Google’s AI-generated summary boxes have become a common feature atop search results, offering direct answers without requiring users to click on individual links. While convenient to some, these AI overviews have drawn criticism for reducing web traffic to original content creators and containing factual inaccuracies. For those who prefer a more conventional search experience focused on web links, there are simple workarounds to minimize or bypass Google’s AI summaries.
One of the easiest methods involves modifying your search query by appending a minus sign followed by “AI” (for example, searching “who owns Facebook -AI”). This trick disrupts Google’s algorithm that triggers the AI summary and causes it to skip showing the overview panel. Interestingly, random strings following the minus sign can achieve the same effect, although “-AI” is the most memorable and concise choice.
Another option is to switch manually to the “Web” results tab that Google introduced alongside its AI overviews. This tab filters out AI-generated panels and returns to displaying only traditional links to websites. It can be accessed by clicking the “Web” option below the search bar or through the “More” menu if it isn’t immediately visible. However, this filter cannot be set as the default, requiring users to select it every time the AI summary appears, which currently happens on most searches.
For those seeking a more automated approach, using a proxy service or URL modification can help. Adding the parameter “&udm=14” to Google search URLs forces the results page to default to web links, excluding AI summaries. Proxy sites like udm14.com replicate this by offering a streamlined Google search bar that omits AI overviews entirely. While proxies can simplify the process, users should exercise caution and be aware of privacy and security risks when using third-party web services.
Despite these workarounds, Google has not provided an official way to disable AI answer panels, and the company continues to expand its AI integrations across search products. For users who find the AI summaries intrusive or unreliable, these simple methods offer immediate relief and a return to a more familiar search environment that prioritizes clickable links over instant replies.