Google's AI-powered Gemini has been accessing your data without your consent, including emails, photos, calls, and texts. This invasive tracking has raised concerns about privacy and data security. If you want to take control of your app user experience, follow this guide to disable Gemini AI on Android and all your Google apps – Gmail, Chrome, Photos, and more.
Earlier this year, we warned you about Google's decision to grant Gemini AI access to its users' apps, even if tracking was previously turned off. Now, the tech giant has taken it a step further by turning on settings like smart features without consent, allowing Gemini to scan your Gmail emails, Photos, Drive, and other apps. In this updated guide, we'll show you how to disable Gemini AI in all Google apps.
Disabling Gemini AI in All Google Apps
To turn off Gemini AI in Gmail, Drive & Docs:
- Open your Gmail account
- Click on the settings icon
- Click See all settings
- Scroll down to Smart Features
- Toggle off both "Turn off smart features in Gmail, Chat and Meet" and "Google Workspace smart features"
This will stop Gemini from accessing your data, including summarizing content, creating drafts, and finding key information.
Disabling Gemini AI in Google Photos
To turn off Gemini AI in Google Photos on iPhone:
- Open the Google Photos app
- Click on your profile icon
- Click Google Photo settings
- Click Preferences
- Turn off "Use Gemini in Photos"
This will disable all Gemini AI features in your photos.
Disabling Gemini AI in Chrome Browser
If you're based in the US and signed into the latest English (US) version of Chrome browser on Mac or Windows, follow these steps:
- Open Google Chrome
- Click on the three-dot icon
- Click Settings
- Click AI innovations
- Toggle off "Gemini in Chrome"
- Click History search, powered by AI and toggle this off
- Click Help me write and toggle this off
Disabling Gemini AI on Android
If you don't want Google's Gemini to track everything you're doing on your phone:
- Open the Gemini app from your Android device
- Click on your profile in the top right corner
- Go to Apps
- Toggle off for each app (Messages, Phone, WhatsApp)
This will disable Gemini completely and prevent it from accessing other apps on your phone.
Alternatively, you can turn off Gemini App Activity:
- Open the Gemini app
- Click on your profile in the top right corner
- Go to Gemini Apps Activity
- Turn off and delete all activity
Uninstalling Gemini
If you want to completely remove Gemini from your Android device:
- Use dev tools on a desktop PC to uninstall the ID: com.google.android.apps.bard
Note: This step is only recommended for those who know how to manage Android apps.
By following these steps, you can regain control over your app user experience and protect your privacy.