Google users who want to see fewer AI-generated summaries in their search results have a way to do so, according to a new guide from wired.me. The outlet published the tips on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, explaining how to stop the feature from appearing.
The guide, titled "How to Stop Google’s AI Overviews From Spoiling Everything," addresses a growing frustration among searchers who find the AI summaries intrusive or unhelpful. According to wired.me, the feature can be disabled through specific settings in the Google app or browser, though the outlet notes the exact steps depend on the platform being used.
AI Overviews, which Google began rolling out widely in 2025, automatically generate a block of text at the top of search results, synthesizing information from multiple sources. While intended to provide quick answers, the feature has drawn criticism for occasionally delivering inaccurate or overly verbose responses. The wired.me guide positions the opt-out as a way for users to reclaim a more traditional search experience.
The report does not specify whether the option is available on all devices or for all Google accounts, and it does not mention any impact on other AI-powered search features. As Google continues to iterate on its search products, the availability of such controls may change.
What to watch next: whether Google will make the opt-out permanent or limit it to certain regions, as the company has done with other experimental features.
