La Artificial intelligence has crept into almost all of our devicesComputers, browsers, mobile devices, messaging apps, and, of course, the Apple ecosystem with Apple Intelligence. While many of these features are useful, they can also pose a risk to your privacy, consume resources, and generally be more annoying than practical.
If you feel like regaining control and Turn off AI on your computer, iPhone, and most common appsThis guide provides a complete walkthrough. You'll learn how to disable Apple Intelligence on macOS and iOS, how to limit it with Screen Time, and also how to remove or reduce AI in Google, Microsoft, browsers, Android, and WhatsApp to minimize your online footprint.
Why you might want to disable AI on your devices
In recent years, the big tech companies have decided that Every product should have AI built in by default.Conversational assistants, automatic summaries, image generation, intelligent translation, etc. Often, these features are activated automatically after an update, without you having requested them.
Meanwhile, some advanced users have started creating their own “personal assistants” mounted on private servers or small computersThe problem is that certain projects, such as a much-cited agent in the community called OpenClaw, have shown serious security flaws in its default configurations, to the point of being considered one of the most serious cybersecurity threats of recent times.
Beyond the discomfort, what's worrying is that These AI assistants can access enormous amounts of personal informationThey analyze the pages you visit, your local documents, your emails, your chats, and other sensitive data to "understand the context" and give you more tailored answers. This gives AI companies a very detailed view of each user's digital life.
A security breach or an attack on the provider's servers, or even on the cached data that is stored on your own machineIt could expose banking information, medical records, private messages, and documents that, in theory, only you should see, so it's advisable to keep an eye on things. Security measures for using generative AI on Apple devicesWorrying examples have already been seen with features like Recall in Windows, designed to record everything you do on your computer.
In addition to the issue of privacy, AI typically consumes a lot of RAM, GPU, and storage spaceOn computers and mobile devices with limited resources, this translates into crashes, slow performance, or lack of free space. If you prefer to avoid this "everything powered by AI" approach and stick only with what you're truly interested in, disabling or limiting these features is a very good idea. better performance.
Apple Intelligence on macOS and iOS: what it does and why you should disable it
Apple has grouped its AI features under the umbrella of Apple Intelligence, integrated into iOS, iPadOS, and macOSIt includes smart writing tools, image generation, summaries, priority notifications, and other aids distributed throughout the system and native apps.
Since iOS 18.3, Apple has begun to Enable Apple Intelligence by default on compatible devicesTo make it work, you need recent hardware (for example, models like iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 and certain Macs with Apple Silicon chips), and to have the system updated to the corresponding version.
Not everyone is convinced. On the one hand, Many features are still in their early stages. And they don't offer that "wow" factor that justifies having them always on. Furthermore, their presence implies demands on power and storage: consumption of between 5 GB and 8 GB has been observed for Apple Intelligence components alone, and this can increase with use.
This is compounded by the concerns of those who highly value their privacy. Although Apple insists that The data is processed securely and anonymouslySome users prefer not to send more information than necessary to the company's servers, not even in the form of summaries or activity logs.
It is worth remembering that, according to the region and language configured In both the system and Siri, Apple Intelligence might not even be available on your device yet. In that case, you'll see fewer AI-related options in the settings menus.
What features does Apple Intelligence include when it's active?
When Apple Intelligence is enabled, you'll have access to a wide range of intelligent tools distributed throughout the system. Among them are:
- writing tools to rewrite, correct and add tone to your texts in Mail, Notes, Messages and other compatible apps.
- Integration with ChatGPT via Siriso that Siri can rely on the OpenAI model for certain responses (if you activate that extension).
- Genmoji, which allows you to create custom emojis from descriptions or ideas.
- Image Playground e Image Wanddesigned to generate and transform images with AI.
- Priority notifications and summaries that organize important notices and condense the content of notifications, emails, or messages.
- Summaries in Mail and Messages to see the key information without reading everything word for word.
- A focus mode like Reduce interruptions, which uses AI to decide which alerts to ignore.
Some of these features have been controversial. For example, the summaries of notifications from news apps They have received criticism for errors and oversimplifications, to the point that Apple has temporarily disabled them for certain types of content in versions such as iOS 18.3 and iOS 18.4.
If these aids don't convince you or you simply don't use them, you can opt for turn them off completely or deactivate specific parts., such as image creation, Siri integration, or certain activity reports.
How to turn off Apple Intelligence on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Apple has centralized most settings in a dedicated panel. On iOS and iPadOS, everything is managed from the app. Settings, while on macOS the controls are located in System settingsThe idea is that you can turn Apple Intelligence on or off with one or two main switches.
