How to Turn Off Gemini AI in Gmail

Let’s be real: if you’re here, Gemini probably showed up in your Gmail without warning, and now it’s rewriting your drafts, offering awkward replies, or just cluttering your screen.

You didn’t ask for an AI assistant, and you’re not alone. Here’s exactly how to turn off AI Assistant in Gmail or at least keep it out of your way.

TL;DR

• Gemini AI is now integrated into Gmail as part of Google’s broader push for generative AI across Workspace tools.

• Some features (like Smart Compose) are enabled by default, while others, like the Gemini side panel, depend on Workspace settings.

• Reasons to turn off Gemini? Some users find it distracting, inaccurate, or too invasive in tone or data use.

• You can’t fully turn Gemini off, but you can disable or limit many of its features through Gmail settings, on desktop and mobile.

What Is Gemini AI in Gmail?

Gemini is Google’s family of advanced AI models developed by DeepMind. It was introduced in 2023 and built to handle complex tasks across language, image, and reasoning domains.

On January 15, 2025, Google began integrating Gemini into its Workspace tools—starting with Business and Enterprise plans. Gmail was one of the first apps to receive this rollout.

Inside Gmail, Gemini powers several writing tools. One of the most visible is Smart Compose, which suggests how to finish your sentence as you type. Another is Smart Reply, offering short one-tap responses under incoming emails. In some accounts, you may also see a “Help me write” option that drafts full emails based on prompts you provide.

For some Workspace users, Gemini also appears as a right-hand side panel. This version can suggest tone changes, summarize long threads, or offer rewording options based on message content.

While many users welcomed these additions, others, particularly Gmail clients, found the rollout frustrating. There was no onboarding process or clear opt-out, and features appeared by default without explanation. This quiet release prompted questions about intrusiveness and triggered a wave of search queries on how to turn Gemini off.

Why You Might Want to Disable Gemini AI

Like other built-in AI tools, Gemini comes with behaviors that don’t work for everyone. Some are small annoyances, others raise more serious concerns about privacy, accuracy, or control.

Here are some of the most common reasons users choose to turn off Gemini in Gmail:

• Privacy concerns: With Gemini now connected to Gmail and Google Drive, some users are uneasy about the level of content access involved. While Google states that private data isn’t used to train the model, the AI still analyzes your messages to generate suggestions. For those cautious about data exposure, this alone is reason to disable it.

• Performance issues: Gemini is a heavy tool. On lower-end devices or when multiple Workspace apps are open simultaneously, users have reported slowdowns or lag, especially when AI features are loaded in the background.

• Inaccurate or unhelpful suggestions: AI-generated content doesn’t always reflect what the user wants to say. This becomes especially frustrating in legal, technical, or client-facing communication where tone and precision matter.

• Disruption to writing style: Some users find that Gemini’s suggestions feel generic or interfere with their natural voice. Even subtle changes in tone can create inconsistencies across messages, especially when writing on behalf of a team or organization.

• Simplification for admins: Workspace administrators may choose to disable Gemini to create a more consistent user experience across staff accounts and reduce training or support issues tied to AI tools.

While these concerns are common, the bigger question is what you can actually turn off and what’s controlled by Google.

Can You Fully Turn Off Gemini AI in Gmail? (What Google Allows)

Gemini’s availability depends on the type of account you’re using. 

Google Workspace users may see AI features like the “Help me write” panel or thread summaries that aren’t present in standard Gmail. While some tools are visible in both, full Gemini access is tied to organizational rollout, and not all features can be managed directly by the user.

Certain settings allow partial control. Smart Compose and Smart Reply can be turned off individually in Gmail’s general settings. You can also disable Gmail’s use of your content for AI-based suggestions by adjusting the “Smart Features and Personalization” option. 

However, these steps don’t fully remove Gemini. In Workspace accounts, the side panel can usually be collapsed, but removing it altogether requires admin-level action. As of 2025, Google has not provided a single switch to disable all AI functionality in Gmail.

While there’s no full shut-off, you can still reduce Gemini’s presence and limit how much it interacts with your Gmail. Here’s how to adjust the settings.

Step-by-Step: How to Turn Off AI Assistant Features in Gmail

You can’t remove Gemini from Gmail entirely, but you can turn off its most visible features. These include smart suggestions, autocomplete tools, and personalized prompts. The steps vary slightly depending on whether you’re using Gmail on desktop or mobile.

On Desktop

1. Open Gmail settings.

2. Click the gear icon in the top right, then select “See all settings.”

3. Disable Smart Compose.

   1. Under the “General” tab, you’ll see “Smart Compose.”

   2. Select “Writing suggestions off” to disable it.

4.  Disable Smart Reply.

   1. “Smart Reply” is just below “Smart Compose.”

   2. Select “Smart Reply off” to disable suggested quick responses.

Turn off personalization: 

• In the “General” tab, look for “Smart features and personalization.”

• Uncheck the box that says “Smart features and personalization in Gmail, Chat, and Meet.”

• You may also see a separate section for “Personalization” depending on your account type.

Collapse the Gemini panel (if visible): 

• For Google Workspace users, the Gemini (AI) panel may appear on the right.

