> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.jeffsu.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# How to Skip AI Overviews in Google Search
- URL: https://www.jeffsu.org/newsletter-271/
- Published: 2026-11-14T03:22:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-14T03:21:59.000Z
- Description: #271
- Author: Jeff
- Tags: #newsletter, Google Apps

Want to see these tips early? [Subscribe to the newsletter!](https://www.jeffsu.org/newsletter/)

---

So when Google’s AI Overviews feature first came out, it was, excuse my language, a s\*\*\*show (remember how it told us to add glue to pizza?)

![Google’s AI Overview recommending non-toxic glue to keep cheese on pizza, next to the 11-year-old Reddit joke it came from](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2026/11/AE271---Pizza-Glue.png)

Two years later, I can honestly say I’ve come to rely on AI Overviews almost as much as I used to rely on regular Google Search, with a few caveats…

## To use or not to use AI…

So let’s say I’m late for my flight and I ~~scream into~~ talk softly into Google: “does delta baggage carry on include wheel size?” I’d be thanking the Google gods for the answer right there in the AI Overview:

![Google’s AI Overview confirming Delta counts wheels and handles toward its 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on limit](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2026/11/AE271---Delta-Carry-On.png)

Now say I’m thinking about selling a kidney for a Herman Miller chair. When I Google “herman miller usage over 5 years,” **I want to hear from the people who’ve actually sat in one for that long.**

![Google results for herman miller usage over 5 years -ai, led by a Reddit thread from owners of 10+ year old chairs](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2026/11/AE271---Herman-Miller-Owner-Reviews.png)

### How to skip the AI Overview

1. On your computer, Google `herman miller usage over 5 years`. Before you change the search, see how far you have to scroll to find someone who owns one.
2. Add a space and `-ai` to the end, then hit Enter again: `herman miller usage over 5 years -ai`
3. Which search got you to a relevant post first?

This only affects that one search, so whenever you want the quick answer again, just leave off the `-ai`.

## What if your search is about AI?

The minus sign tells Google to leave out any page with that word, so `-ai` would also hide the very pages you’re trying to find. In that case, search like normal and click **Web** (under **More** if you don’t see it) to get just the links.

Next time you catch yourself scrolling past Google’s answer to hear from people who actually bought the thing, add `-ai` and let me know how it goes! 😁

---

**Whenever you’re ready, here are some other ways I can help you:**

🎛️ [The Cowork Academy:](https://coworkacademy.ai/?ref=jeffsu.org) Ready-to-install AI Command Center that loads your context automatically and makes every Claude session sharper than the last. 90% built when you download it.

💻 [The Workspace Academy:](https://academy.jeffsu.org/workspace-academy?ref=jeffsu.org) Never lose a file, task, or note again with my CORE workflow for Google Workspace. Adopted by over 10,000 Googlers.

✅ [Build Your Command Center in Notion:](https://www.pressplay.cc/link/s/D5B5EC96?ref=jeffsu.org) Plug-and-play dashboard that surfaces today’s priorities automatically and organizes your life in seconds. #1 rated Notion Course globally.