Google Photos does not have one switch that disables every AI-related feature. To turn off Ask Photos and other Gemini-powered features, open the app and go to Profile picture > Photos settings > Preferences > Gemini features in Photos. Turn off Use Gemini in Photos for the broader change, or turn off Search with Ask Photos to disable that search experience specifically. Other controls—such as suggested memory titles, creations, Face Groups, and the separate Gemini Apps connection—must be managed separately.
Choose the control that matches what you want to stop
| What you want to change | Control | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Stop Ask Photos search only | Search with Ask Photos, under Gemini features in Photos | Disables the Ask Photos search experience. It is narrower than turning off all Gemini features in Photos. |
| Stop Ask Photos and other Gemini-powered Photos features | Use Gemini in Photos, under Gemini features in Photos | The broader Gemini-features switch within Google Photos. Google says Ask Photos can be turned back on later. Google Ask Photos Help |
| Stop suggested titles for memories | Help me title, under AI features by Labs or, for some users opted into Gemini features, under Gemini features in Photos | Controls suggested memory titles, not all AI functions. Google describes the feature as experimental and available in most locations in the United States. Google memory titles Help |
| Stop particular memory types or creations | Preferences > Memories > Memory types | Lets you adjust memory categories and listed creation types individually. These controls do not establish that all Gemini features are off. Google featured memories Help |
| Stop grouping similar faces | photos.google.com/settings > Group similar faces > Face Groups | Turns off face grouping, but also deletes face groups, face models used to create them, and face labels you created. Google Face Groups Help |
| Stop Google Photos access from Gemini Apps | Disconnect Google Photos in Gemini Apps’ Connected Apps settings | Ends the separate Gemini Apps integration; this is not the same as disabling Gemini features inside Photos. Google Gemini Apps connection Help |
Turn off Ask Photos or Gemini features in the Photos app
- Open Google Photos and tap your account profile picture.
- Tap Photos settings, then Preferences.
- Open Gemini features in Photos.
- Turn off Search with Ask Photos to disable Ask Photos search, or turn off Use Gemini in Photos to disable Ask Photos and other Gemini-powered features in Photos.
Google documents a corresponding route on iOS through Google Photos settings, Preferences, and Gemini features in Photos. Labels or availability can differ by account, region, and app version; if the setting is missing, Google says you may not yet be eligible. Ask Photos is not available to every user or in every region. Google’s Ask Photos Help
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Limit memory titles, memories, and creations separately
Turn off suggested memory titles
In Google Photos, open Profile picture > Photos settings > Preferences > AI features by Labs and turn off Help me title. For users who opted into Gemini features, Google says this control may instead appear under Gemini features in Photos. The feature is experimental and Google says it is available in most locations in the United States; its availability may therefore depend on where you use Photos. Google memory titles Help
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Choose which memories and creations can appear
Open Profile picture > Photos settings > Preferences > Memories > Memory types to adjust memory categories and individual creation types. Google lists Remix, Animations, Cinematic photos, Collages, Color Pops, and Stylized photos. These are separate controls: changing a creation or memory setting does not turn off Gemini features across Google Photos. Google featured memories Help
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro XL; 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]
Hide a person from memories without changing Face Groups
In Hide faces, choose Show less or Blocked for a person. Show less reduces memories centered on that person but may still allow them to appear in group photos. Blocked excludes them from memories, including group photos. This changes what appears in memories; it is not a general AI switch.
Understand the consequences of turning off Face Groups
To disable Face Groups on the web, open photos.google.com/settings, then go to Group similar faces > Face Groups. Google says this deletes the face groups, face models used to create them, and face labels you created. Consider the effect on organization and features before switching it off. Google Face Groups Help
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]
Face Groups is also a requirement for Ask Photos editing in Google’s Android editing instructions. Those instructions also require opting in to both Use Gemini in Photos and Ask Photos, and enabling location estimates. Ask Photos editing is listed for personal Google Accounts and users aged 18 or older; Workspace and school accounts are not eligible. Google editing Help
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Disconnect Google Photos from the separate Gemini Apps product
If Google Photos is connected to Gemini Apps, disconnect it in Gemini Apps’ Connected Apps settings. This connection is distinct from the Gemini controls inside Google Photos, so changing the Photos switch alone does not manage the separate integration. Google says Gemini Apps returns photos and videos found by Google Photos and cannot use Photos editing features. Availability of the integration varies by supported country or territory. Google Gemini Apps connection Help
Rank #3
- 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 to know about data and Ask Photos controls
Google’s Gemini features in Photos privacy hub says information associated with Ask Photos can include a list of photos and videos studied to answer queries, including timestamps, locations, faces, and sometimes AI-generated descriptions. Google says personal data in Photos is never used for ads. The same hub describes separate controls for query review, including turning off access to queries under Help us improve photos, and a separate Your Ask Photos Activity control. These are distinct from the switch that turns off Gemini features. The cited Help passages do not establish that switching a feature off retroactively deletes all previously processed data. Google Ask Photos Help
Google Photos Help describes Ask Photos as experimental and cautions that answers can be inaccurate or inappropriate and may not represent Google’s views. Use it as an optional search aid rather than treating its answers as authoritative. Google Photos Help, “Use Ask Photos to search, edit & get assistance”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 10 is the everyday phone unlike anything else; it has Google Tensor G5, Pixel’s most powerful chip, an incredible camera, and advanced AI - Gemini built in[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- 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
- The upgraded triple rear camera system has a new 5x telephoto lens - up to 20x Super Res Zoom for stunning detail from far away; Night Sight takes crisp, clear photos in low-light settings; and Camera Coach helps you snap your best pics[3]
- Pixel 10 is designed - scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and has an IP68 rating for water and dust protection[21]; plus, the Actua display - 3,000-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[4]
If a setting is missing
- Check whether the option is listed in another area: suggested titles may appear under AI features by Labs or Gemini features in Photos, depending on opt-in status.
- Availability and functionality vary by location and account eligibility. Google says users who cannot see Ask Photos controls may not yet be eligible.
- For the separate Gemini Apps connection, check Gemini Apps’ Connected Apps settings rather than looking for it in Photos’ Gemini features menu.
- Before turning off Face Groups, review the deletion consequences and the effect on Ask Photos editing requirements.
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