Overcoming the AI Overload: How to Avoid AI Overviews in Google Search
In the ever-evolving digital landscape of 2026, the internet is inundated with generative AI tools. This relentless bombardment can sometimes prove overwhelming, leaving users seeking a respite from the AI-driven search results. While it’s impossible to avoid the AI revolution entirely, there is a simple keyboard trick you can use to bypass Google’s AI overviews, at least for a moment.
The Magic of ‘-ai’
For those who prefer a less AI-driven search experience, you can simply type “-ai” at the end of your search query in Google Search. This tip, highlighted by WIRED readers in a recent article about AI scams in Google overviews, effectively negates the AI-generated summary of website links. It’s a nifty trick that could prove useful for those yearning for the good old days of simple search results.
Unfortunately, Google does not yet offer an off switch for AI overviews. “People find searching with AI overviews more helpful and therefore return more often to search more,” a Google spokesperson tells WIRED. The spokesperson also likened AI Overviews to other built-in search result features like knowledge panels, which cannot be removed.
How to Use the ‘-ai’ Trick
If you want to give this trick a try, simply append any combination of letters or numbers with a hyphen at the end of your search query, for example, “-1” or “-z”. This prevents AI overviews from being displayed in full. The En-Dash feature in Google is designed to remove any topic you add to it from search results. However, the removal of AI overviews seems random and it remains unclear how long this trick will remain effective.
The ‘-ai’ trick appears to be limited to search queries in computer browsers only. On iOS devices, AI-generated “web guide” still appears prominently in the results. But, there’s a silver lining – Google offers a classic search button on the right side of these results. After clicking this button, the results reload, showing a mix of website links and short videos. On Android devices, specifically Google Pixel phones, using “-ai” effectively removes AI overviews.
Alternative Search Engines
If the onslaught of AI tools has you considering a switch, DuckDuckGo and Brave are two viable alternatives. Both these search engines allow users to toggle AI summaries on and off in the settings. Switching browsers is not necessary as Google allows you to swap the default search engine in the Chrome settings menu.
AI Overviews: A Double-Edged Sword?
Google’s introduction of AI Overviews in 2024 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the search engine. Despite initial criticism and social media mockery for inaccurate results, Google has persisted in its use and improvement of AI tools. While the company asserts that the accuracy of these results has improved over time, it’s still advisable to double-check all information gleaned from an AI overview.
In conclusion, while generative AI tools can undoubtedly enhance user experience, it’s essential to remain critical and verify the information they provide. For those who prefer a more traditional search experience, the “-ai” trick offers a brief reprieve from the AI overload.
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