The Ultimate Google Search Hack: How to Bypass AI Overviews in 2026

The digital landscape of 2026 has transformed into an AI-powered wonderland where every online interaction seems to involve some form of generative artificial intelligence. From AI agents that promise to revolutionize productivity to chatbot sidebars that follow you across the web, the internet has become increasingly saturated with machine-generated content. Even the most basic online activities now come wrapped in layers of AI assistance, making it nearly impossible to escape the algorithmic embrace of artificial intelligence.

However, for those who still crave the simplicity of traditional web browsing, there’s a hidden gem that’s been making waves across the tech community—a simple keyboard trick that allows users to temporarily dodge Google’s AI Overviews and return to the classic search experience we all remember.

The Game-Changing Keyboard Shortcut

The trick is deceptively simple: by typing “–ai” at the end of your Google search query, you can effectively bypass the AI-generated summaries that have become the default for most search results. This nifty little hack has been circulating among tech enthusiasts and power users who miss the straightforward approach of the early internet days.

“I’ve been using this trick religiously for the past week, and it’s been a game-changer,” says one WIRED reader who discovered the workaround. “It’s like taking a breath of fresh air in an increasingly AI-saturated digital environment.”

The beauty of this hack lies in its simplicity. You can actually use any combination of letters or numbers attached to an en dash—whether it’s “–1,” “–z,” or any other character sequence—and it works just as effectively. The en dash function in Google’s search algorithm is designed to remove specific topics from search results, and it appears that AI Overviews fall into this category almost by accident.

How It Works (and Where It Doesn’t)

In our extensive testing, we found that this trick works flawlessly on desktop browsers like Chrome and Safari. Simply add your chosen en dash combination to the end of any search query, hit enter, and watch as Google serves up the traditional list of website links without the AI-generated summaries that typically dominate the top of the page.

However, there are some limitations to be aware of. When testing on mobile browsers, particularly Safari and Chrome on iOS devices, the AI-generated “web guide” still appears prominently in the results. Google does offer a “Classic Search” button on the right side of these results, which reloads the page with a mix of traditional website links and short-form videos. Interestingly, Android users seem to have better luck—at least on Google Pixel devices, where the “–ai” trick successfully removes AI Overviews.

The Nostalgic Appeal of Classic Search

For many users, this hack represents more than just a technical workaround—it’s a return to the golden age of internet searching. There’s something undeniably satisfying about seeing that familiar list of blue links, reminiscent of the early 2000s when Google first revolutionized how we find information online.

“I feel nostalgic for the minimalist Google I grew up with,” one user shared. “The utter simplicity of those top 10 blue links was perfect. You knew exactly what you were getting, and there was no AI middleman trying to interpret what you really meant.”

This sentiment resonates with a growing number of internet users who feel overwhelmed by the constant AI integration in their daily digital experiences. The “–ai” trick has become something of a secret handshake among those who prefer their information served straight, without algorithmic interpretation.

Alternative Search Engines for AI-Free Browsing

For users who want to completely escape the AI revolution in search, several alternative search engines offer AI-free experiences with toggleable features. DuckDuckGo and Brave have emerged as frontrunners in this space, both offering robust search capabilities without the AI-generated summaries that have become ubiquitous on Google.

DuckDuckGo, known for its privacy-focused approach, allows users to completely disable AI features in their settings. Brave, the privacy-centric browser company, has also launched its own search engine with similar AI-toggling capabilities. Both services maintain the traditional search experience while still offering modern features that users have come to expect.

The best part? You don’t need to abandon your favorite browser to make the switch. Google Chrome allows users to easily change their default search engine through the settings menu, making it simple to experiment with different search experiences without committing to a complete browser overhaul.

The Evolution of Google’s AI Overviews

When Google first introduced AI Overviews in 2024, it marked a significant shift in how the search engine operates. The feature was designed to provide users with quick, summarized answers to their queries without requiring them to click through to individual websites. However, the rollout was far from smooth.

The feature quickly became the subject of widespread mockery on social media platforms, with users sharing screenshots of bizarre and incorrect AI-generated responses. Perhaps the most infamous example was the suggestion to add glue to pizza to make the cheese stick better—a recommendation that, unsurprisingly, didn’t come from any reputable cooking source.

Despite the initial backlash and public embarrassment, Google doubled down on its AI integration strategy. The company has continued to refine and iterate on the user experience, claiming that the accuracy of AI Overviews has improved significantly over time. Google representatives maintain that users find Search more helpful with AI Overviews and that they’re returning to search more frequently as a result.

The Hidden Risks of AI-Generated Content

While Google insists that the accuracy of AI Overviews has improved, the fundamental nature of generative AI means that inaccuracies can still slip through. Large language models, by their very design, can sometimes “hallucinate” information or make connections that aren’t factually correct, even when summarizing existing content.

This is particularly concerning when it comes to sensitive topics like medical advice, financial information, or current events. An AI-generated summary might confidently present incorrect information, leading users to make decisions based on faulty data. This is why experts continue to recommend clicking through to original sources and verifying information, regardless of how authoritative an AI summary might appear.

Why This Hack Might Not Last Forever

The “–ai” trick, while incredibly useful, exists in something of a gray area. Google didn’t intentionally create this feature as an opt-out mechanism for AI Overviews—it appears to be more of a happy accident resulting from how the en dash function interacts with the search algorithm.

Google’s official stance is that AI Overviews are here to stay, comparing them to other permanent features like knowledge panels that can’t be removed. A Google spokesperson told WIRED that people find Search more helpful with AI Overviews and that they’re coming back to search more as a result. The company does offer a “web” filter for users who want to see only links, but they note that this option is used for only a tiny fraction of searches.

Given this position, it’s entirely possible that Google could modify its search algorithm to close this loophole at any time. The company has shown no indication that it plans to offer a permanent toggle to disable AI Overviews, suggesting that workarounds like the “–ai” trick may have a limited lifespan.

The Future of Search in an AI-Dominated World

As we look toward the future of online search, it’s clear that AI integration is only going to become more prevalent. The “–ai” trick represents a fascinating moment in the ongoing tension between technological advancement and user preference. It’s a reminder that even in an age of sophisticated artificial intelligence, sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast looking to optimize your search experience, a privacy advocate concerned about AI data collection, or simply someone who misses the straightforward approach of traditional web searching, the “–ai” trick offers a temporary escape from the AI-dominated landscape of modern search engines.

But perhaps more importantly, it serves as a reminder that users still have some control over their digital experiences, even in an increasingly automated world. As AI continues to reshape how we interact with information online, tools and tricks that allow us to maintain some level of choice and control will likely become increasingly valuable.

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