Google Photos offers a lesser-known shortcut that enables users to revert to the traditional search experience, moving away from the Ask Photos feature that employs artificial intelligence for searches. This feature was initially introduced during Google I/O last year and started becoming available to the public in September 2024. Ask Photos allows users to make inquiries in natural language to efficiently find images and videos stored in their Google Drive, and users can also interact with Gemini for assistance if the initial search does not yield satisfactory results.
Shortcut to Revert to Classic Search in Google Photos
The existence of this shortcut was first reported by 9to5Google. Users without a Gemini Advanced subscription continue to have access to the classic search interface by default, while those with the subscription are directed to the new Ask Photos interface, which replaces the previous search method.
While Ask Photos uses Gemini’s technology to analyze descriptions and identify images, many users have expressed concerns about its speed and reliability. The Ask Photos interface features a small button centered on the screen to allow users to switch back to classic search; however, accessing it can be cumbersome as it requires going through the Ask Photos feature first.
A more efficient approach exists for those seeking to access the traditional search quickly. By double-tapping the Ask Photos icon located in the bottom-right corner of the Google Photos interface, users can seamlessly switch to the classic search mode. This traditional search still accepts natural language queries, making it easier for users to find images within a familiar layout.
To return to Ask Photos, users with a Gemini Advanced subscription can tap the Ask Photos icon again to re-engage with the AI-driven feature. It is worth noting that this double-tap method has not been verified to work on the Google Photos app for iOS, as confirmed by Gadget 360 staff.
In addition to its basic functionalities, Ask Photos enables users to query based on face grouping or relationships saved within the app, as well as conduct searches by location, date, image content, and contextual information during discussions with Gemini.
