How to disable Gemini on your Google Apps

Gemini is Google’s very own AI model and currently one of the most capable ones out there. Google has added Gemini across Android, Gmail, Google Workspace, and other services, and for obvious reasons, many users are not comfortable with how much access it has. This is why, we are going to help you disable Gemini from your Google Apps, so that you have complete control over your data and usage patterns.

Now, disabling Gemini is an optional feature and something that can be re-enabled, should you feel the need for the AI assistance or maybe due to the introduction of a feature that has you excited. So, let’s get right into the tutorial –

Step 1. Turn off Gemini app activity

This is the most important step if you want to reduce data tracking.

• Open the Gemini app
• Tap your profile icon
• Go to “Gemini Apps Activity”
• Turn it off

You can also choose “Turn off and delete activity” to remove past data.

When this is off, Gemini stops saving long-term activity. Some data may still be stored briefly for system processing.

Step 2. Remove Gemini access to other apps

Gemini works by connecting to other apps. You need to cut those connections as well. Here’s how to get it done.

• Open Gemini app
• Go to profile → Apps
• Turn off access to:
  • Google Workspace apps
  • Messages
  • Phone
  • WhatsApp

This stops Gemini from interacting with your personal apps.

disable Gemini AI

Step 3. Disable Gemini on Gmail

Gemini is deeply integrated into Gmail through smart features.

• Open Gmail
• Go to Settings
• Select your email account
• Turn off “Smart features”
• Turn off “Smart features in Google Workspace”

This removes AI suggestions and Gemini-based assistance in Gmail.

Step 4: Stop Gemini from replacing Google Assistant

On Android, Gemini is slowly replacing Google Assistant.

To avoid this:

• Open Google app
• Go to Settings
• Find Assistant settings
• Switch back to Google Assistant if available

Google is still transitioning users, so both systems may exist for now.

Step 5: Remove Gemini from Chrome and search

Gemini can also appear in search and browser settings.

• Open Chrome settings
• Go to Search Engine settings
• Remove or deactivate Gemini-related options

This helps reduce AI summaries and suggestions in search.

Step 6: Control auto-delete and data retention

Even if you use Gemini, you can limit how long your data is stored.

• Go to Gemini Apps Activity
• Set auto-delete to 3 months
• Or turn it off completely

By default, some data may be stored for longer periods unless you change it.

What happens after you de-Gemini your apps?

Once you complete these steps:

• Gemini stops accessing your apps
• AI suggestions reduce or disappear
• Data collection is limited
• Some features may stop working

You may lose convenience features like smart replies or automatic summaries. That trade-off is part of the decision.

Why users are choosing to disable Gemini

There are three main reasons:

1. Privacy concerns

Gemini connects deeply with personal apps and data.

2. Control over data

Users want to decide what gets stored and used.

3. Reduced AI interference

Some people prefer a simpler, manual experience without AI suggestions.