How to Disable or Avoid Intrusive AI

As generative AI becomes part of more software, many users want to control or turn off these functions. This guide gives clear steps for disabling AI in major platforms like Adobe, Windows, Google, and Apple. Regaining control usually means adjusting application settings or using particular methods.

Key takeaways

• AI functions can frequently be turned off in desktop apps like Adobe Acrobat and systems like Windows 11 and macOS.
• Mobile AI, including Google’s Gemini on Android or Apple Intelligence, needs management in device or app settings.
• Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Slack provide controls for features like suggested replies and AI summaries.
• Leading browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox have flags or settings to turn off built-in AI assistants and writing aids.
• Search engines and productivity tools, like DuckDuckGo and Google Workspace, offer opt-out choices for AI-powered features.

Disabling AI in Major Desktop Applications and Operating Systems

To turn off generative AI functions in Adobe Acrobat on Windows, go to Menu > Preferences > Generative AI. On a Mac, select View > Preferences > Generative AI and uncheck the box. In Adobe Reader, pick ‘Disable new Acrobat Reader’ from the top menu, confirm the dialog box, and restart the app.

Windows 11 and Copilot

For the built-in Windows 11 Copilot, right-click the taskbar and select ‘Taskbar settings,’ then switch ‘Copilot’ off. Copilot also works as an integrated AI agent in Office 365, where you must disable it inside each specific app’s settings.

Apple Intelligence & Siri

Apple Intelligence only runs on iPhone 16 and newer Macs and iPads. To disable it, open Settings (iPhone/iPad) or System Settings (Mac), choose Apple Intelligence & Siri, and turn the Apple Intelligence option off. Apple also offers a “learn from this application” function for Siri. On a Mac, go to System Settings – Apple Intelligence & Siri, pick ‘About Siri, Dictation & Privacy…’ near the page bottom, and switch off apps you prefer Siri to ignore. On iOS, go to Settings – Apple Intelligence & Siri, scroll to Apps, and disable “Learn from this App.”

Managing AI in Mobile Apps and Messaging Platforms

For Android devices using Google’s Gemini AI, you might uninstall the Gemini app. If you cannot, you can switch its functions off individually. Inside the Messages app, tap your account picture, go to Messages settings, then ‘Gemini in Messages,’ and toggle the assistant off. To control Gemini’s connection with other apps, tap your profile icon, choose ‘Gemini Apps activity,’ and select ‘Turn off and delete activity.’ Next, tap the profile icon again, go to ‘Connected Apps,’ and disable links where you don’t want Gemini. If Gemini has taken over your phone’s power button, visit Settings > System > Gestures to change the ‘Press & Hold Power Button’ settings.

WhatsApp and Slack

In WhatsApp, you can turn off several AI features. To disable Suggested Replies, go to Settings > Chats > Suggestions & smart replies and toggle ‘Suggested replies’ off. The setting for AI Sticker suggestions is in the same menu. For AI message summaries, find the option at Settings > Notifications > AI message summaries, though its location may differ by operating system.

For Slack, the power to disable AI features belongs to workspace owners and administrators. They can adjust these settings using Slack’s official help page for turning off AI functions.

Controlling Browser-Embedded AI and Search Engine AI

For Chrome, type chrome://flags in the address bar. Search for ‘GLIC’ and ‘Gemini,’ then set all related AI features to ‘disabled.’

Microsoft Edge

In Edge, type edge://flags and search for ‘AI’ or ‘Copilot.’ Then, go to Appearance settings to switch off the Copilot sidebar and toolbar button. Under Language settings, disable ‘Use Copilot for writing on the web.’

Firefox

Update Firefox to version 148 or later, open Settings, and locate ‘AI Controls.’ Turn on ‘Block AI Enhancements’ or pick specific options. An extension also exists to remove AI from Google search results.

DuckDuckGo

Use the no-AI version at https://noai.duckduckgo.com/ or set it as your default search engine. Steps are shown for installing the DDG browser for a full AI-free experience.

Google Workspace

In Gmail, click the gear icon > See all settings > General tab, scroll to ‘Google Workspace smart features,’ click ‘Manage,’ and toggle off ‘Smart features in Google Workspace’ and ‘Smart features in other Google products.’ Also, uncheck ‘Turn on smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet.’