Google announced on November 3, 2026, that Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search would be off by default for K–12 student accounts until administrators enable them. Administrators can select Search separately from additional Gemini products, but AI features remain part of Search.
Search stays tied to its AI features
Google Search includes AI Overviews and AI Mode. Chris Phillips, Google’s vice president and general manager of education, reportedly told The New York Times that schools rejecting AI altogether would lose Search access for students using school-managed accounts.
That reported condition concerns a school’s rejection of AI altogether. Administrators can choose Search separately from other Gemini products, so disabling those products alone does not mean Search is disabled.
When the new settings are expected
Wccftech reported that the controls were scheduled to begin in early 2027. Google’s November 3 announcement described the planned defaults for K–12 student accounts.
Google says Guided Learning is designed to coach students through problems step by step rather than simply provide quick answers.
