In the past few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our daily technology experience. From smartphones to social media platforms, AI is everywhere. Major tech companies like Apple, Samsung, Meta, Google, and Microsoft have integrated AI functionalities into their products, creating a landscape where these tools are hard to avoid. While many users appreciate the convenience these AI features provide, others find them intrusive. If you're looking to reduce your exposure to AI, this guide will help you disable various AI functionalities across popular platforms.
Google is at the forefront of the AI revolution, embedding AI into many of its products. One of the most noticeable features is the AI Overviews in Google Search, powered by Google's AI technology, Gemini. Although you cannot completely turn off AI Overviews, there are ways to minimize their presence. You can also disable AI writing assistance features in Gmail.
To bypass AI Overviews in Google Search, select the “Web” tab below the search bar to filter out AI-generated responses and focus on traditional links. If you prefer an alternative search engine, consider using DuckDuckGo, which allows you to toggle AI features on and off before conducting a search.
To disable AI writing features in Gmail: 1. Click the gear icon in the top right corner.2. Select “See All Settings.”3. Turn off Smart Compose, Smart Compose Personalization, and Smart Reply. Keep in mind that turning off the Smart Features setting disables all AI-related functionalities, including spelling and grammar checks.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has also integrated various AI tools across its platforms. While you cannot entirely disable Meta’s AI features, you can adjust some settings to minimize their impact on your experience.
To turn off AI comment summaries on Facebook:1. Open the Menu in the bottom right corner.2. Go to “Settings & Privacy.”3. Navigate to “Posts” under “Audiences and Visibility.”4. Turn off “Allow Comment Summaries on Your Posts.” This adjustment ensures that your commenters can express themselves without AI interference.
Microsoft has introduced its Copilot AI in various applications, such as Word and Excel, and it appears in the Taskbar for users of the Microsoft 365 suite. If you find Copilot unhelpful, you can disable it, although the process varies depending on your operating system.
For users with Windows 11 Home:1. Open the Start menu.2. Type “Copilot” in the search bar.3. Right-click on Copilot and select “Uninstall.”4. Follow the same steps for the Microsoft 365 Copilot app if it appears in your list.
To disable Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps on a PC:1. Open the desired application (e.g., Microsoft Word).2. Navigate to “File” > “Options” > “Copilot.”3. Clear the checkbox next to “Enable Copilot” and click “OK.”4. Restart the application.
For Mac users:1. Open the app (e.g., Microsoft Word).2. Go to “Preferences” > “Authoring and Proofing Tools” > “Copilot.”3. Clear the “Enable Copilot” checkbox and click “OK.”4. Restart the application.
Recent Samsung smartphones and tablets are equipped with various AI capabilities, including writing and photo editing tools. If you prefer a less AI-centric experience, disabling these features is relatively straightforward.
To turn off Samsung’s AI features:1. Open “Settings.”2. Select “Galaxy AI.”3. Tap on the tool you wish to adjust and switch off the toggle. This process consolidates all AI settings in one accessible location, making it easy to customize your device experience.
While it’s impossible to eliminate AI from your life entirely, following this guide can help you regain control over the AI features on your devices. Whether you prefer to limit AI on Google, Meta, Microsoft, or Samsung platforms, these steps will allow you to tailor your technology experience to better suit your preferences.
