Google is rolling out an update to the Photos app, allowing users to have more control over their search within the app. Moving forward, Photos will have a toggle so users can choose between using AI search and the classic fast search.
Google Photos lead Shimrit Ben-Yair posted on X (formerly Twitter) this week, stating that Google has been listening to user feedback. As a result, the company is “starting to roll out a new experience that puts you in the driver’s seat, letting you choose between fast classic search and intelligent Ask Photos results.”
The Google Photos ‘Intelligent mode’ or “Ask Photos” is built on Gemini 3 AI models and supports searching with complex queries and phrases. For instance, you could type into Google Photos, “Show me the photos of me in a red shirt,” and the AI model will scour your photo library for photos of you in red. Google says this mode will always “lead with the results that best fit your query.”
The fast classic search mode, however, is the tried and true method of searching through your Photos library. With this mode active, you can use short and concise keywords to search through your library. Keywords like “beach,” “food,” or “dog” will pull up relevant photos instantly.
With the new toggle, users will be able to swap between the two search modes at will, depending on their preferences. If the toggle remains active, Google’s AI-powered Ask Photos search will remain the default. However, when the toggle is turned off, that’s when the fast classic search is used.
Earlier this year, Google Photos adopted the use of its AI-driven Ask Photos search. It was quickly met with backlash. Users vocalized their frustrations with the feature online, especially on Reddit. One post in particular saw 1,800 upvotes, calling it the “worst feature” the user has ever seen. Ben-Yair notes that they’ve heard the feedback, and this is the result.
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