Key Takeaways

  • Google is now sending AI Mode notifications on Android devices.
  • Tapping them opens AI Mode directly, bypassing regular search results.
  • SEO experts believe Google is using this to increase AI Mode adoption.
  • Every tap likely counts as a “new query”, boosting engagement metrics.
  • The move signals Google’s deeper push toward AI-first search behavior.

SEO professionals are noticing something new — Google is sending push notifications that lead users straight into AI Mode.

Screenshots shared by experts like Glenn Gabe, Sachin Patel, and Anthony Higman show mobile notifications with the AI Mode icon, redirecting users to AI-generated answers instead of traditional results.

The AI Mode Push

It started when Sachin Patel posted a short clip on X (formerly Twitter) showing how a notification about a trending topic opened directly in Google’s AI Mode. Soon after, other SEO professionals confirmed seeing the same thing.

Glenn Gabe, a well-known search analyst, shared his experience too. He said he received a news alert with the AI Mode icon that took him right into an AI-generated summary of that topic — no regular SERP in between.

This isn’t just a random test. It’s part of a clear trend: Google wants more users engaging with AI Mode as their main discovery experience.

Why Google Is Doing This

There’s strong speculation in the SEO community about why Google is doing this.

Many believe that Google is testing user adoption metrics for AI Mode — how often users open it, interact with it, and what they search next.

As Glenn Gabe noted, every time a user clicks one of these notifications, it likely counts as a “new query.”

That means Google can claim “more searches” in its quarterly reports — even if users didn’t intentionally search for anything new.

As Anthony Higman sarcastically put it:

“We can tell users LOVE AI Mode because Queries Are UP!!”

Multiple AI Entry Points

The notifications aren’t the only AI entry Google is pushing.

According to Anthony Higman, mobile users are also seeing a new “Ask Anything in AI Mode” prompt that lights up on certain People Also Ask results.

It’s appearing across research-style keywords — a strong signal that Google is testing AI-driven entry points for more generic and informational searches.

He described it as “ridiculous” and “inefficient,” but the intent is obvious — Google is integrating AI into nearly every layer of the search experience.

The Bigger Picture: AI Cohesion

As Adam Humphreys pointed out, Google’s goal is cohesion — connecting its AI Mode experience with notifications, SERPs, and app interactions.

It’s trying to build a seamless ecosystem where users flow naturally into AI-powered results, whether they start from Search, Discover, or push alerts.

However, not everyone is impressed. Some marketers see this as forced adoption rather than natural user growth — especially since users don’t explicitly choose to open AI Mode in many of these cases.

Did You Know

Google’s AI Mode icon first appeared in May 2024, but its direct push through notifications began expanding globally in October 2025.

The company hasn’t yet announced this publicly, but the pattern mirrors earlier tests with Google Discover — where user behavior data was silently used to refine ranking signals.

Final Thoughts

Google’s aggressive AI Mode rollout shows a shift in how the company measures engagement.

Notifications that trigger AI answers blur the line between search intent and AI discovery. For SEOs and brands, it means impressions might grow — but clicks to websites could shrink as more answers stay within Google’s ecosystem.

The big question now:

Will AI Mode soon become the default search experience for millions of users?

FAQs

What is Google AI Mode?

AI Mode is Google’s generative search experience that provides AI-generated summaries and direct answers instead of traditional blue links.

Why am I getting AI Mode notifications?

Google is testing notifications that open directly into AI Mode to encourage users to try its AI-powered features.

Do AI Mode queries count as normal searches?

Yes. Each AI Mode interaction is likely logged as a “new query” in Google’s systems, helping boost engagement metrics.

How does this affect SEO?

It reduces visibility for traditional organic results since users may stay within AI-generated content instead of visiting websites.

Can I disable AI Mode notifications?

Currently, there’s no global toggle to disable them. You can, however, manage notification permissions in your Google app settings.