Gmail Might Be Reading and Summarizing Your Emails, Here’s How to Stop It

Google has started adding AI-generated summaries to some Gmail messages, whether users request them or not. The new feature, powered by Google Gemini, is now showing up by default in the Gmail mobile app for users with Workspace accounts.

These summaries appear as a small box under the email subject line, usually containing a few bullet points. They’re designed to highlight the key points from longer email threads, making it easier to catch up quickly.

Image: Google Workspace Updates

The summaries won’t show up in every email. According to Google, the feature is intended for longer or more complex conversations. As the thread grows or changes, the summary updates (typically) automatically.

If a summary doesn’t appear when you want one, there’s a “Summarize this email” button at the top of the message that can generate it manually.

Right now, this feature is only available in English, and only for users on Android or iOS with either a Google Workspace account or a Google One AI Premium subscription. Google hasn’t said when it will roll out to desktop users or other languages.

Don’t Want It? Here’s How to Turn It Off

If you'd rather not have summaries show up in your inbox, you can turn the feature off, but you’ll need to disable all of Google’s “Smart Features” to do it.

On desktop:

• Click the gear icon at the top right.
• Go to Settings (aka See all settings) > then in the General section/tab (which can be accessed directly by visiting this link if you've just one working email: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#settings/general).
• Scroll to Smart features and uncheck “Turn on smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet.” 
• Users might see their window refreshing to apply these settings and/or redirect then back to main Gmail interface.

On Android:

• Open the Gmail app.
• Tap the three-line menu, then go to Settings > General.
• Toggle off Smart features.

On iPhone:

• Go to Settings > Data privacy > Smart features and turn it off.

Google introduced email summaries in mid-2024, but this marks the first time they’re being added (most likely) automatically. The company says it’s meant to help people handle overflowing inboxes, but not everyone may be comfortable with AI analyzing their emails.

Notes: This post was polished with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed/fact-checked, and published by humans.

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