There is no single documented switch that turns off every AI-assisted feature on a Pixel camera. Instead, turn off available settings such as Face Retouching or Auto Best Take, and skip optional modes and Google Photos editing tools you do not want to use. The exact controls depend on your Pixel model and app version.
Which Pixel camera features can you control?
“AI features” covers several different things: some change how a photo looks, some use information on-device, and others are optional capture modes or editing tools. Google’s Pixel Camera AI help topic does not document a universal AI-off switch. Use the specific control for the feature you want to avoid.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Feature | Where it acts | How to stop or avoid it | Availability noted by Google |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face Retouching | Portrait photo capture | Set Face Retouching to Off | Availability can vary by model and app version; Google’s instructions are on its high-quality photo help page |
| Add Me | Optional camera mode | Do not select Add Me in the mode carousel | Pixel 9 and later, including Pixel 9 Pro Fold, according to Google’s feature instructions |
| Auto Best Take | Automatic capture workflow | Switch off Auto Best Take in Camera settings | Pixel 10 and later; requires Google Photos and Top Shot, according to Google’s Top Shot help |
| Best Take | Google Photos editing | Do not choose Best Take while editing | Google describes it as a Photos editing feature; see Photos features for Pixel devices |
| Frequent Faces | Camera preference using face data | Switch it off in More settings | Google’s instructions appear in its Top Shot help |
| Audio Magic Eraser | Google Photos video editing | Do not use Audio Eraser on the video | Pixel 8 and later, according to Google Photos Help |
| Video Boost | Optional video capture workflow | Do not enable Video Boost when recording | Google documents it as an optional feature; see Google Photos Help |
Turn off Face Retouching in Portrait mode
- Open the Camera app and choose Portrait mode.
- Open Settings and tap Face Retouching.
- Choose Off. Google lists Off, Subtle, and Smooth as the available choices.
Face Retouching adjusts skin texture, under-eye tone, and eye brightness. This setting addresses that portrait retouching; it does not turn off other camera processing.
Turn off Auto Best Take, or skip manual Best Take
Disable Auto Best Take
On Pixel 10 and later, Google documents Auto Best Take under Camera settings. It requires Google Photos and Top Shot. To switch it off, open Camera settings, tap More settings, then tap Auto Best Take and disable it. Menu labels or placement may differ with model and app version.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
Avoid manual Best Take in Google Photos
Manual Best Take is a separate editing action in Google Photos, not the same setting as Auto Best Take. If you do not want to apply it, do not select Best Take when editing a photo. Google’s Pixel feature overview describes the Photos tools at About Google Photos features for Pixel devices.
Turn off Frequent Faces and understand its privacy effect
Open Camera, go to Settings, tap More settings, then tap Frequent Faces and switch it off. Google Pixel Camera Help says, “All face data is saved on your device, not sent to Google.” Google also says that turning Frequent Faces off deletes the face data it saved. See Google’s Top Shot and Frequent Faces guidance.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
Avoid optional modes and Photos editing tools
Add Me
Add Me is a camera mode, not a global setting. It captures a group photo and a second aligned image, then combines the two versions. To avoid that composition, do not choose Add Me in the camera mode carousel. Google lists the mode for Pixel 9 and later, including Pixel 9 Pro Fold; availability may vary with device and app version. See Google’s high-quality photo instructions.
Audio Magic Eraser
Audio Magic Eraser is an editing tool in Google Photos for videos on Pixel 8 and later, rather than a capture-time camera toggle. It is used from a selected video’s Edit screen and saves a copy. If you do not want its audio processing, do not use Audio Eraser on that video. Google does not document a global disable switch for this tool. Details are in Google Photos Help.
Video Boost
Video Boost is an optional video capture workflow that provides video improvements and enables Night Sight Video. Google says a Video Boost video must be backed up in Google Photos. Do not enable Video Boost if you do not want that workflow. The backup requirement is specific to Video Boost; it does not establish that turning off Photos backup disables other camera features. See Google’s Pixel Photos feature overview.
Turn off location saving if metadata is your concern
Location saving is separate from image processing, but it may matter if your concern is the information attached to photos and videos. In Camera, open Settings, tap More settings, then turn off Save location. Google’s general Camera app settings help documents this control.
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
What these controls do not do
Turning off a named setting, skipping a mode, or avoiding an editing tool only addresses that feature. Google’s reviewed help does not describe a master switch for all AI-assisted camera and Photos behavior, nor do these individual controls establish that all image processing is disabled. Check your own Camera and Photos menus because supported features and labels vary by Pixel generation and software version.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesQuick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
