How to Disable the Google Docs ‘Smart Compose’ (Autocomplete) Feature

What is Smart Compose?

Google Docs features an AI-powered predictive text tool called “Smart Compose.” As you type a sentence, Google Docs anticipates what you are going to say next and displays the suggested completion in light gray text ahead of your cursor. If you like the suggestion, you can press the Tab key to instantly insert the rest of the sentence.

While this sounds like a great time-saver for writing boilerplate corporate emails or generic reports, it can be incredibly distracting for creative writers, students, or anyone trying to formulate an original thought. Having an AI constantly finish your sentences can derail your train of thought. You can turn this autocomplete feature off entirely.

How to Disable Smart Compose in Google Docs

You can turn off predictive text directly within the Google Docs settings menu.

1. Open your web browser and navigate to any open document in Google Docs.
2. At the top of the screen, click on the Tools menu.
3. Scroll down the dropdown list and click on Preferences.
4. A popup window will appear with two tabs at the top. Ensure you are on the General tab.
5. Look down the list of checkboxes for the option labelled Show Smart Compose suggestions.
6. Click the checkbox to remove the checkmark.
7. Click the blue OK button at the bottom of the window to save your changes.

Once disabled, the light gray ghost text will stop appearing, allowing you to write at your own pace without constant AI interruptions.