6 tips for using AI Mode in Google Search

Google wants everything about its search engine to be powered by AI. That's why AI Mode is now available to all users in Google Search. If you want to try it out, here are some ways to make the most of it.

1. Access AI Mode in Google Search

There are a few ways to access Google's new AI Mode. Since its launch on May 20, some users haven't seen it appear in the search box. However, you can still use it.

On your favorite desktop or mobile browser, sign in to your Google account. Yes, you have to. This is how Google saves your search queries, responses, and more to personalize your results. Also, AI Mode is not currently available in Workspace accounts.

Go to Google and click AI Mode to the right of the search box on Google's main search page. This will take you to a new screen where you can type longer, more detailed queries.

Or, search normally and click AI Mode just below the search box to switch to AI search.

If you don't see it anywhere, search for Google AI Mode and follow the prompts to turn it on. This often happens if you've previously turned off AI features in Google Search.

Or, go directly to the AI ​​Mode page . You'll still need to be signed in to use this mode. If you're using the Google app, tap AI Mode from the home screen or in the Search tab at the bottom of the app.

2. Search by text or voice

No matter where you use AI Mode in Google Search, you can use detailed queries via text or voice. Voice is much easier if you're on your phone and want to use longer queries.

For text, enter your query just like you would in Google Search, but add more details. Want to find local restaurants? Great. But be more specific. For example, ask Google for local restaurants in a certain price range that serve great burgers. The search is pretty accurate, with just one result that doesn't match.

For voice search, just tap the microphone. Then tell AI Mode what you're looking for.

3. Search AI Mode by image

Currently, AI Mode in Google Search only supports image search within the Google app. Hopefully it will come to the desktop/browser version soon. It would be great to have this capability in more places.

Open the Google app on your mobile device and tap AI Mode . Or, start a search and tap AI Mode just below the search box. Then, tap Lens (the camera icon) at the bottom of the screen to add an image. Take a photo of what you're looking at or upload an image from your phone's gallery.

4. Turn search history on or off

If you want AI Mode to sync your search history across devices and sessions, you'll need to enable search history. This also allows you to select conversations with Gemini in AI Mode to refine future searches.

To see if your history is turned on, tap the History icon in AI Mode. It looks like a little clock. If there's nothing there and you've done a search, you'll see an Update Settings button .

Turn on Web & App Activity . You can go a step further to customize what you save, such as choosing whether to save voice and audio history. You can also use auto-delete to delete your history after a set period of time. The default is 18 months. From here, you can also view your history and delete it manually.

If you don't want your history saved, simply turn this setting off and clear your history by clicking Manage all Web & App Activity .

5. Start digging into AI Mode in Google Search

Why stop at basic search when you can dig deeper? Your initial search in AI Mode looks like an AI Overview in a regular Google search. But unlike a regular search, you can follow up with additional questions. For example, the author searched for 'What is Google AI Mode?' Then asked to dig deeper for more details. Finally, followed up again to get a report on Google AI Mode usage statistics.

Ask as many questions as you like. Also, if your history is on, click the History button to go back through your search and ask any additional questions you might think of days, weeks, or months later.

Also, if you prefer AI chatbots like Gemini not to use your conversations to train their models, opt out.

6. Try on clothes in Google Search

Admittedly, this isn't very useful for finding out if clothes fit. AI that can reliably predict whether a piece of clothing will fit perfectly would be really cool. For now, we can only guess and hope for free returns.

However, AI Mode in Google Search now offers a Try On feature. This feature is still in beta and you will need to enable it in Google Search Labs. Once enabled, search for an item of clothing and switch to AI Mode when you get results. Once you have refined the results with additional queries, click on a product. Click the Try it on button on the product itself to get started.

If this is your first time, you'll need to upload or take a photo of yourself. Try to get a clear head-to-toe photo, preferably in tight clothing, so Google can get an idea of ​​your body shape and size. Google then uses that image to show you what you look like in different types of clothing.

This is a fun way to see how a certain style or color might look on you. But it won't give you much idea of ​​what size will work best for you.

Another use for AI Mode is YouTube search . You'll get better results by using more advanced queries than YouTube search allows. If you're a Gemini Advanced user, you'll get faster queries and sometimes better results.

Jessica Tanner

Update 31 May 2025