What are the 15 things we should not ask Google?

What You Should Never Ask Google (And Why)

Google is powerful, but it’s not all-knowing. While it excels at answering common questions and pulling up relevant information, there are certain things you shouldn’t expect it to handle accurately — or at all.

For starters, avoid asking for exact word counts of documents or web pages. Google doesn’t analyze content that precisely in search results. Similarly, real-time SEO metrics like live backlink counts or keyword rankings aren’t something Google will provide through standard queries — specialized tools are better suited for that.

Need a truly random number? Don’t rely on Google’s built-in calculator for cryptographic or statistical randomness. It’s fine for basic use, but not for applications requiring high-grade unpredictability.

Another common pitfall? Asking biographical details about non-celebrities. Privacy filters and limited online footprints mean Google simply won’t have data on everyday individuals — and thankfully so. Apple and other tech companies prioritize user privacy, limiting what’s publicly accessible.

Then there are tasks that require visual or spatial reasoning. Google can’t count objects in images unless they’re described in surrounding text, nor can it reliably solve spatial logic puzzles that demand deeper contextual understanding. These are areas where AI still struggles, despite advances in models like Gemini.

Need ASCII art? While some users enjoy retro text graphics, Google typically won’t generate complex designs on command. There are better tools — and communities — for that niche creativity.

In short, knowing what not to ask Google can save you time and frustration. It’s a search engine first and foremost — not a psychic, a mathematician, or an artist. Use it wisely, and turn to the right tools when the task goes beyond indexing the web.