How to deactivate AI on your Android phone

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate conversations in the tech world, permeating various products and services. From smartphones to household appliances, AI is often touted as a key feature, even in unexpected places like washing machines. However, the actual utility of these AI features can sometimes leave much to be desired. This has led many consumers to seek ways to disable AI functionalities on their devices, particularly on smartphones where it is most prevalent.

How to disable AI features on your Google Pixel

For users of Google Pixel devices, the latest digital assistant, Gemini, comes pre-installed and cannot be removed entirely. However, you can disable it if you find it unnecessary. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to Gemini.
2. Long press the app icon.
3. Select App info.
4. Tap Disable.

Next, to disable the AI Mode integrated into the Google search bar on your Pixel:

1. Tap the G icon in the search bar.
2. Click on your profile photo.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Select Customize Pixel search box.
5. Toggle AI Mode to off.

If you find that Google Search has become cluttered with AI-generated highlights, you can streamline your experience by following these steps:

1. Open Chrome.
2. Visit TenBlueLinks.org.
3. Access the action menu (three vertical lines) and select New tab.
4. Conduct a search on Google.
5. Open the action menu again.
6. Go to Settings.
7. Select Search engine.
8. In the Recently Visited section, choose Google Web.

To manage AI features in Gmail, which often feel superfluous amidst a high volume of emails, follow these steps:

1. Open Gmail and access the hamburger menu.
2. Navigate to Settings.
3. Select your Google account.
4. Scroll down and deselect Smart features.

For those who wish to disable the Circle to Search feature:

1. Go to your Pixel’s Settings.
2. Scroll down to the System sub-menu.
3. Select Navigation mode.
4. Toggle Circle to Search to disable it.

Additionally, if you want to turn off the Gemini integration in Messages:

1. Open Messages.
2. Select your profile photo.
3. Go to Messages settings.
4. Navigate to Gemini in Messages.
5. Toggle Show Gemini button to disable it.

Lastly, to disable the Magic Cue feature, which utilizes AI to provide contextual information:

1. Access Settings.
2. Navigate to the Magic Cue sub-menu.
3. Toggle all options to off.

How to disable AI features on your Samsung Galaxy phone

In contrast, Samsung offers a more straightforward approach for disabling its AI features. Here’s how you can manage Galaxy AI functionalities:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Galaxy AI.
3. Select Call assist.
4. Toggle the feature to disable it.
5. Repeat this process for each feature listed under Galaxy AI (there are currently 12 options).

While both Google and Samsung have embraced AI in their devices, Samsung deserves recognition for simplifying the process of turning off these features, making it easier for users who prefer a more traditional smartphone experience.