Google gives in to users’ complaints over AI-powered ‘Ask Photos’ search feature

In a slight capitulation to those who don’t want AI infused into their everyday apps, Google said it’s now offering a toggle that will allow users of its Google Photos app to return to the previous and often faster “classic” search experience instead of the newer AI-powered option known as “Ask Photos.”

The Ask Photos feature, launched in the U.S. in 2024, lets users search their photos using natural language queries, including complex requests. The product’s rollout was briefly paused last summer as the company worked to address issues around latency, following user feedback.

Some Google Photos users never warmed up to the AI-powered experience, complaining that Ask Photos still failed to find some of their photos and that searches were less accurate than before.

While Google offered an option to disable the use of Gemini in Google Photos, it was buried in the settings and was often overlooked.

The company said it will offer users an easier and more visible way to switch between the two search experiences. Via a new toggle button on the search screen, users can turn the Ask Photos AI search off and view the classic results instead. Google said it will still lead with whichever results best fit the user’s query, however.

In the announcement, shared by Google Photos lead Shimrit Ben-Yair, the company suggested that the move was driven by users’ complaints about the Ask Photos feature. In a post on X, Ben-Yair wrote, “We’ve heard your feedback that you want more control over the type of results you see when searching in Google Photos.”

The exec also noted that Google had improved the quality of some of the most popular searches, also based on user feedback.

“We know search in Photos is one of the most loved and used features and we’re committed to getting this experience right, so please keep the feedback coming! It helps us build a more magical experience for everyone,” she said.