Since Google introduced its AI Overviews in search results—including in France—users have had mixed reactions. Some appreciate instant answers, while others find the feature intrusive or inaccurate. If you’re among those who would rather not see these summaries, there are ways to disable them.
Google's AI Overviews Debuted in France
Google’s AI-generated overviews became available in France on July 22, 2026, marking a notable shift for the search giant in a country previously governed by stringent regulations on content rights. French users now see answers to their queries at the top of the results page, similar to users in other parts of the world. This change often means fewer clicks to original websites, as Google provides responses directly. If you’d like to avoid these sometimes imperfect, automated answers, several methods can help you remove them.
How to Hide AI Overviews Using a Hidden Google Setting
One effective way to stop seeing AI Overviews is to use a lesser-known Google parameter. By adding a space and then udm=14 at the end of your search, you can trigger a filter that hides generative AI results such as Gemini summaries. This trick, highlighted by the tech site Les Numériques, blocks AI-generated summaries from appearing at the top of your search results.
Disabling AI Features in Your Browser
On Google Chrome—especially if you’re on your phone—you may be able to turn off AI-related shortcuts directly in the browser’s settings. Click your account icon, go to “Settings,” and look under the “Gemini” tab. You’ll find controls to adjust these features to your liking.
You can also use browser extensions designed to block Google AI Overviews across browsers like Chrome, Edge, Vivaldi, and Opera. Notable options include “Hide Google AI Overviews” and “Bye Bye Google AI.” These extensions help prevent AI-generated responses from appearing in your search results.
Safari users on iPhone can install the “udm14 for Safari” extension to achieve a similar effect. For Firefox, the “AI OverView Hider” extension is available.
Alternative Search Engines
If you’d rather not use Google at all, options like Qwant, Ecosia, DuckDuckGo, and SmartPage offer alternatives with greater respect for personal data, especially in Europe.
Whether you want a return to classic search or prefer privacy-first options, these methods arm you with the tools to avoid Google’s AI Overviews as you browse the web.
