Google is bringing Personal Intelligence to AI Mode in Search. The company says this will allow the AI to access users’ Gmail and Google Photos to provide responses tailored specifically to them. Robby Stein, Google Search’s VP of Product, described the update in a blog post, saying it “transforms Search into an experience that feels uniquely yours by connecting the dots across your Google apps.”

Personal Intelligence was first launched in the Gemini app last week, connecting AI responses to Gmail, Photos, Search, and YouTube history. Now, Google is bringing the same capability to Search, allowing the AI to use your personal data to provide personalized answers.

How it works for users

According to Google, the AI can scan emails and photos to provide relevant information. For example, it can reference flight confirmations, hotel reservations, calendar entries, and pictures.

The company shared an example of planning a family getaway. AI Mode could suggest activities and restaurants based on Gmail bookings and photos. A museum visit might be recommended for kids, or an ice cream parlor highlighted if similar moments appeared in past photos.

Personalized suggestions can also extend to shopping and local recommendations. Google says AI Mode can offer tips based on past behavior, such as clothing or dining preferences.

User control and privacy

Google has said that the feature is optional. Users must enable Personal Intelligence in their Search settings before they can use it. Google also said that data connections can be turned on or off at any time.

The company also claims that it will not use Personal Intelligence to train AI models, but only to provide context. This means emails or photos will enable the AI to deliver a more relevant response without influencing broader AI learning.

Powered by Gemini 3

Personal Intelligence also runs on Google’s Gemini 3 series of AI models. Google says this allows AI Mode to combine personal data with its broader knowledge base to create individualized answers while maintaining user control over what the AI can access.

Google is expanding AI Mode capability from a tool that uses AI to give answers in a conversational, contextual way, instead of just a list of links, to one that provides what the AI understands about individual users.