How to Fully Disable Gemini in Google Docs and Gmail
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- Google is rolling out a prominent Gemini bar at the bottom of Google Docs for some users as part of a broader push to embed AI into its productivity apps by default
- The Gemini bar can be hidden via the "Bottom bar preferences" menu option, but fully removing Gemini from Docs requires deeper settings changes
- Personal Gmail users can disable Gemini in Docs by toggling off "Smart features" in Gmail's General settings — but this also turns off grammar suggestions, autocorrect, smart compose, smart reply, nudges, and Gmail's built-in spellcheck
- Google Workspace account holders cannot disable AI features on their own, as only their company's IT administrator controls those settings
- The "Bye Bye Gemini" Chrome extension uses CSS to hide all Google AI elements across Docs, Gmail, Drive, and Search AI Overviews without sacrificing other Gmail smart features
- The author warns Google has a history of undoing user-facing settings changes, meaning today's opt-out may not persist long-term
Why it matters: Google's AI-first design forces a trade-off on users who want Gemini-free Docs: they must either sacrifice core Gmail smart features like spellcheck and smart compose, or install third-party browser extensions to hide what Google's native settings won't fully remove. For Workspace users on company accounts, the opt-out decision sits entirely with IT administrators, not the individual.
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