• You can collapse it by clicking the arrow, but it may reappear unless your admin disables it for your organization.

Additional Tips

• Save Changes: After making these changes, scroll to the bottom and click “Save Changes.”

• Personalization May Vary: Some options may appear differently depending on whether you use a personal Gmail or Workspace account.

• Gemini Panel: Collapsing the panel is temporary; only an admin can fully disable it for Workspace users.

On Mobile (Android and iOS)

1. Open the Gmail app.

2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then go to Settings and select your account.

3. Scroll down and disable Smart Compose to stop sentence suggestions.

4. In the same menu, switch off Smart Reply to remove one-tap suggested responses.

After completing these steps, Gmail’s interface and email composition experience will noticeably change.

What Happens After You Turn Off AI in Gmail?

Turning off AI-related features changes how Gmail responds as you write and manage your inbox.

Here’s what you’ll notice:

• No inline suggestions. Autocomplete prompts like Smart Compose will stop appearing as you type.

• No Smart Reply options. The quick-reply buttons under incoming emails will be removed.

• No AI-generated drafts or tone suggestions. If you had access to Gemini’s writing tools or side panel, those will be hidden.

• Manual-only writing experience. Gmail reverts to a standard format with no predictive or personalized input.

For users who prefer a more controlled writing space, this setup offers consistency, but it also means giving up some of the shortcuts AI provides.

Want an AI assistant that won’t interrupt your flow? NewMail AI stays out of the way until you need it, then helps you manage your inbox, write replies in your voice, and pull action items straight from threads without panels, pop-ups, or interruptions. Book a demo today.

Also Read: The Practical Guide to Inbox Zero (With 12 Proven Tactics)

Alternative Tips for Using Gmail Without AI Interference

Even with Gemini turned off, Gmail still includes other automated behaviors that may not suit every user. If you're aiming for a more minimal or manual experience, here are a few additional ways to reduce interference.

• Use plain text mode when composing. This removes formatting and helps you focus on the actual message, without distractions from visual styling or predictive formatting.

• Avoid Labs and experimental features. Some of these settings may reintroduce smart functions or test versions of Gemini-related tools.

• Turn off browser-based grammar tools. Extensions like Grammarly or built-in Chrome suggestions can layer on top of Gmail's own features and create confusion.

• Consider a browser extension to block sidebar scripts. Tools like uBlock Origin or NoScript (advanced use only) can help remove visual elements you don’t want to see.

• Stick to labels and filters for organizing. Rather than relying on Gmail’s smart categorization, use simple manual filters to sort by sender, subject, or keywords.

Also Read: Top AI Email Assistants for Managing Your Inbox in 2025

Prefer Smarter Email Without the Disruption? Meet Nova by NewMail

If you’re turning off Gemini to regain control, but still want help staying on top of your inbox, Nova is a cleaner way to do it. Built by NewMail AI, Nova is an AI assistant that works inside Gmail. 

Instead of inserting suggestions mid-sentence or silently customizing your content, Nova helps you triage, prioritize, and act, without overstepping.

Here’s what Nova does better:

• Daily briefings: Each morning, get a clear summary of your key emails and calendar, already sorted by priority.

• Smart task capture: Nova turns actionable emails into to-do items, linking them automatically so you never lose context.

• Personalized priority: Nova learns which threads matter most to you and surfaces them first, based on sender, topic, and urgency.

• Inbox tagging: Organize your inbox with intelligent folders like “Follow-Up,” “Waiting On,” or “Calendar Events.”

You stay in control:

• No data storage. All emails, tasks, and calendar data stay in your Google account.

• Google-certified. Nova is officially verified and security-audited for Gmail and Workspace use.

Looking for AI that works with you, not around you? Try NewMail AI for free and take back control of your inbox without losing clarity.

Final Thoughts: Is Disabling Gemini the Right Move?

Whether or not to disable Gemini depends on how you prefer to manage your inbox. Some users want full control over what gets written, shown, or suggested. Others are open to assistance, as long as it’s clear, limited, and optional.

Gemini can speed things up. But for many, the automatic prompts, background access, and lack of a full opt-out make it hard to trust or control. If that feels like too much, you’re not alone.

There are alternatives. NewMail AI works inside Gmail but only activates when you ask for help. It drafts replies in your voice and keeps your writing style consistent, without showing up uninvited.

Get your time back. Let NewMail AI sort your inbox and brief you only on what matters. Try it free.

FAQs

Still got doubts? Let’s find answers to popular questions

1. Is Gemini AI in Gmail optional for all users?

It depends on your account type. Workspace users often receive Gemini by default; some features can be turned off, others cannot.

2. Will disabling Smart Compose also turn off Gemini?

No, it disables part of Gemini’s autocomplete functionality but doesn’t affect side-panel or draft generation in Workspace.

3. Can I turn off Gemini in Google Workspace accounts?

Only Workspace admins can fully control Gemini access across users. Individual users can only collapse or hide some features.

4. Are there any risks to turning off AI in Gmail?

No technical risks, but you’ll lose features like autocomplete, smart replies, and summarization.

5. What are better privacy-focused AI email alternatives to Gemini?

Tools like NewMail offer AI-powered email assistance that operates locally and respects user tone and context without overreach.