How to Disable Google’s Gemini in Chrome
If you use Google’s Chrome browser for desktop, there’s a small AI model named Gemini Nano running on your computer right now and taking up about 4 GB of space. While it may not be harmful to have this installed, if you’re unaware of its presence or don’t want it, here’s how to remove it.
Removing the Gemini Nano File
- To uninstall the Gemini Nano file, open Chrome on your computer. Click the “More” menu represented by three vertical dots in the top right corner and then go to Settings, System, and toggle “On-device AI” off.
- It’s important to note that if you directly uninstall the Gemini Nano file from its directory, Chrome will silently redownload it the next time the browser reboots. The Privacy Guy article highlighted this point.
To make sure the model is completely removed and doesn’t reinstall automatically, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings in Chrome.
- Click on System.
- Toggle “On-device AI” off.
Google’s Perspective
A Google spokesperson told WIRED that the company started rolling out the On-device AI toggle in February to give users control over these features. Once disabled, the model will no longer download or update. The system is designed so Gemini Nano “will automatically uninstall if the device is low on resources.”
Concerns and Considerations
The Google spokesperson added that once disabled, the features powered by Gemini Nano such as important security capabilities like AI-enabled scam detection will no longer function. However, since Gemini Nano also enables local AI processing for third-party developers, turning it off could affect your interactions with non-Google web services in Chrome.
If you turn off On-device AI, certain security features will not be available, and sites that use the on device APIs will behave differently. Google emphasized that integrating Gemini Nano “powers important security capabilities like on-device scam detection and developer APIs without sending your data to the cloud.”
Alternatives
If you’re not comfortable with having this AI model installed, there’s always an alternative: Use a different browser. This way, you can avoid any potential privacy concerns associated with Gemini Nano.
Key Takeaways
- The On-device AI toggle in Chrome allows users to control the presence of Gemini Nano.
- If disabled, Gemini Nano will no longer download or update, and its features will cease to function.
- Removing Gemini Nano could affect interactions with non-Google web services in Chrome.
- A different browser is a viable alternative if you’re uncomfortable with having this AI model installed.
Originally published at wired.com. Curated by AI Maestro.
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