Google's 'I'm feeling lucky' button might soon be replaced by AI mode

Even the whims of chance can't dodge the advance of artificial intelligence. Since its early days, Google Search has featured an "I'm feeling lucky" button next to the usual search button. This quirky feature used to whisk users directly to the top search result, saving time in the era of sluggish internet connections. Nowadays, it's more of a nostalgic gimmick.
Also: Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro update makes the AI model even better at coding
Recently, users have noticed the "I'm feeling lucky" button vanishing from Google's search interface. In its stead, a new "AI mode" button has appeared. Instead of jumping to search results, this new button launches a chatbot that provides information on your query and allows for further conversation. Given AI's track record, some might humorously suggest renaming it to "I'm feeling unlucky."
At least one editor at ZDNET has confirmed seeing AI Mode take over the spot previously occupied by the "I'm feeling lucky" button, as illustrated in the screenshot above.
This change isn't unexpected
Just a few weeks ago, Google announced plans to broaden the reach of AI mode due to its popularity. The company stated, "In the coming weeks, a small percentage of people in the US will see the AI Mode tab in Search." Although Google didn't specify where this button would appear, user feedback indicates it's replacing the lucky button for some.
Also: How Google's AI combats new scam tactics - and how you can stay one step ahead
F fortunately, the "I'm feeling lucky" button isn't completely extinct. Users have spotted it in other spots, like within the search bar itself.
Though both buttons aim to bypass traditional search results, it's doubtful many still rely on the lucky button. Yet, its presence is comforting. While there's resistance to Google's push to integrate AI into its products, it's likely that AI mode will attract more users.
Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.
Related article
US Senate Drops AI Moratorium from Budget Bill Amid Controversy
Senate Overwhelmingly Repeals AI Regulation Moratorium
In a rare show of bipartisan unity, U.S. lawmakers voted nearly unanimously Tuesday to eliminate a contentious decade-long prohibition on state-level AI regulation from landmark legislation orig
Why AI Fell Short in 2025 Texas Floods: Critical Disaster Response Lessons
Here's the rewritten version:The Texas Floods of 2025: A Wake-Up CallIn July 2025, Texas faced catastrophic flooding that revealed critical gaps in disaster preparedness. The Guadalupe River's rapid surge from 3 to 34 feet caught communities off guar
Last Chance to Score Discounted Tickets for TechCrunch Sessions: AI Event Tomorrow
This isn't just another tech conference - UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall is about to host the most important AI gathering of the year. When those doors open tomorrow, you'll want to be among the select group shaping the future of artificial intelligen
Comments (3)
0/200
JasonKing
August 20, 2025 at 7:01:21 PM EDT
AI replacing 'I'm feeling lucky'? Kinda feels like Google’s trading serendipity for a robot overlord. Not sure if I’m ready for that! 🤖
0
KevinDavis
August 4, 2025 at 6:01:00 AM EDT
The 'I'm feeling lucky' button getting an AI makeover? That's Google saying, 'Trust us, we know what you want better than chance!' Kinda cool, but I miss the old-school vibe already. � nostalgia
0
WalterWilliams
August 2, 2025 at 11:07:14 AM EDT
AI replacing 'I'm feeling lucky'? Kinda ironic that a button about chance gets swapped for something so calculated. Still, could be cool if it predicts what I want better than I do! 😄
0
Even the whims of chance can't dodge the advance of artificial intelligence. Since its early days, Google Search has featured an "I'm feeling lucky" button next to the usual search button. This quirky feature used to whisk users directly to the top search result, saving time in the era of sluggish internet connections. Nowadays, it's more of a nostalgic gimmick.
Also: Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro update makes the AI model even better at coding
Recently, users have noticed the "I'm feeling lucky" button vanishing from Google's search interface. In its stead, a new "AI mode" button has appeared. Instead of jumping to search results, this new button launches a chatbot that provides information on your query and allows for further conversation. Given AI's track record, some might humorously suggest renaming it to "I'm feeling unlucky."
At least one editor at ZDNET has confirmed seeing AI Mode take over the spot previously occupied by the "I'm feeling lucky" button, as illustrated in the screenshot above.
This change isn't unexpected
Just a few weeks ago, Google announced plans to broaden the reach of AI mode due to its popularity. The company stated, "In the coming weeks, a small percentage of people in the US will see the AI Mode tab in Search." Although Google didn't specify where this button would appear, user feedback indicates it's replacing the lucky button for some.
Also: How Google's AI combats new scam tactics - and how you can stay one step ahead
F fortunately, the "I'm feeling lucky" button isn't completely extinct. Users have spotted it in other spots, like within the search bar itself.
Though both buttons aim to bypass traditional search results, it's doubtful many still rely on the lucky button. Yet, its presence is comforting. While there's resistance to Google's push to integrate AI into its products, it's likely that AI mode will attract more users.
Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.



AI replacing 'I'm feeling lucky'? Kinda feels like Google’s trading serendipity for a robot overlord. Not sure if I’m ready for that! 🤖




The 'I'm feeling lucky' button getting an AI makeover? That's Google saying, 'Trust us, we know what you want better than chance!' Kinda cool, but I miss the old-school vibe already. � nostalgia




AI replacing 'I'm feeling lucky'? Kinda ironic that a button about chance gets swapped for something so calculated. Still, could be cool if it predicts what I want better than I do! 😄












