How do I stop Google AI Overviews?

Add '-ai' to your search, use 'Web' tab instead of 'All', or switch to an AI search engine that gives you cited answers without the noise.

Google AI Overviews appear above real results and often summarise SEO listicles instead of authoritative sources. Here are the fastest ways to opt out.

The -ai trick

Append `-ai` to any Google query to suppress most AI Overview boxes. It's a hack but it works.

Use the Web tab

After searching, click the 'Web' filter under the search bar. Google removes AI Overviews and shows pure organic results.

Switch to a cited AI search engine

If you want AI summarisation but not Google's version, use an AI search engine where every claim links to a verified source. Hobnob AI shows TrustScore on each citation so you can judge quality.

Frequently asked questions

Can I disable AI Overviews permanently?

Not yet — Google has not added a settings toggle. The Web tab and `-ai` workaround are your best options.

Are AI Overviews accurate?

Often, but they hallucinate often enough that Google itself adds 'check important info' disclaimers. Cited AI search is safer.

Why does Hobnob AI show ads?

Because we keep search free and unlimited for everyone — no paywall, no credit card, 20 free searches a day. Running real-time web crawls, large language models, and TrustScore checks costs real money on every single query. A few non-intrusive ads are what let a tiny indie team keep the lights on so a student in Delhi, a researcher in Lagos, or a developer in São Paulo can use the same powerful AI search a Silicon Valley engineer uses — for free, forever. If ads bother you, upgrading to Starter, Pro, or Business removes them instantly and directly funds the people building this for you. Either way, you're helping keep open AI search alive.

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Cited answers, TrustScore on every source, free to start.

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