Google Expands Search AI Mode Access To Free Users On Waitlist

Google announced the new Search AI Mode at the start of March, and waitlist access is now expanding beyond Google One AI Premium to free users.

When the experiment was announced, those that paid $19.99 for AI Premium (Gemini Advanced, Gemini in Workspace, NotebookLM Plus, etc.) were the first to gain access to the Search Labs experiment.

A free Google Account of ours that joined the waitlist on March 5 just got access to AI Mode today. There’s a “You’re Off the Waitlist!” email, with Google presumably expanding its testing process. We’re also seeing other reports of wider availability this afternoon.

When searching, you’ll see an “AI Mode” filter alongside All, Shopping, Images, Videos, etc. to switch to the new experience on an existing Search results page. If you want to start with AI Mode, go to google.com/aimode (works well on mobile web) or look for the new pill-shaped button underneath the Search bar on mobile. (It might take some time for this to appear after you get access.)

This takes you to a chat-esque UI with the “Ask AI Mode” text field at the bottom. The UI is pretty nice with a number of four-color flourishes.

In the top-left (mobile app) or right corner (web), there’s the “AI Mode history” button to access and continue past queries.

The experience has not changed much in past 2+ weeks.