I hate Gemini in my Gmail, so this is how I turned it off

It looks as if I can’t escape Gemini in Google’s services. From Android telephones and Google Calendar to YouTube and extra, Google’s chatbot and AI mannequin are in every single place.

I’m not a fan of many generative AI options, to start with. However I actually dislike Google’s AI integration in Gmail, and it received to the purpose the place I simply determined to show off Gemini in Gmail.

I used to be very irritated after I observed the Gemini icon in Gmail on my PC and telephone. For one, I don’t actually use AI chatbots. Between the hallucinations, the truth that they’re principally constructed on unethical foundations, and the ensuing enshittification of the web, why would I belief most AI chatbots, even in a restricted capability?

Then there’s the truth that it was hoisted upon me. I don’t recall ever agreeing to have Gemini in my Gmail account. You possibly can have the very best characteristic or service on this planet, however I’ll resent it should you drive me to make use of it. It’s all very Apple and U2 (IYKYK).

It’s not simply the Gemini icon that irks me, both. I’m greater than able to writing an e-mail on my own, so I don’t want Google’s AI providing to “assist me write” (translation: writing your complete factor). Your abilities may range, and extra energy to you should you do make use of those instruments. However once more, I by no means requested for this.

My disdain for Gmail’s AI options extends to the Good Compose characteristic, too. Once more, it is a useful gizmo for many individuals, akin to an upgraded auto-correct, however I’ve discovered that it will probably get staple items incorrect in my line of labor. The autocompletion for names will be helpful, but it surely typically fails to work or recommends the incorrect identify altogether in some conditions, corresponding to with Chinese language names or e-mail addresses consisting of a primary preliminary adopted by a final identify. It’s an comprehensible limitation however nonetheless annoying.

Then there’s the truth that I merely don’t like retaining my eggs in a single basket. I’m already invested in a number of Google services, and I don’t wish to be much more entrenched in its ecosystem. All it takes is my account being deleted, banned, or hacked for my digital life to be in shambles.

That’s to not say I don’t see the advantage of some smart AI options in my e-mail consumer. Gemini’s Summarize button is fairly helpful for some conversations, though I nonetheless confirm threads in my line of labor to make sure the summaries are correct. However I really feel like this implementation is a extra pure match than a easy Gemini icon.

Fortunately, should you’re like me and don’t need Gemini in Gmail, you’ll be able to flip it off. Take a look at the steps beneath, which you’ll want to do on the desktop model of Gmail:

1. Faucet the settings cog icon on the highest proper > See All Settings
2. Scroll right down to Google Workspace sensible options, then faucet Handle Workspace sensible characteristic settings
3. Disable the Good options in Google Workspace toggle (as seen within the screenshot above)

Turning off Gemini in Gmail does imply you lose out on Gmail occasions (e.g., itineraries and invites) popping up in your calendar, although. That’s an actual disgrace, and I feel Google may’ve made a toggle that solely impacts Gemini. It’s additionally price noting that the Gemini and Assist Me Write icons don’t disappear when you’ve disabled this toggle, however Gmail will immediate you to re-enable the toggle should you click on these icons.

For what it’s price, you’ll be able to disable Good Compose, Good Compose personalization, and different writing instruments in the principle settings menu should you additionally don’t need these options.

Both manner, the power to show off Gemini in Gmail is helpful should you’re like me and are merely bored with seeing AI chatbots in all the pieces. Now, don’t get me began about OEMs messing with the default energy button conduct to push Gemini.