Google Photos has introduced an updated version of its “Ask Photos” search experience, which now also offers the option to disable it altogether. The new feature allows users to toggle off AI-powered search features, providing a faster and more classic user interface.
To turn off AI search in Google Photos, users need to have the latest app update installed on their Android or iOS device. Once updated, they can access the “Photos settings” by tapping on their profile picture and selecting “Preferences.” From there, users can navigate to “Gemini features in Photos” and toggle off the “Search with Ask Photos” option.
Enabling this setting will convert the “Ask” button on the bottom bar to a “Search” button, restoring the classic user interface. The feature is currently available via server-side update, meaning users may need to wait for their device to receive the update before accessing it.
This new option provides users with more control over their search experience and allows them to disable AI-powered features if desired. With this change, Google has taken a rare step by giving users the ability to turn off AI search altogether, offering a compromise between speed and customization.
Source: https://9to5google.com/2025/06/27/how-to-turn-off-google-photos-ai-search