How to turn on or off Google’s Search live AI mode on your phone

Know how to enable or disable Google’s Search Live in AI Mode on your phone and get instant answers using voice or camera.

Google has rolled out a new update that changes how people search on their phones in India. The feature, called Search Live in AI Mode, allows users to interact with Google in real-time using their voice or camera. Instead of just typing queries, users can now ask questions, show objects, or capture scenes to get immediate responses. India is the first country outside the US to receive this feature, which works in both English and Hindi.

Here’s how to quickly enable or disable Google’s Search Live in AI Mode on your phone. (Google )

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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Here is a complete guide to using and managing Search Live.

What is Search Live?

Search Live lets users communicate with Google in a conversational way. You can speak to Google or show it what you see through your phone’s camera. The AI then provides spoken responses, and you can ask follow-up questions to continue the conversation.

This feature can help in multiple situations: following a recipe, troubleshooting household tasks, completing school assignments, or exploring new places. Conversations continue in the background, allowing you to use other apps while interacting with Google. You can also access your previous Search Live interactions through your AI Mode history.

How to enable and use Search Live

Activating Search Live is straightforward:

• Open the Google app on your phone.
• Tap the Live icon located below the Search bar.
• Follow the on-screen instructions if this is your first time using it.
• Use your voice to ask questions: tap Mute to stop the microphone or Unmute to resume. Say “stop” to interrupt Google’s response.
• To use your camera, tap the Video icon and show Google what you want it to see.
• Tap Exit to end the conversation.

You can switch between AI Mode and Live conversation anytime by tapping the Live icon. You can also start a Search Live session directly from Google Lens by tapping Live.

How to disable Search Live

If you want to turn off Search Live, you can do so by disabling AI Mode. To do this, visit labs.google.com/search and follow the instructions to turn off the feature.