Google Photos adds toggle to disable AI ‘Ask Photos’ search
Google is rolling out a new interface change for its Photos app, granting users the ability to bypass the AI-driven “Ask Photos” feature. Following persistent feedback from those dissatisfied with the performance of the newer tool, the company is reintroducing a more accessible way to utilize the classic search experience.
Restoring user control
The “Ask Photos” tool, which debuted in the U.S. in 2024, was designed to handle complex natural language queries. However, many users reported that the AI-powered system often struggled to locate specific images, leading to lower accuracy compared to the traditional search method. While a setting to disable Gemini-based search existed previously, it was notoriously difficult to locate within the app’s menu.
Shimrit Ben-Yair, who leads the Google Photos division, acknowledged the frustration in a recent update. “We’ve heard your feedback that you want more control over the type of results you see when searching in Google Photos,” she stated via a post on X.
Key changes to the search interface
- Direct Toggle: A new, highly visible button will appear on the search screen, allowing users to switch between AI-powered results and the classic search experience.
- Improved Accuracy: Alongside the new toggle, Google claims to have refined the quality of its most popular search queries based on direct user input.
- Hybrid Prioritization: Despite the ability to revert to the classic interface, Google notes that the app will continue to highlight the most relevant results regardless of which search mode is active.
The introduction of this toggle marks a shift for the company, which had previously paused the rollout of “Ask Photos” last summer to address concerns regarding latency. With this update, Google aims to balance its commitment to generative AI with the reliability that long-time users expect from the platform.
For those looking to manage their preferences, Google provides official guidance on how to disable Ask Photos through the app’s settings. Ben-Yair encouraged continued engagement, noting that ongoing user feedback is vital to refining the product’s functionality.