Double-clicking the Google Photos search icon restores classic search

One of the standout features of Google Photos is its ability to search through your gallery, but the company's focus on AI has introduced a new yet somewhat frustrating search experience. However, there’s an under-the-radar shortcut within Google Photos that lets users quickly revert to the classic search mode.

Google Photos rolled out “Ask Photos” last year as a Gemini-powered search option, which dives much deeper than typical natural language queries. For instance, you can ask things like, "Where did we camp the last time we visited Yosemite?" or "What did we eat at our hotel in Stanley?" While you can still use natural language in “Classic Search,” “Ask Photos” does offer unique applications. That said, it tends to be considerably slower and less useful for most everyday searches.

An earlier test this year attempted to demote the prominence of “Ask Photos” on the “Search” tab, but most users still see it as the default option, with only a small button available to "Switch to Classic Search."

What many people may not realize is that there’s a convenient little shortcut to jump straight into Classic Search within Google Photos.

Double-tapping the search icon takes you directly to Classic Search, even if the tab itself says “Ask.” This shortcut exists in many Android apps, where double-tapping often brings up the keyboard in a dedicated search tab. In Google Photos, however, it’s particularly helpful because it switches you to the mode most of us prefer anyway.

Unfortunately, this same gesture doesn’t work on the iPhone version of the Google Photos app. You can double-tap, but the search box will only appear if you’re already on the tab. And even when it does launch, it defaults to “Ask Photos,” making it far less useful.