How to Disable AI Features in Gmail and Google Docs

New AI toolbars and prompts are appearing in Gmail and Google Docs, powered by Google's Gemini. If you prefer to write without AI assistance, you can disable these features. Here’s how to turn them off in 2026.

Why Disable AI Features?

Google has integrated Gemini across its Workspace apps, offering suggestions for writing, summarizing, and drafting. While useful for some, these features can be distracting or raise privacy concerns. Disabling them restores a cleaner, more traditional interface.

Disabling AI in Gmail

1. Open Gmail in your browser and click the gear icon (Settings).
2. Select See all settings.
3. Navigate to the General tab.
4. Scroll to the Gemini section (or "AI features" if your account uses a different label).
5. Choose Off or Turn off Gemini.
6. Click Save Changes at the bottom.



Note: On mobile, tap the menu (hamburger icon), go to Settings, select your account, and find the Gemini toggle to disable it.




Disabling AI in Google Docs



1. Open a document in Google Docs.
2. Click Tools in the top menu.
3. Select Preferences.
4. Uncheck Show Gemini suggestions (or similar options like "Smart Compose" and "Assistive Writing").
5. Click OK to save.



For a permanent setting across all documents, go to Google Docs settings (gear icon in the Docs home page), and under General, disable AI-powered suggestions.




What Happens After Disabling?




Once turned off, you’ll no longer see AI prompts, auto-suggestions, or drafting tools. Your existing documents and emails remain unaffected, and you can re-enable these features anytime.




Additional Tips for 2026



• Workspace Admin Controls: If you're an administrator, you can manage Gemini for your entire organization via the Admin console under Apps > Google Workspace > Gemini.
• Browser Extensions: Some third-party extensions can also hide AI elements, but using native settings is safer and more reliable.
• Stay Updated: Google occasionally changes menu layouts, so if you can't find these options, check Google's official Help Center for the latest instructions.



By following these steps, you can regain control over your writing environment and keep AI tools at bay when you don't need them.

via Wired AI