As of March 17, 2026, Google’s AI search feature, AI Mode, can use “Personal Intelligence” to connect with Gmail and Google Photos in the U.S. This feature is optional, and Google says it is available for personal Google accounts, with rollout starting for free-tier users as well as earlier Pro and Ultra users. It is not for work or school Workspace accounts. (blog.google)

So, should you let Google AI search use your Gmail and photos? My answer is: sometimes yes, but not always. If you often ask practical questions, it could be very helpful. Google says AI Mode can use a hotel booking from Gmail and travel memories from Photos to suggest a trip plan. It can also give shopping ideas based on what you bought before, or help you identify a device model from a receipt when you need tech support. That means the answers can feel less generic and more useful. (blog.google)

But there is also a real privacy question. Google says AI Mode does not train directly on your Gmail inbox or your Google Photos library. Still, Google also says it may use limited information, such as your prompts and the model’s responses, to improve how the system works over time. The good news is that connecting Gmail and Photos is strictly opt-in, and you can turn those connections on or off whenever you want. (blog.google)

There is one more reason to be careful: Google admits mistakes can happen. The system may connect unrelated details or misunderstand your situation. So, for most people, the best choice is a middle path: turn it on for useful tasks like travel, shopping, or finding information from your own account, but leave it off if you are worried about privacy or if your searches are usually simple. In short, use it when personal context truly helps — not just because the feature exists. (blog.google)