Google’s Pixel phones have become synonymous with artificial intelligence (AI), but users who prefer a less AI-driven experience can reclaim control. While the Pixel lineup once offered a clean Android experience with timely updates, the current generation heavily integrates AI into nearly every aspect of the device. Disabling these features is possible, though it may mean sacrificing some functionality. Here’s a step-by-step guide to stripping back the AI from your Pixel.

Understanding the Shift

The Pixel’s evolution toward an “AI phone” represents a broader trend in the tech industry. Companies are aggressively embedding AI into devices and services to enhance user experiences and gather data. This push towards AI integration raises questions about user agency and data privacy. For users who prioritize simplicity or have concerns about AI’s influence, opting out requires deliberate effort.

Uninstalling or Disabling AI-Driven Apps & Features

Disabling AI settings may affect other phone functions, so document changes to revert if necessary. Here’s a breakdown of how to disable key AI components:

Journal App

The Pixel’s AI-centric Journal app is one of the first expendable apps you can uninstall. While it’s an interesting concept, it’s easily removed if you don’t use it.

Screenshots

The Pixel 9 introduced a dedicated screenshots app with AI-powered search capabilities. You can uninstall the app completely or disable on-device AI processing in the app settings. If previously enabled, you can delete existing AI summaries and metadata.

Google Photos

AI is heavily integrated into Google Photos. To reduce Gemini’s presence:

  1. Open Photos settings.
  2. Navigate to Preferences.
  3. Select Gemini features in Photos.
  4. Disable Gemini entirely or selectively turn off features like Ask Photos, Gemini-powered memories, and Help me title.

System Apps

Disable the following apps to further reduce AI presence:

  • Pixel Studio
  • AI-Core
  • Private Compute Services
  • Android System Intelligence

Messaging

The Messages app includes a dedicated Gemini button. Remove it by:

  1. Opening Messages.
  2. Tapping your profile icon.
  3. Selecting Message settings.
  4. Navigating to Gemini in Messages.
  5. Toggling Show Gemini button to off.

Phone App

The Pixel’s phone app is packed with AI features. Disable them by:

  1. Opening the Phone app.
  2. Tapping the menu button (top left).
  3. Selecting Settings.
  4. Disabling AI features under the Call Assist section.

Removing AI Features from Core Systems

Beyond individual apps, several core system features rely on AI. Here’s how to disable them:

Circle to Search

Disable Circle to Search by:

  1. Going to Settings.
  2. Tapping Display & touch.
  3. Selecting Navigation Mode.
  4. Toggling Circle to Search to off.

Google Search

Remove the AI mode button from the Pixel Launcher’s Google Search by:

  1. Opening the Google App.
  2. Tapping your profile icon.
  3. Selecting Settings.
  4. Choosing Customize Pixel Search Box.
  5. Toggling AI Mode to off.

Reverting to Google Assistant

Gemini has replaced Google Assistant as the primary digital assistant on Pixel phones. To switch back:

  1. Open Gemini.
  2. Tap your profile icon.
  3. Select Switch to Google Assistant.
  4. Confirm your selection and tap Switch.

Final Step: Uninstall Gemini

For the most comprehensive removal, uninstall Gemini entirely.

Ultimately, disabling AI on a Pixel requires a multi-step process. While Google prioritizes AI integration, users retain the ability to customize their experience and reduce reliance on these features. By systematically disabling AI components, Pixel users can reclaim control over their devices and data.

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