On a supported iPhone or iPad, simply open Settings and look for the section called “Apple Intelligence and Siri” in the side menu or listInside you'll see a master switch for Apple Intelligence; turning it off disables system-level AI capabilities, including summaries, writing tools, and many visual features.
Very close to that general control you will see a Dedicated switch for SiriDisabling this option prevents Apple Intelligence from interfering with your requests to the assistant, even if you keep other aspects of AI active in the rest of the system—useful if you want mute or turn off Siri and have a "classic" Siri without so much generative layer.
On macOS the approach is similar: within System Settings, in the Apple Intelligence & Siri section, you will find the Apple's main Intelligence switch and, separately, Siri optionsYou can leave some of the AI enabled only for certain tasks, or turn AI off completely from that master switch.
If you have activated the extension of ChatGPT within Apple IntelligenceA separate panel will also appear specifically for managing this integration. From there, you can revoke permissions, change how it's used, or completely disable it so that Siri doesn't use ChatGPT in the background.
Disable hidden Apple Intelligence features in Apple apps
Even if you turn off the main switch, they still exist in the system small switches scattered throughout different sections of Settings These settings control how AI is integrated into specific apps. They're worth reviewing if you want a more precise shutdown process.
In applications like Messages, Mail or NotesYou'll see sections to enable or disable advanced writing tools, generated suggestions, or quick summaries. If you're bothered by the system trying to rewrite your text or constantly suggesting tone changes, you can disable those options in each app's specific settings.
Something similar happens with Use time (Screen Time). Within this panel, in addition to limiting apps and content, Apple has added options to restrict certain components of Apple Intelligence. This allows you, for example, to block AI features for children or on shared devices.
On macOS, in the section Screen time within System SettingsYou'll find the Content and Privacy subsection. Enabling it unlocks additional options for deciding which elements can use AI and which cannot, including Apple Intelligence components built into system apps.
Keep in mind that even if the main switch is off, it's a good idea Review these settings after major system updatesApple may add new AI features in future versions and enable them by default, so it's a good idea to check them out from time to time to keep everything to your liking.
Limit Apple Intelligence with Screen Time: Block writing and imaging tools
If you want even stricter control, you can use Screen Time (on iPhone or iPad) or Screen Time (on Mac) to restrict AI as if it were sensitive content. This is especially useful on devices used by minors or on devices where you want a clear separation between accounts.
On iPhone, the usual route involves opening the Settings app, tapping on Use time and then enter “Content and privacy restrictions”Activating this block enables a set of additional options that allow you to restrict access to different elements of the system.
Among those options you will find the section “Apple Intelligence and Siri” within the restrictionsThere you can decide, for example, whether or not to allow the use of image creation functions (Image Playground, Genmoji, graphics wand) or whether to restrict certain writing tools to prevent their use in certain apps.
On macOS, the process is similar but is managed from System Settings. In the sidebar, select Screen timeGo to Content and Privacy, turn on restrictions, and then open the block “Intelligence and Siri”From there you can disable the option to Image Creation to prevent the use of generative tools in applications that rely on Apple Intelligence.
This approach makes Apple Intelligence something that It is subject to the same rules as parental control. or the content filters, so that even if a user of the device tries to reactivate these functions, they will encounter the Screen Time block and will not be able to do so without the corresponding code.
Disable Apple Intelligence logging and reporting
Even if you decide to keep some of Apple Intelligence operational, you may want to reduce the amount of data that AI collects about what it does on your computerThat's what activity reports are for; they can be adjusted or turned off completely.
On a Mac, within System Settings, go to the section Privacy & Security and look for the option named “Apple Intelligence Report”From there you can see what type of records the AI generates, adjust the interval at which these reports are created, or, if you prefer, disable their generation to minimize the stored history.
The idea is that you can have Apple Intelligence working, but with a much smaller trace of the actions it performsIf you're particularly protective of locally stored information, this setting will interest you even if you don't want to turn off AI completely.
Check and reduce the space occupied by Apple Intelligence
Another consequence of having Apple Intelligence active is that occupies a considerable amount of storage on iOS or iPadOS devices, as well as disk space on macOS. Between language models, support data, and caches, the number can grow over time.
On an iPhone, you can view it directly from Settings, by going to General → iPhone Storage → iOSWithin that section, under the system heading, there is usually a specific line that indicates how much space Apple Intelligence consumes.
It is common for the size to move within a range of Between 5 GB and 8 GB, depending on the device and usageand that increases as more complex models are downloaded or supporting data accumulates. If you're running low on space, this is a key point to check when you notice everything filling up too quickly.
