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

It looks like 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 all over the 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 bought 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 cellphone. For one, I don’t actually use AI chatbots. Between the hallucinations, the truth that they’re largely 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 may have the very best function or service on the earth, however I’ll resent it if you happen to 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 the whole factor). Your abilities may range, and extra energy to you if you happen to 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 Sensible Compose function, too. Once more, it is a useful gizmo for many individuals, akin to an upgraded auto-correct, however I’ve discovered that it could get staple items flawed in my line of labor. The autocompletion for names will be helpful, nevertheless it usually fails to work or recommends the flawed title altogether in some conditions, equivalent to with Chinese language names or e-mail addresses consisting of a primary preliminary adopted by a final title. It’s an comprehensible limitation however nonetheless annoying.

Then there’s the truth that I merely don’t like holding 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 good thing about some wise 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, if you happen to’re like me and don’t need Gemini in Gmail, you may flip it off. Take a look at the steps under, which you 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 good options, then faucet Handle Workspace good function settings
3. Disable the Sensible 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 believe 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 if you happen to click on these icons.

For what it’s price, you may disable Sensible Compose, Sensible Compose personalization, and different writing instruments in the principle settings menu if you happen to additionally don’t need these options.

Both approach, the power to show off Gemini in Gmail is helpful if you happen to’re like me and are merely uninterested in seeing AI chatbots in the whole lot. Now, don’t get me began about OEMs messing with the default energy button conduct to push Gemini.