Users of Google Chrome may be unknowingly giving up nearly 4GB of storage space on their computers due to locally installed AI models linked to Google’s Gemini-powered features.
The issue recently gained attention after online discussions highlighted that Chrome can silently download Gemini Nano AI files in the background, raising concerns among users about storage usage and transparency.
According to reports circulating online, Chrome installs Gemini Nano — Google’s lightweight on-device AI model — without displaying a direct warning to users.
The AI model is tied to several Chrome features, including “Help me write” and on-device scam detection tools. These features rely on local AI processing rather than cloud-based systems.
Google had first announced plans to integrate Gemini Nano into Chrome back in 2024.
The downloaded AI files reportedly appear under “OptGuideOnDeviceModel” and include a large “weights.bin” file that can consume around 4GB of storage space.
Google explains on its developer pages that Chrome automatically downloads a Gemini Nano model depending on a user’s hardware specifications. Updates for the AI model also happen automatically in the background.
Google clarified that Chrome actively monitors available disk space and removes Gemini Nano files if a device starts running low on storage.
According to the company, the AI model is among the first files to be automatically deleted when free storage falls below a certain limit.
Reports suggest users can manually delete the AI files, but Chrome may re-download them unless on-device AI features are turned off in browser settings.
The option reportedly appears under Settings > System > “On-device AI,” although some users have said the setting is not yet visible on all devices or operating systems.
Google responds to criticism
In a statement shared with media outlets, Google said Gemini Nano has been available in Chrome since 2024 and is designed to power security features such as scam detection without sending user data to the cloud.
The company also confirmed that it began rolling out an easier option in February to let users disable and remove the local AI model directly from Chrome settings.
Google maintained that the model automatically uninstalls if a device lacks sufficient resources.
The controversy has also drawn attention because Google’s own developer documentation recommends informing users before large AI downloads occur.
The documentation states that developers should alert users about the time and storage required for such downloads. However, critics argue Chrome users were not clearly informed about the background installation of the AI files.
Google has not directly addressed the broader criticism regarding Chrome’s storage usage for local AI models.
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