AI Mode Complete Guide What It Is How It Works How to Turn It On or Off and the Best Alternative in 2026

AI Mode is one of Google’s most advanced search features. It uses the power of Gemini to deliver detailed explanations, follow-up answers, deep search exploration, and even multimodal responses that can understand text, voice, and images. AI Mode goes far beyond traditional search results by providing conversational answers to complex questions and allowing users to explore topics more deeply.

Most users encounter AI Mode for the first time without fully understanding what it is, how it works, why it appears on their device, or how to turn it on or off. This guide explains everything you need to know about AI Mode and introduces Merlio, a more complete AI workspace for writing, creativity, and productivity.

Join Merlio Now

What AI Mode Is and Why It Matters

AI Mode is Google’s enhanced way of answering searches using artificial intelligence. Instead of showing only links, AI Mode analyzes your query and offers a detailed response directly at the top of the search page. It can clarify complex ideas, summarize long information, explore different angles of a topic, and guide users through deeper research.

• Users prefer AI Mode because
• It gives faster answers
• It provides more context
• It organizes information clearly
• It allows follow-up questions
• It feels like talking to an assistant rather than typing into a search box

AI Mode is Google’s step toward making search more intelligent, helpful, and interactive.

Key Features of Google AI Mode

Google highlights several major features that make AI Mode more advanced than classic search.

Comprehensive Responses

AI Mode can explain concepts in depth and answer multi part questions that normally require several searches.

Multimodal Input

You can interact with AI Mode using text, voice, or photos. It can analyze images and documents to provide helpful context.

Follow-Up Questions

AI Mode is conversational. You can refine your query and ask for more details without starting over.

Deep Search

Deep Search browses hundreds of pages, compares information, and gives a broader and more accurate understanding of complex topics.

Visual Exploration

AI Mode includes visual features such as product previews, shopping guidance, and try-on options for certain categories.

Smart Shopping Assistance

It helps you compare products, evaluate features, and understand differences more quickly than traditional search.

Agentic Capabilities

AI Mode can assist with tasks such as planning, preparing steps, creating summaries, and organizing information in a more helpful format.

These features make AI Mode powerful, but they also bring new questions about usage, accuracy, privacy, and control.

How AI Mode Works Behind the Scenes

AI Mode blends search technology with the Gemini AI model. When you ask a question

• AI Mode analyzes your query
• Google searches across many sources
• Gemini organizes the information
• The system verifies accuracy from reliable sources
• The AI creates a clear and helpful response
• You can ask follow-up questions to refine it

This creates a smoother and more intelligent search experience.

How to Turn On AI Mode

Some users do not see AI Mode automatically. Here is how to activate it:

1. Open Google Search on your browser or mobile app
2. Sign in with your personal Google Account
3. Type any query
4. Tap the AI Mode button that appears below the search bar
5. Enable the feature when Google prompts you

Once activated, AI Mode appears whenever it can provide deeper insights.

How to Turn Off AI Mode

If you prefer classic Google search, you can disable AI Mode:

1. Open Google Search
2. Go to account settings
3. Open Search features
4. Turn off AI Mode
5. Refresh or restart your browser

You can switch back to classic search at any moment.

Why You May Not See AI Mode Yet

Several factors may prevent AI Mode from appearing:

• You are using a Google Workspace account
• You are under eighteen years old
• AI Mode has not been rolled out in your country
• Your device is using an old app version
• Your settings require sign-in or activation

Most users can access AI Mode simply by updating their browser or mobile app.

Is AI Mode Safe

AI Mode is safe for general search use. Google restricts sensitive or harmful content and avoids giving unsafe instructions. Users should still remember that AI responses may not always be perfect and should verify important information from trusted sources.

Privacy Considerations

AI Mode may store activity to improve performance. You can control or delete your activity data in your Google Account settings if privacy is a concern.

AI Mode vs Classic Search: What Is the Difference

AI Mode

• Gives direct answers
• Explains complex topics
• Allows follow-up questions
• Uses multimodal input
• Summarizes content quickly

Classic Search

• Shows a list of links
• Provides more control over sources
• Does not summarize information
• Ideal for manual research

Both modes have unique benefits, but AI Mode focuses on speed, clarity, and deeper insight.

Pros and Cons of AI Mode

Advantages

• Fast and informative responses
• Better for deep research
• Helpful for students and professionals
• Offers more context and detail
• Supports images and voice

Limitations

• AI Mode may not always be accurate
• Not ideal for advanced research that requires raw sources
• Some users prefer classic search navigation
• Still considered experimental for some features

How AI Mode Compares to Merlio

AI Mode is powerful for search, but it is not designed for writing, creativity, or productivity tasks. Users who want an all-in-one AI workspace often choose Merlio.

Try Merlio for free

Merlio Strengths

Supports writing content such as blogs, scripts, emails, articles, and descriptions

• Creates and enhances images
• Uses multiple AI models for flexibility
• Organizes tasks and increases productivity
• Provides a unified dashboard
• More stable for long-term work

When You Need More Than Search

AI Mode helps you find information.
Merlio helps you create, build, write, design, and finish real projects.

For creators, freelancers, marketers, and businesses, Merlio offers far more value and capability than AI Mode alone.

Final Verdict

AI Mode is a powerful way to experience Google search with the help of advanced AI. It offers quicker answers, deeper insights, and a more interactive way to discover information. However, it is not built for writing content, generating images, or completing creative work.

If you want a complete AI solution for productivity, creation, writing, and design, Merlio is the better choice.