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Google Chrome Automatically Downloads Gemini Nano AI Model; Disable Option Added

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Google Chrome Automatically Downloads 4GB AI Model Without User Consent

A large file named weights.bin, part of Google's Gemini Nano AI, is being silently downloaded to Chrome users' computers. The practice has raised concerns over privacy and compliance with EU data laws.

File Location and Technical Details

The weights.bin file, approximately 4 GB in size, is stored in the user's Chrome profile directory under a folder named OptGuideOnDeviceModel. On macOS, the full path is: Application Support > Google > Chrome > Default > OptGuideOnDeviceModel. A similar path exists on Windows and Linux.

The Gemini Nano model powers features such as "Help me Write," web page summaries, scam detection, autofill, and tab organization. The file size may change with future browser updates.

User Notification and Consent

The model is installed on devices that meet minimum hardware requirements, without a prompt or explicit user notification. This was first reported by privacy advocate Alexander Hanff, who argued the practice may violate the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) transparency principles.

Options for Removal

Manually deleting the weights.bin file alone will not prevent Chrome from re-downloading it as long as the on-device AI features remain enabled. Google has stated that the file may automatically delete if the device's storage becomes low.

Permanent removal of the model requires users to disable the on-device AI option.

To stop the download and remove the model:
  • Open Chrome Settings.
  • Navigate to the System section.
  • Toggle the "On-device AI" option to the off position.

If the toggle is not visible, users can:

  • Type chrome://flags in the address bar.
  • Disable flags related to AI tools, such as "Enables optimization guide on device" or other AI features.
  • Manually delete the weights.bin file via the file system.

Google confirmed in a statement that since February 2025, users have been able to disable and remove the model through the Chrome settings. Once disabled, the model will not download or update. Some users may not yet see the option, as the feature is being rolled out gradually.

Background on Gemini Nano

Google announced Gemini Nano for Chrome in 2024. The model is a smaller version of Google's Gemini AI that processes data locally on the user's device. Google stated this provides privacy benefits, but the 4 GB storage requirement and the automatic download have not been clearly communicated to users at the point of enabling the related features.