---
title: "Google tests the AI Mode sidebar on the main results page"
url: https://seomadman.com/news/google-ai-mode-sidebar-main-results-test
section: news
language: en
published: 2026-10-14T00:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-14T00:00:00.000Z
author: Adam Hafez
topics: ["AI search", "SERP features"]
---

# Google tests the AI Mode sidebar on the main results page

## The short answer

Google appears to be testing AI Mode's left sidebar on its main web results page, per a screenshot Damien Andell shared and Search Engine Roundtable reported on 14 October 2026. The sidebar holds the Google logo, chat history, an AI Mode chat button and settings. Google has not confirmed it.

## Key takeaways

- Damien Andell shared a screenshot of the AI Mode left sidebar appearing on Google's main web search results page.
- The sidebar holds the small Google logo, chat history lines, a way to start an AI Mode chat and the settings icon.
- Barry Schwartz could not reproduce it in his browsers and suspects it is a test, not a full rollout.
- Google has not confirmed the test or said what it is for.
- Marie Haynes first said the sidebar showed Gemini app conversations, then corrected that to conversations from the Gemini overlay on her Android phone.

Damien Andell
[shared a screenshot](https://x.com/AndellDam/status/2110293582284497264) of what looks like AI
Mode's left sidebar on Google's main results page. Search Engine Roundtable's Barry Schwartz
[reported it](https://www.seroundtable.com/google-ai-mode-left-sidebar-42298.html) on 14 October
2026.

## What is Google testing?

Moving the left vertical sidebar from AI Mode results onto the regular web search results page.
The sidebar holds the small Google logo, chat history lines, a way to start an AI Mode chat and the
settings icon.

## Is it confirmed?

Google has made no statement, and Schwartz could not reproduce the change in his browsers, so
he suspects a test rather than a rollout. Marie Haynes first said the sidebar listed her Gemini app
conversations, then corrected that to conversations from the Gemini overlay on her Android phone.

## Why does it matter for SEO?

Mostly as a signal of direction: a persistent entry to AI Mode on ordinary results would put it
closer to every search. Nothing reported says it changes ranking or clicks to sites, and we would
not infer that from one screenshot. For the recent AI Mode model change, see
[Gemini 4 Argon in AI Mode](/news/gemini-4-argon-ai-mode-pro-ultra), and our
[AI search](/topics/ai-search) and [SERP features](/topics/serp-features) hubs.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the AI Mode sidebar test?

Google appears to be showing the left vertical sidebar from AI Mode on the regular web results page. It holds the Google logo, chat history, a way to start an AI Mode chat and the settings icon.

### Has Google confirmed the sidebar test?

No. Search Engine Roundtable's article includes no statement from Google, and its author could not reproduce the change.

### Does this change how my pages rank?

Nothing reported suggests so. It is an interface test, and the sources describe only where the AI Mode controls appear.

## Sources

1. [Damien Andell's screenshot of the sidebar test](https://x.com/AndellDam/status/2110293582284497264) - Damien Andell (X) (primary)
2. [Google Tests AI Mode Left Sidebar On Main Google Search Results Page](https://www.seroundtable.com/google-ai-mode-left-sidebar-42298.html) - Search Engine Roundtable