Labels

HOW-TO: Disable Gemini (AI) in Google Workspace

INTRODUCTION

As we march further into the future, AI continues to be implemented in many of the applications we use. Google is in the forefront with adopting AI into their software and are enabled by default for Google Workspaces. They've rolled these releases, first through the paid accounts, and are also available on free accounts. Whether or not you want to use Gemini is based on personal preference.

This is NOT commentary on reasons why we should not use AI. I have a previous blog post about my reasons of not using AI throughout my writing process that you can read should you be interested1. The blog posts serves as a simple tutorial to enable/disable the Gemini feature.

The Gemini feature summarizes email along with other capabilities. As of writing the post, the feature is only limited to a number of languages;2 however, it is "on" by default.

AUDIENCES

Who is this blog post for?: This post is for technical and non-technical people (DIY) individuals wanting/needing to disable Google Gemini for Workspaces.

ISSUE THIS IS SOLVING

The issue is deciding on whether or not you want to use Google Gemini for Google Workspaces.

PURPOSE

  • This blog post provides simple instructions on how to disable Google Gemini across all Workspace applications.
  • Build awareness of software usage.
  • Emphasize the value of choice.

MATERIALS

  • Desktop
  • Browser: to log into your account
  • Google Account (Gmail)

CAUTION & DISCLAIMER

These instructions are intended to be a guide for disabling Google Gemini across Google Workspace applications. By performing these actions, you understand the risks and take full responsibility and will not hold A VR STORY LLC or the manufacturer responsible.

CONSTRAINTS

  • Gemini is enabled across free and paid accounts. Disabling Gemini through Gmail will disable Gemini across all Google Workspace applications including devices that have Google developed applications installed2.3
  • Philosophical and ethical issues with AI are outside the scope of this blog posts. You can provide feedback here4.

ACTION_ITEMS

  1. Open Gmail.
  2. At the top taskbar, click on the gear ⚙️ icon.
    3. gear
  3. Under the "General" tab, scroll down until you find in the left column that contains:
    • "Smart features:"...: : Turn on smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet...
      • Click the checkbox.
    • "Google Workspace smart features:"... with a button Manage Workspace smart feature settings
      • Click the button.
    4. General Tabs
  4. A modal popup will appear after clicking the Manage Workspace smart feature settings button.
    • Toggle off the features you want disabled and then click the Save button
    5. gui

Screenshots provided by A VR STORY LLC.

BONUS

  • Want to learn about GMail Mail Merge? Read the latest, "1 YEAR REVIEW: Gmail Mail Merge (Mass Email Sending)" blog post5.
  • Learn how to disable Google Chrome's "built-in" AI6.

RELEASES

VERSIONS

  • 2026v.0.1.1: 20Jun26:organized screenshots, spellcheck, fix list structures
  • 2026v.0.1.0: init

REFERENCES

  1. AI: Writing or Wrong? ↩

  2. BrenTech: "Google Forcing Gmail AI Summaries (How to Turn it Off!)" ↩ ↩2

  3. Android Authority: "Gmail's AI summaries are live for everyone, but here's how you can turn them off" ↩

  4. Have suggests and want to receive weekly newsletters? Complete the Google Forms. ↩

  5. 1 YEAR REVIEW: GMail Mail Merge (Mass Email Sending) ↩

  6. How-To: Google Chrome: Toggle ON/OFF Built-In AI ↩

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment