How to disable Google Photos' Gemini AI for classic search
For many Google Photos users, the straightforward act of finding a specific memory has recently become entangled with Google’s ambitious push into artificial intelligence. While the company introduced “Ask Photos,” powered by its Gemini AI, with the promise of more intuitive and conversational searches, a significant segment of the user base found the new system to be slower, less helpful, and often more confusing than the familiar classic search interface.
Initially, Google offered a convenient escape hatch: prominent “Switch to classic search” buttons were readily available, and a quick double-tap on the magnifying glass icon would bypass the AI and revert to the traditional method. This allowed users to experiment with the new AI while retaining easy access to their preferred search experience. However, in a move that frustrated many, Google quietly removed these easily accessible options a couple of months ago. Now, the double-tap gesture, once a shortcut to simplicity, redirects users directly into the Gemini-powered “Ask Photos” interface, leaving many searching for a way back to what they considered a more efficient system.
Thankfully, the option to disable the AI features and restore the classic search is still available, albeit tucked away within the application’s settings. To reclaim the traditional search experience, users need to navigate a few layers deep: first, tap the Google account button located at the top-right corner of the app. From there, proceed to “Photos settings,” then “Preferences,” and finally, “Gemini features in Photos.” Within this menu, users will find the toggles to turn off either “Search with Ask Photos” or “Use Gemini in Photos,” effectively restoring the familiar search functionality.
It is worth noting that Google’s “Ask Photos” has seen some improvements since its initial rollout. The company appears to have responded to early feedback, making the AI more responsive and capable than it was originally. Despite these enhancements, many users still express a preference for the speed and directness of the classic search, particularly when their goal is a quick, precise query rather than a conversational exploration of their photo library.
For those with merged or shared Google Photos libraries, such as those combining photos with a spouse, an additional trick can prove invaluable for isolating personal images. Since shared libraries can make it challenging to distinguish one’s own photos from others’, a simple workaround involves searching by the exact name of your phone’s camera. This unique identifier can be found by tapping any of your photos and scrolling down to the “Details” section, providing a reliable method to filter your personal memories from a vast, combined collection. This ongoing interplay between advanced AI capabilities and user preference for straightforward functionality highlights a key challenge for tech companies: balancing innovation with the practical needs and established habits of their user base.