Chrome's AI features may be hogging 4GB of your memory

Google Chrome may take up more storage than expected due to an automatically downloaded on-device AI model file. In some cases the browser installs a 4GB weights.bin file in its system folders when certain AI features are enabled. The file is connected to Google's Gemini Nano AI model. The model powers Chrome AI tools like scam detection, writing assistance, autofill, and suggestion features. It runs locally and uses training parameters stored on the device. This setup provides some privacy benefits. Users are not always clearly notified about the file size requirements. They can check for the file by opening Chrome data folders and looking in the OptGuideOnDeviceModel directory. Simply deleting the file will not free up space permanently if the AI features remain enabled. Chrome may re-download the file in the future under those conditions. Users can go to Settings then System and toggle off the On-Device AI option to remove the features. This step prevents the file from returning. Google states that Gemini Nano's exact size may vary as the browser updates the model. The information is presented in a lengthy guide for built-in AI features. Scott Westover, a Google spokesperson, said the company has offered Gemini Nano for Chrome since 2024 as a lightweight on-device model. It powers important security capabilities like scam detection and developer APIs without sending data to the cloud. The model will automatically uninstall if the device is low on resources. In February the company began rolling out the ability for users to easily turn off and remove the model directly in Chrome settings.