Restore Google Photos classic search-skip Gemini AI ‘Ask Photos’
▼ Summary
– The author is a senior editor at The Verge with 15 years of experience covering tech and gadgets at major outlets like CNET and Engadget.
– Google Photos’ AI-powered ‘Ask Photos’ tool was found to be slower and less helpful than classic search, prompting users to switch back.
– Google removed easy-access options for classic search, but it can still be disabled in settings under Photos preferences > Gemini features.
– The ‘Ask Photos’ feature has improved since its initial rollout, indicating Google made adjustments based on user feedback.
– Users can search for their own photos in a shared library by looking up their phone’s exact camera name in the photo details section.
Google Photos users frustrated with the new AI-powered search now have a simple way to revert to the classic search experience. The recent shift to Gemini-powered “Ask Photos” has left many preferring the older, more straightforward method for finding images in their library. Fortunately, disabling the AI features takes just a few taps.
To switch back to classic search, open the Google Photos app and tap your profile icon in the top-right corner. Navigate to Photos settings > Preferences > Gemini features in Photos, then toggle off either “Search with Ask Photos” or “Use Gemini in Photos”. This restores the familiar search bar without AI interference.
Initially, Google included a quick toggle labeled “Switch to classic search”, but the company quietly removed this option, forcing users to dig deeper into settings. Some discovered that double-tapping the search icon once bypassed Gemini, but that shortcut now defaults to the AI assistant instead.
While Ask Photos has improved since launch, many still find it slower and less intuitive than traditional keyword-based searches. For those sharing a library with a partner, an extra trick helps filter photos: searching for the exact model name of your phone’s camera. To locate this detail, open any photo you’ve taken, scroll to Details, and note the camera information, then use that term in the search bar.
The workaround ensures users regain control over their photo searches without sacrificing convenience. As Google continues refining its AI tools, having the option to opt out remains crucial for those who prefer simplicity.
(Source: The Verge)
