Google Launches AI Mode in India, No Waitlist Required — Here’s How to Try It

Google has officially launched AI Mode in Search for all users in India, following a brief experimental run through Google Labs. The feature is now rolling out across Android and iOS via the Google app, with no sign-up or waitlist required.

This marks a significant shift in how Indian users will interact with Google Search going forward—moving away from keyword-based queries toward AI-curated answers powered by Gemini 2.5, the company’s latest large language model.

What Is Google's AI Mode?

AI Mode is an interactive, conversational layer added on top of traditional Search. Instead of delivering a list of links, it responds to complex, multi-step questions with complete, synthesized answers—often blending visuals, follow-up prompts, and real-world references.

For example, users can now ask:

“Plan a two-day trip from Delhi to Rishikesh with adventure sports and budget stays.”

The AI Mode will return a detailed itinerary with hotel suggestions, bus routes, and rafting options—cutting down the need for multiple searches or opening dozens of tabs.

How It Works

At the backend, AI Mode uses Gemini 2.5, Google’s multimodal large language model that can process text, images, and voice. The system breaks down your query into smaller parts using a method known as query fan-out, fetching relevant data from across the web, Google Lens, Knowledge Graph, and shopping sources to generate a structured result.

This model can also retain context across follow-up questions. For instance, after asking for healthy Indian breakfast recipes, you can follow up with:

“Which of these don’t require a stove?”

— and the AI will respond appropriately, without needing you to repeat the question.

Voice and Lens Are Built In

Google is betting big on how Indians search, not just what they search for. AI Mode supports voice queries and image-based prompts via Google Lens. You can snap a photo of a household item and ask,

“What is this and how do I fix it?”

The AI will scan the object, identify it, and offer step-by-step repair tips with links and videos—based on visual and contextual understanding.

Language and Availability

AI Mode is currently available only in English during this initial phase. The feature is visible as a new “AI Mode” tab within the Google app and will appear gradually for users over the coming days.

There’s no additional download or update required—once the rollout reaches your device, you’ll see AI-generated responses appear alongside traditional results.

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