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Google Tests Blue “Send” Button That Temporarily Replaces AI Mode in Search Box

Google is testing a subtle change to its search interface that temporarily replaces the AI Mode option with a blue “Send” button when users begin typing a query.

The test, first reported by Search Engine Land and observed by multiple search professionals, shows that AI Mode disappears as soon as text input starts. In its place, Google surfaces a more traditional submit-style button, reinforcing a classic search interaction.

Google Tests Blue “Send” Button That Temporarily Replaces AI Mode in Search Box

What Google is testing

During active typing, the search bar no longer displays AI Mode, Google Lens, or the microphone icon. Instead, a blue “Send” button appears on the right side of the input field. The plus icon remains visible.

Clicking the button submits the query through standard search, directing users to traditional results rather than an AI-first experience. Once the search field is cleared, AI Mode reappears in its original position.

Screenshots and screen recordings shared online confirm that this behavior is limited to the typing state and does not remove AI Mode entirely.

Why Google may be testing this

Google has rapidly expanded AI-driven search features, including AI Overviews and AI Mode, but user adoption varies depending on intent. Many searches remain navigational or transactional, where users expect a fast, familiar type-and-submit workflow.

By introducing a Send button during typing, Google may be testing whether reducing interface choices improves search completion and user satisfaction. The change suggests an effort to minimize friction at the moment of query submission.

How this affects AI Mode visibility

AI Mode is designed for more complex, conversational queries powered by Google’s Gemini models. Temporarily hiding it during typing may reduce how often users consciously opt into an AI-first experience, defaulting instead to classic search behavior.

This test does not indicate that AI Mode is being removed. The feature remains accessible and visible when the input field is inactive, pointing to an interaction design experiment rather than a strategic rollback.

How this affects AI Mode visibility

Where this fits in Google’s AI search strategy

Since the rollout of AI Overviews, Google has been actively testing how AI-generated responses integrate with traditional search results. AI Mode represents a deeper AI-centric experience, while standard search continues to serve the majority of everyday queries.

The blue Send button test suggests Google is still refining when and how AI features should appear, balancing innovation with established user behavior.

What this means for SEO and publishers

For SEO and digital marketing teams, the test reinforces that traditional organic search remains central. Even as AI features evolve, Google continues to protect the speed and simplicity of classic search flows.

Organic listings, intent-driven content, and technical SEO remain critical. At the same time, content still needs to be structured in ways that AI systems can extract and summarize effectively.

Will this become permanent?

There is no confirmation from Google that the blue Send button will roll out broadly. Google frequently runs limited UI experiments, many of which never move beyond testing.

As with past changes, Google is likely evaluating engagement, completion rates, and satisfaction before deciding whether to make the update permanent.

For now, the test highlights Google’s continued experimentation with search interactions as it balances AI-powered experiences with long-standing search habits.

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