Google Photos steps back: Gemini will no longer be mandatory for your searches

Google Photos Reverses Course on Forced Integration of Gemini

In response to a wave of criticism, Google has decided to allow Google Photos users to disable the use of its AI Gemini for photo searches. This decision marks a significant shift, as until now, the AI was mandatory in the app's search process.

For some time, Google has been working to integrate its AI Gemini into its various products, and Google Photos has not escaped this trend. The app had introduced a new feature called "Ask Photos," which allowed users to formulate natural language queries to find specific images. However, this innovation was not well received by everyone. In response to negative feedback, Google has decided to offer an option to revert to the old search method.

A Choice Between Two Search Methods

On March 9, 2026, Shimrit Ben-Yair, who oversees Google Photos, Google One, and AI-related subscriptions at Google, announced this news on X. She explained that the team had taken into account user requests for more control over their search results. Thus, a gradual rollout is underway to allow users to choose between two search modes:

• The classic, quick, and straightforward method
• The Ask Photos mode, powered by AI Gemini

A toggle button will soon be available in the app, allowing users to select the search mode that suits them best.

Criticism of Ask Photos

While the Ask Photos mode offers advantages for complex queries, such as finding "photos taken at a birthday party in a restaurant last summer," it also has drawbacks. Many users have reported that the response time is significantly longer than that of traditional search, especially for large photo libraries. For collections of tens of thousands of photos, this slowness can become a real obstacle in daily use.

Moreover, for simple searches, such as those based on a location, date, or face, the classic method often remains more effective and quicker. Therefore, the systematic integration of AI into the search process did not necessarily represent an improvement for all users.

Adjustments to Improve Ask Photos

Alongside this revision, Google has announced improvements to the functionality of Ask Photos. The tool has been optimized to provide more relevant results for common queries. These adjustments are also based on the analysis of user feedback.

Google encourages users who still encounter unsatisfactory results to share their comments. This feedback is essential for continuing to refine and improve the service, demonstrating the company's commitment to meeting the needs of its users.