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How to Use the New Google Search AI Mode

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Introduction

Google’s new Search AI Mode is changing the way people find answers online. With smarter, more context-aware responses, this tool blends the power of AI with the vast reach of traditional Google Search. Whether you’re a casual user or a digital researcher, learning how to use this feature effectively can improve how you explore the web. This article walks you through what AI Mode is, how it differs from the old search experience, and where you can access it.

A Quick Summary

  • Google Search AI Mode provides AI-generated summaries and answers. The goal is to improve search efficiency by summarizing complex queries.
  • It differs from classic search by prioritizing generative insights over links. Users can still view traditional results alongside AI answers.
  • AI Mode appears in Google Search Labs and is rolling out in stages.

What is Google Search AI Mode

Google Search AI Mode is an experimental feature that enhances standard search queries with artificial intelligence. Instead of just showing a list of blue links, it provides direct, conversational responses generated by large language models. These responses aim to synthesize relevant information from across the web, giving users a quick, digestible overview of their search topic.

The mode can respond to complex queries, generate overviews of topics, suggest follow-up questions, and assist with tasks such as shopping comparisons, travel planning, or academic research. It draws from Google’s Gemini AI models, designed to understand natural language more deeply than traditional keyword-matching algorithms.

How AI Mode is Different from Regular Google Search

While traditional Google Search relies on ranking web pages by relevance and popularity, AI Mode introduces generative capabilities. Here’s how it stands apart:

  • Conversational Results: Instead of only offering links, AI Mode delivers summaries and contextually rich answers.
  • Suggested Follow-Ups: It prompts users with follow-up questions to refine or deepen a search.
  • Task-Specific Help: AI Mode excels at multi-step questions, such as how-to tasks or side-by-side comparisons.
  • Integrated Experience: It blends AI answers with traditional results, offering a two-layered experience—quick summaries at the top, detailed sources below.

This shift aims to help users get to the “answer” more quickly, particularly in cases where the intent is more complex than a simple factual lookup.

Where to Access Google Search AI Mode

As of this week (May 19 2025), Google Search AI Mode is rolling for access and is available through the Search Labs feature, which you can access by:

Using Chrome or the Google App: AI Mode is currently rolling out to users in the United States using the latest versions of Google Chrome or the Google Search app.

Tapping the Flask Icon: Look for the small beaker or “labs” icon in the search bar to enroll in experiments.

Activating “AI Mode” from within Search Labs by clicking the “Turn On” button, and then following the further instructions.

Note that this feature may not be available to all users immediately, as it is being rolled out gradually.

Steps to Use Google Search AI Mode After Activation

Turning on Google Search AI Mode with Search Labs is simple. Here is how you can take advantage of it:

  1. Search Like You Do
    Type your question or topic into the Google search bar like you always would. When your query suits a generative response such as “What are the benefits and drawbacks of electric cars?” or “Tips to plan a trip to Italy,” the AI Mode jumps into action.
  2. Go Through the Sources and Links The AI generated response lists links to the original sources it used. These appear to the right or near the AI response. You can click them to check facts or dig into more information.
  3. Ask Follow-up Questions
    You can reply back to the AI Mode with additional questions or or different queries. As it says, you can “Ask anything”.
  4. Use Voice or Picture Search (Optional)
    If you’re on the Google mobile app, you can speak your question or use pictures through Google Lens. AI Mode lets you search with voice commands or images making it simple to engage in different ways.
  5. Click “All” for Standard Results AI Mode works alongside standard results instead of replacing them. To dive deeper, find diverse opinions, or see the original material, Click “All” to check the usual web page list.

Getting the hang of Google Search AI Mode feels easy after a handful of tries. The trick is to see it as a way to kick off a conversation and use the AI’s quick summary to dive further into what you’re exploring.

Final Thoughts

Google Search AI Mode represents a major evolution in how we access and engage with information online. By merging the precision of traditional search with the intuition of AI-generated insights, users can potentially find answers faster and more effectively. Whether you are browsing casually or diving deep into research, this new tool is worth exploring as part of your everyday search habits.

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