When you disable Apple Intelligence, the system doesn't completely erase all of its components, but The associated storage amount is usually reduced by approximately halfThis way, you recover several gigabytes without needing to restore the device or take more drastic measures.
What do you lose by completely disabling Apple Intelligence?
If you choose to turn off all Apple Intelligence-related switches in the Settings app, the The system experience becomes more “classic”Without generative aids or high-level automation. In return, you give up a number of features that might be useful in certain contexts.
Among the main features that will become unavailable when you completely disable Apple Intelligence are the automatic summaries (in notifications, Mail, Messages, and other areas of the system). You won't have those cards that condense long messages into a few sentences.
They also disappear smart writing tools that correct, rewrite, or adjust the tone of your texts. You'll revert to the traditional spell checker and a much more manual writing experience, similar to what you had before these models arrived.
Another significant loss is the loss of the functions of Visual intelligenceThese capabilities allow for understanding image content, detecting elements, and applying quick actions based on what is seen on the screen. Without active AI, these capabilities are significantly reduced.
Finally, you will lose access to Image Playground, Genmoji, and similar toolsThese features rely entirely on Apple's generative models. If you used these functions to create custom emojis, illustrations, or image variations, you'll have to resort to third-party apps or more traditional solutions.
AI in Google, browsers, and other services: how to limit it
Beyond Apple, many of the apps and services you use daily include their own layer of AI. If you want a truly unautomated experience, it's also worth considering. Disable these add-ons in Google, browsers, and other common programs..
In the Google ecosystem, the smart features of Gmail and Google Docs are grouped within Workspace “smart features”To turn them off, you need to access the full Gmail settings from the gear icon, go to the General tab, and locate the section corresponding to smart features in Google Workspace and other products.
Unchecking the boxes of Smart features in Google Workspace y Smart features in other Google productsBy doing this, you eliminate much of the AI that analyzes your email, suggests replies, or extracts calendar events. It's also advisable to uncheck the box for Activate smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet on the same screen, and restart the Google apps for the changes to take effect.
In Google Search, the so-called AI Overviews They have started appearing at the top of the results as generated summaries. A quick way to avoid them in a specific query is to add -ai at the end of the search termHowever, it's not always foolproof. Another, more reliable option is to use the filter. Website which appears below the search bar, to force Google to return only links without summaries.
If all this seems insufficient to you, you can consider switching to alternative engines with less intrusive AI, such as DuckDuckGo, which also offers a specific version without generative results at noai.duckduckgo.com.
Disable AI features in Chrome and Firefox
Web browsers have also become filled with AI. Chrome, for example, integrates an “AI mode” that communicates with Google servers to offer assistants, automated navigation and advanced searches, while Gemini Nano takes care of local tasks such as phishing detection or intelligent tab grouping.
To stop these experiments, you must write chrome :/ / flags In the address bar, type "AI" and press Enter. On the indicators page that opens, use the internal search function to locate all options containing the tags "AI" and "Gemini." There you will see several parameters related to AI inputs in the address bar, the Gemini Nano prompts API, and multimodal variants.
If you want to be sure, you can put it in state "Disabled" AI mode entries in the Omnibox, AI matches in searches, and Gemini Nano directions APIs (including multimodal input) are all removed. This eliminates both the remote layer and a good portion of the more experimental local components.
In Firefox, the situation is somewhat different. Although the browser doesn't include its own chatbot that is activated by default, it does have chatbot functions. intelligent tab grouping, chatbot sidebar, and model-based local translationIf you prefer to do without all of this, you have two options.
In recent versions (starting with Firefox 148), there is a panel called “AI controls” within the settings menu. There you can use a single button to completely block AI enhancements, choose whether you want to use local models for translation, and configure which chatbot providers (Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Le Chat Mistral) are displayed in the sidebar.
In older versions, you have to go to the advanced panel by typing about: config in the address bar. After accepting the security warning, you can search for the term “ML” and disable options such as browser.ml.enabledIf you want a deeper clean, you can also disable parameters such as ml.chat.enabled, ml.linkPreview.enabled, ml.pageAssist.enabled, ml.smartAssist.enabled, ai.control.translations, tabs.groups.smart.enabled or urlbar.quicksuggest.mlEnabled to completely cut off automated help.
Microsoft and AI in Windows, Edge, and Office apps
Microsoft has brought its Copilot assistant and other related features to Microsoft. to practically all of their productsThe Edge browser, Windows 11, the Office suite, and even basic tools like Notepad or Paint. Turning them off completely isn't always easy.
