Delhi: Google Search users who do not want AI Overviews on every query may have a simple workaround. Adding “-ai” at the end of a Google Search query can
remove AI Overviews from the results page, according to the context shared above.
The trick is not an official off switch for AI Overviews. Google has maintained that AI Overviews are part of Search, much like Featured Snippets and Knowledge Panels. Still, for users who want cleaner old-style links for some searches, this small search modifier may come handy.
How the “-ai” Google search trick works
The method is simple. Users can type their normal Google Search query and add “-ai” (without quotes) at the end. The search results then appear without AI Overviews, based on the test mentioned in the given context.
Normal Google Search results pushing AI first.
For example, a user searching for phone buying tips can type:
“tips for avoiding heatstroke” -ai
That small addition works like a search operator. Google Search operators have existed for years. Many users already know the quotation marks trick, where putting words inside quotes tells Google to search for that exact phrase.
The “-ai” trick appears to work in a similar way by excluding AI-linked results from the search page.
By just adding ‘-ai’ behind your search string, you can avoid AI Overviews
Not a permanent AI Overview setting
This is not a full setting that turns off AI Overviews forever. Users will have to add “-ai” manually each time they do not want the AI answer box to appear.
That may feel slightly annoying, but it is still useful. Many people like AI summaries for quick questions. Some people prefer regular blue links when they are checking news, health topics, money matters or product details. I get that feeling. Sometimes you just want sources first, not a big AI box sitting on top like it owns the place.
