Google AI Overviews have become a standard part of the search experience, appearing in approximately 15% of all queries. These AI-generated summaries synthesize information from multiple sources to answer questions directly in search results. Understanding how to use AI Overviews effectively—whether you want to maximize their value or minimize their presence—gives you control over your search experience.
This tutorial covers everything you need to know about using Google AI Overviews in 2026.
AI Overviews are AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of Google search results for certain queries. Rather than displaying a list of links, Google uses large language models to synthesize information from multiple web sources into a cohesive answer.
Each AI Overview includes:
AI Overviews appear automatically for queries where Google determines an AI-generated summary would be helpful—typically informational, how-to, and comparison queries.
AI Overviews appear automatically in regular Google searches when triggered by your query type. No special setup required—simply search as usual on google.com or the Google app.
Requirements:
AI Mode takes AI Overviews further, transforming Google into a fully conversational AI search experience. Unlike standard AI Overviews that appear alongside traditional results, AI Mode eliminates the traditional "10 blue links" entirely.
To access AI Mode:
AI Mode uses what Google calls a "fan-out technique," issuing up to 16 simultaneous queries to gather comprehensive information before synthesizing your answer.
Google introduced G.ai as a simplified entry point for AI-powered search. This URL provides direct access to Google's conversational AI search experience without navigating through standard Google search.
Simply visit G.ai in your browser for immediate access to AI-driven search capabilities.
AI Overviews perform best with specific, well-formed questions. Instead of single keywords, use natural language queries:
Less effective: "python loops" More effective: "How do I iterate through a dictionary in Python with both keys and values?"
The more context you provide, the more tailored the AI Overview response becomes.
AI Overviews often display related questions beneath the main answer. Clicking these expands your research without starting new searches. Use this feature to:
Every AI Overview includes citation links to source websites. Before acting on information from an AI Overview:
AI Overviews synthesize information but can occasionally misinterpret or combine sources incorrectly. Source verification remains important for consequential information.
Google AI Overviews can incorporate personalization based on your Google ecosystem data:
Data sources used:
This personalization means two users asking identical questions might receive different AI Overviews based on their Google account data and history.
To control how much personal data influences your AI Overviews:
Reducing personalization creates more generic responses but increases privacy.
Some users prefer traditional search results without AI-generated summaries. Several methods let you bypass AI Overviews.
Add &udm=14 to the end of any Google search URL to view results without AI Overviews. This parameter activates "Web" mode, displaying only traditional organic results.
Example:
google.com/search?q=how+to+cook+ricegoogle.com/search?q=how+to+cook+rice&udm=14Several browser extensions automatically disable AI Overviews:
These extensions modify the page display after loading, hiding AI Overview content automatically.
This manual method works without extensions but requires an extra click each search.
Advanced users can disable certain AI features through Chrome's experimental flags:
chrome://flagsNote that Chrome flags change frequently and may affect other browser functionality.
Understanding the distinction helps you choose the right experience:
AI Overviews:
AI Mode:
AI Mode suits research sessions where you want deep, conversational exploration. Standard AI Overviews work better when you want both AI summaries and traditional results.
If you expect an AI Overview but don't see one:
AI Overviews occasionally synthesize information incorrectly:
AI Overviews require processing time:
To use AI Overviews effectively in your daily workflow:
AI Overviews work best as research accelerators—providing quick understanding and pointing toward authoritative sources—rather than as definitive answers to complex questions.
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