In Edge, you can manage many of these layers by going into edge: // flags From the address bar, search for terms like “AI” or “Copilot.” There you’ll find options to disable the browser’s Copilot mode, the Compose feature (assisted writing), or the AI that analyzes your browsing history.
Another way is to go directly to edge://settings/appearance/copilotAndSidebar To customize the Copilot sidebar, adjust which notifications it displays and the level of customization applied to the results. Don't forget to check out the section on Application-specific settings, where additional settings are hidden.
In Windows 11, Copilot exists as system component and as part of Microsoft 365If you're using Windows 11 Home, you can uninstall the Copilot app from the Start menu (right-click Copilot → Uninstall) or from the Apps section in Settings. To remove it from the taskbar in more integrated versions, go to Start → Settings → Personalization → Taskbar and turn off the corresponding switch.
Users have reported that Copilot tends to reappear after certain updatesSo it's a good idea to check from time to time. Those familiar with the Registry can modify keys like SilentInstalledAppsEnabled or TurnOffWindowsCopilot to prevent the system from reinstalling the assistant without warning.
In Office (Word, Excel, etc.), even if you uninstall the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, you will still see its presence within the applications until you enter File → Options → Copilot (in Windows) or in Preferences → Creation and Review Tools → Copilot (on Mac) and uncheck the "Enable Copilot" box. Then you'll need to restart the application for the change to take effect.
Microsoft Recall, Notepad, and other AI features in Windows
One of Microsoft's most controversial AI features is Recall, designed to continuously take screenshots of everything that appears on your screenanalyze them with a neural network and store them in a searchable database. This means the system keeps a visual record of virtually every action you take.
Following strong criticism from security experts, Microsoft delayed its launch and strengthened protection measures, but the core of the feature remains the same: Your computer "remembers" every move through captures and OCRAlthough it is not currently enabled by default, it is recommended to check if your device is compatible.
To check it, go to Start → Settings → Privacy and security → Recall and snapshotsMake sure the “Save snapshots” switch is turned off, and if data has already been collected, tap “Delete snapshots” to clear all that history just in case.
AI has also infiltrated File Explorer, Notepad, and contextualized “AI actions”These actions can be triggered simply by selecting text on the screen. To disable them, go to Start → Settings → Privacy and security and locate the "Click to do" or similar actions section, where you can turn off these AI-based recommendations.
The Notepad app, meanwhile, has received Copilot-specific features. To revert to a simple Notepad app, go into its internal settings and disable Copilot options or any associated smart function. Currently, there is no official way to disable Paint's built-in AI features, so the only way to avoid using them is to simply not use those specific buttons.
WhatsApp, Android, and other mobile services with built-in AI
In the mobile world, AI has also made its way into messaging apps; for example, in AI in WhatsApp and in the Android system itself, especially through Google's plans with Gemini and the manufacturers' add-ons.
In some regions, WhatsApp is already showing suggested replies, automatic message summaries, and a "Chat with Meta AI" button. Although Meta claims that some of this processing is done locally on the device, verifying every detail isn't easy, so many users prefer to turn off as much as possible.
To disable suggested replies, go to WhatsApp Settings, then to Chats → Smart Replies and Suggestions, and turn off the option. Suggested answersIn that same menu you can also turn off the AI-generated sticker suggestions so that they stop appearing.
AI-powered message summaries are controlled from elsewhere: Settings → Notifications → AI Message SummariesDisabling this option prevents WhatsApp from generating automated summaries of your conversations in notifications or other parts of the interface.
On Android, the situation depends heavily on the manufacturer and the customization layer, but generally speaking, Google's AI features are concentrated on Gemini and its integrationsIn Google Messages, for example, you can tap on your account photo, go to Message settings → Gemini in Messages and disable the assistant so it stops suggesting texts or actions.
The standalone Gemini app can be uninstalled from Settings → ApplicationsUnless the manufacturer or system version has integrated it as a system component. If you can't remove it completely, go into the app itself, tap your profile, and access Activity in Gemini apps and select “Disable” or “Disable and delete activity” to clear the history.
Again, from the profile icon, you can go to the section of Connected apps (or within Personal Intelligence) and uncheck all the apps you don't want Gemini to interact with. It's a way to limit the reach of AI as much as possible, even though you can't completely remove it from the system.
Taking the time to review all these settings, both in Apple Intelligence and in the rest of the systems and applications, allows you to You decide how much AI you want in your daily lifeFrom a complete shutdown to very limited and controlled use, the options are there; you just need to go section by section to regain some privacy, performance and peace of mind on your devices.
