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How to opt out and turn off all ‘smart’ AI features in Gmail

2026 January 30
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How to opt out and turn off all ‘smart’ AI features in Gmail

In this tutorial, we’ll show you which options to turn off in your Gmail settings on iPhone, Android phone, and web browser to opt out of all ‘smart’ AI features and go back to a simpler and more private email experience.

While AI is everywhere, not everyone is a fan. Many people don’t like AI being shoved down their throats. They complain that AI isn’t needed for simple tasks like drafting or reading an email.

Additionally, many privacy-focused individuals don’t want their sensitive emails used to train Google’s AI.

Now, there is no guarantee that Google will stop using your emails for training after you turn off the ‘smart’ features. After all, they said they are not listening to your private Google Assistant conversations, but just a few days back, Google settled a lawsuit for a measly $68 million fine (Fox Business, Reuters, BBC). Still, turning off these features from your end will give you some satisfaction. Here’s how to do that.

Turn off all unnecessary AI features in Gmail

The core process is the same across all devices, but I have outlined the steps separately for iPhone, Android phone, and web browser. Plus, the changes you make are at the account level, so you only need to turn them off on one of your devices.

Gmail app on iPhone

1) Open the updated Gmail app on your iPhone or iPad. Make sure the correct account is selected if you use more than one.

2) Tap the three lines hamburger icon from the top left, followed by Settings.

3) Tap Smart reply, turn it off, and tap Done. Next, return to Gmail settings and turn off Smart compose.

Turn off Smart reply and Smart Compose in Gmail on iPhone

4) Now, tap Data privacy, and turn off Smart features.

Turn off Smart features in Gmail Data Privacy settings on iPhone

From the same screen, tap Google Workspace smart features and disable Smart features in Google Workspace and Smart features in other Google products. Tap Done to save your new changes.

Turn off Smart features in Google Workspace and in other Google products on iPhone

Gmail on Android phone

1) Open the Gmail app, tap the hamburger icon, select Settings, and tap your account email address.

Go to Gmail settings on Android phone and select email account

2) Uncheck Smart features, Smart Compose, and Smart Reply.

3) Next, tap Google Workspace smart features and uncheck Smart features in Google Workspace and Smart features in other Google products.

Turning off all smart features in Gmail on Android phone

Gmail in a web browser

1) Visit https://mail.google.com/mail/ in a web browser.

2) Click the gear icon in the top right, followed by See all Settings.

3) Scroll down the General tab and do the following:

  • Set Smart Compose to Writing suggestions off.
  • Set Smart Compose personalization to Personalization off.
  • Set Smart Reply to Smart Reply off.
  • Uncheck Smart features (Turn on smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet).

Smart features turned off for Gmail in web browser

4) Then, click the Manage Workspace smart feature settings button. And turn off both Smart features in Google Workspace and Smart features in other Google products, and click Save.

Google Workspace smart features turned off for Gmail on web

5) Finally, scroll to the bottom of the General tab and click the Save Changes button.

Save changes to turn off all Gmail smart features

What’s your reason for turning off these ‘smart’ Gmail features?

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Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2026/01/30/turn-off-smart-ai-features-gmail/

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