How to turn on Google’s new AI Search Generative Experience

For some users, Google has completely overhauled Search with AI, driving what it calls the “Generative Search Experience.” While the experience is limited, some users have the option to enable it now. Here’s how to enable Search Generative Experience – SGE – and Google with AI.

It’s easy to assume that most people are used to the Google Search experience that we’ve come to know and appreciate for years. While the foundation remains the same, things are starting to change a bit, with a Google experience that’s enhanced by smarter, more contextual, and more dynamic results.

Using the progress Google has made with AI up to this point, the company is overhauling Search with several new AI features and tools under the Generative Search Experience umbrella. This includes new AI-powered images that display fast, contextual results for your question or request. Instead of churning out links, Google Search will develop a summary in response to the query using multiple sources – shown on the right.

Furthermore, SGE aims to facilitate conversations. In effect, this means that you can continue to ask follow-up questions and get more information as questions arise. This feature is a breath of fresh air compared to the standard non-AI Quest, which requires additional and alternatively worded quests. Instead of starting over, just ask for a quick follow-up and get information that is relevant to the entire conversation.

How to get started with Google’s AI search

Since the program is in its infancy, there are certain criteria that must be met before users can enable the feature in Search. Users must be enrolled in Labs and a Google One Premium (2+ TB) subscriber. These restrictions are temporary, but remain so at the time of writing. Even if you’re not a subscriber, sign up for free Labs anyway because this limit may drop eventually.

We have a complete guide to signing up for the SGE Lab and it only takes a few minutes.

Once you’ve signed up for Labs, complete the following:

In Google Search – mobile or web – search for the Labs icon. Click or tap it. Ask for the SGE card. Tap or click the switch to set it to “on”. Hit I agree.

Once you do, you’ll have access to Google’s new AI Generative Search Experience. Our rundown of the current state of the feature is a useful guide to using it, though the best approach is to ask natural questions that you wouldn’t normally be able to ask Google very successfully.

If you’re not a Google One subscriber, don’t worry. The SGE feature is likely on its way to others who have signed up to the Lab in preview, though it may take some time.

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