What if you could turn off Google Gemini?

Stopping Google AI from compromising your privacy

June 24, 20254 mins Read

If you're here, you've likely noticed Google’s Gemini AI popping up everywhere: Gmail drafts, Sheets suggestions, Slides summaries, even in Drive and Assistant. With Gemini 2.0 rolling out into every corner of Workspace in early 2025, this AI can intrude on your workflow or privacy. While some love it, others want it gone. The good news? It is possible to disable Google Gemini — so let’s walk through it.

What is Gemini AI?

Launched by Google DeepMind in 2023 and fully integrated into Workspace by 15 January  2025, Gemini AI is a powerful language model that suggests replies, summarizes documents, generates images, and other features powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Yet its stealthy prompts — even in Drive or Assistant — can feel intrusive. It’s a big concern how this technology affects our privacy and productivity.

Why disable Gemini?

Privacy risks: Gemini may scan your documents, email, or search activity to tailor suggestions—walking a fine line between utility and data exposure.
Performance impact: Running AI features across multiple apps (Gmail, Docs, Workspace) can slow device response or cause system instability.
Misinformation: AI hallucinations are real. You might see inaccurate or irrelevant suggestions which disrupt your flow.

Pro Tip: Protecting your privacy shouldn’t stop at disabling Gemini. For robust defense — including protecting your metadata — consider NymVPN with its decentralized, mixnet-powered routing.

Can you fully turn off Gemini?

Google provides no universal toggle. Instead, you can leave Gemini behind by disabling smart features app-by-app across Gmail, Drive, Workspace, Assistant, Search, and Cloud.

How to turn off Gemini: Step-by-step guide

Gmail (mobile & desktop)

Go to settings ➝ choose account ➝ under General, disable Smart Compose & Smart Reply, then Save

Google Docs / Slides

Go to Tools ➝ Preferences ➝ uncheck Smart Compose suggestions ➝ click OK

Google Sheets

Go to Tools ➝ Suggestion controls ➝ disable autocomplete and AI suggestions ➝ updates apply instantly

Google Search

On desktop

Go to Google Account ➝ Data & Privacy tab ➝ Web & App Activity ➝ Turn off

On mobile

Go to Google App ➝ Profile pic ➝ Settings ➝ Privacy & Safety ➝ Search Personalization ➝ My Activity ➝ Turn off

Google Assistant

On mobile/tablet

Go to Settings ➝ Apps ➝ Default apps ➝ Digital assistant app ➝ select Google Assistant over Gemini

In Assistant settings

Go to Settings ➝ Personal Results ➝ Toggle off

Gemini app (Android/iOS)

If installed, open Gemini ➝ Profile icon ➝ Switch to Google Assistant or Uninstall to restore habitual voice flow

Google Drive & Cloud Workspace Tools

Workspace Admins → Admin Console ➝ Generative AI > Gemini App ➝ change “Service Status” to Off for everyone.

Google Cloud (BigQuery, Colab, Looker): IAM & Admin ➝ remove Gemini roles ➝ disable APIs like geminicloudassist.googleapis.com.

What if Gemini won’t stay off?

Workspace users may need IT support or must contact Google Support to enable admin toggles.
Clearing cache, reloading pages, or restarting apps ensures settings take effect.

Gemini's AI reach and your privacy

Even with Gemini disabled, metadata still travels through ISPs and Google servers. That’s where browser-layer defenses come in:

Want your browser to stop leaking your IP? Harden your setup with The most private web browsers to block trackers, fingerprinting, and WebRTC leaks.
Combining Incognito Mode with smart browser habits can boost session-level privacy—check our guide on How to use Incognito Mode for privacy for practical tips.
For reliable protection across all devices — beyond Chrome — see How to set up a VPN on your router for full-network privacy to ensure every connection is encrypted.

Even with browser settings tuned, network-level shielding is crucial.

NymVPN: Take privacy further

Pairing Gemini’s removal with NymVPN gives you three layers of protection:

Traffic encryption even from your ISP.
Metadata obfuscation using multi-hop mixnets.
Zero-knowledge payment anonymity for no linkable billing data.

NymVPN adds network-level privacy to your app-level AI controls. Gemini is clever — but if it's taking over your flow or raising privacy flags, these steps put you back in control. And if you’re serious about closing every privacy gap, combining app-level disablement with network-level protection with NymVPN is the smart next step.

Google Gemini AI: FAQs

Can I fully turn off Gemini across Google apps?

Not yet. You can disable smart features in Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Assistant, and Search—but only Workspace admins can globally disable Gemini via Admin Console or by contacting Google Support.