Google AI Mode Connected Apps: Setup, Prompts and Privacy Controls

Google Search AI Mode can now connect to Canva, Instacart and YouTube Music so you can create a design, build a grocery cart or save a playlist from a natural-language request. The rollout began in the United States during the week of July 16, 2026. Google’s help page says it currently requires AI Mode in the U.S., in English, and a signed-in Google Account.

What each Google AI Mode connection can do

Connected app	AI Mode task	Where you finish
Canva	Find templates and create a design draft from a description	Canva, where you can modify or download it
Instacart	Turn a recipe, meal plan or event request into a grocery cart	Instacart, where you review items and check out
YouTube Music	Build and save a playlist around a theme, era, genre or mood	YouTube Music, where you listen and manage it

These are the three apps listed on Google’s current Search help page. Google says it is working with more partners, but it has not provided a complete future-app list or release schedule.

How to connect an app to AI Mode

1. On a computer, open Google Search and select AI Mode, or go directly to google.com/ai.
2. Sign in to the Google Account you want to use.
3. Type a request and name the desired service. For example: “Create a retro launch flyer in Canva for a weekend pop-up shop.”
4. If the account is not linked, select Link when prompted and complete the service’s authorization flow.
5. Let AI Mode prepare the result. Google may send you to the connected service to finish the action.
6. Before ordering, publishing or sharing anything, verify quantities, prices, names, dates and design text yourself.

Google says AI Mode may default to the last app used for a type of task. To choose another supported service, mention its name explicitly in the prompt.

Copy-paste prompts for Connected Apps

Replace the bracketed details before submitting. These prompts are templates, not guarantees of a particular output.

Canva prompt templates

Create a [format] in Canva for [event/business]. Use [colors], a [style] look, and include these exact details: [text]. Show me suitable templates before finalizing.

Create a one-page Canva flyer for a weekend pop-up vintage clothing sale. Use a retro, grainy style with neutral earth tones. Leave editable spaces for the date, address and QR code.

Draft a Canva Instagram post announcing [launch]. Use a clean 1:1 layout, strong contrast and no invented statistics. Include only this copy: [paste approved copy].

Instacart prompt templates

Build an Instacart cart for [meal] for [number] people. Exclude [allergies/dislikes]. Group the proposed items by recipe and show quantities before adding them.

Create an Instacart cart of healthy snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for 8 adults. Show substitutions and estimated quantities, but let me review everything before checkout.

Turn this recipe into an Instacart shopping list for [servings]: [paste recipe]. Do not add pantry staples until you show them separately for approval.

Safety check: Review food allergies, package sizes, substitutions, stock and the final price in Instacart. AI-generated lists can be incomplete or mistaken.

YouTube Music prompt templates

Create a YouTube Music playlist for [occasion] lasting about [duration]. Use [genres/eras], avoid [artists or explicit tracks], and keep the energy [description].

Create a YouTube Music playlist featuring popular Bollywood songs from the past 10 years. Aim for 90 minutes, keep the mood upbeat and show the track list before saving it.

Build a focused-work playlist in YouTube Music with instrumental electronic and ambient tracks, no vocals, and a gradual energy increase over two hours.

How to disconnect Canva, Instacart or YouTube Music

1. Open your Google Account’s Connected Apps settings.
2. Select the app you want to disconnect.
3. Choose the option to delete all links or connections for that app.
4. Confirm the removal.

Google’s Search help page says removing the link stops Google from accessing that app account and disables linked features on devices where you use that Google Account. Read the confirmation screen carefully because the wording can differ by platform.

Privacy and accuracy checklist

• Connect only the account you intend to use. Check the Google Account avatar before authorizing a service.
• Review permissions. Read the access request rather than approving it automatically.
• Avoid sensitive prompt data. Do not paste confidential client information, payment details, passwords or private health information into a task.
• Check the final action in the app. AI Mode can prepare work, but checkout, downloads and playback continue in the connected service.
• Verify generated details. Google warns that generative AI responses may include mistakes.
• Review Search history controls. Google says history and personalized recommendations improve continuity, but AI Mode remains accessible without that setting; you may not be able to resume previous searches.
• Disconnect unused services. Periodically review Google Account connections.

Google’s Search help documentation says interactions with Search and its AI experiences may be used to develop and improve related machine-learning systems. It also says trained reviewers may evaluate data after precautions that disconnect reviewed data from user accounts and use automated tools to remove identifying or sensitive information. Read Google’s current help and privacy pages before linking an account if this affects your decision.

Troubleshooting

• No Connected Apps prompt: Confirm you are signed in, using AI Mode, and located in the U.S. with English selected. The rollout may not have reached the account yet.
• The wrong app opens: Name the desired app in the request instead of relying on AI Mode’s default.
• Linking fails: Confirm you already have an account with the third-party service and retry its authorization flow.
• The result is incomplete: Add constraints such as quantity, duration, format, exclusions and exact approved text.
• You cannot resume a task: Google says continuity across earlier searches depends on history and personalization settings.
• Mobile steps look different: Availability and interface details may vary by device; use Google’s platform selector on the official help page.

FAQ

Which apps connect to Google Search AI Mode?

Google’s current help page lists Instacart, Canva and YouTube Music. The company says additional app partnerships are planned.

Where are AI Mode Connected Apps available?

Google says the feature is currently available in AI Mode in the United States, in English. The July 16 announcement describes a rollout beginning that week, so individual accounts may receive it at different times.

Do I need a paid Google plan?

Google’s Search help page lists a signed-in Google Account as a requirement and does not state that a paid Google AI plan is required. A separate account with the connected service may be necessary, and that service can have its own terms or charges.

Can AI Mode complete an Instacart purchase automatically?

Google says AI Mode can build the cart, then directs you to Instacart to check out and manage the order. Review every item, substitution, quantity and price before purchasing.

How do I remove a connected app?

Go to Google Account Connected Apps settings, select the service and choose the option to delete its links or connections.

Why do I not see Connected Apps in AI Mode?

The feature may still be rolling out, and Google says availability varies by location, language and device. It currently requires AI Mode in the U.S., in English.

Sources

• Google: Connect more of your apps to Search — announcement dated July 16, 2026.
• Google Search Help: Use and manage Connected Apps in Search — requirements, supported apps, setup, disconnection and data-use information.