How to Disable Google's Gemini in Chrome
Why Gemini Nano is in Chrome
Google's Chrome browser for desktop started including the Gemini Nano AI model in 2024, taking up about 4 GB of storage. This local AI supports features such as on-device scam detection and lets developers use AI tools without sending your data to the cloud.
Concerns About Privacy and Storage
Many users were unaware of Gemini Nano running on their computers, raising privacy questions. While Google did publicly discuss the feature, the lack of a prominent notification left some users feeling unsettled. Security experts point out that auto-downloading such a large model without clear communication can be concerning.
How to Turn Off Gemini Nano in Chrome
- Open Google Chrome on your computer.
- Click the three dots in the top right corner to open the “More” menu.
- Select Settings.
- Go to System.
- Find the On-device AI option and toggle it off.
Note: If you manually delete the Gemini Nano file from your system, Chrome will redownload it automatically unless On-device AI is turned off in settings.
What Happens If You Disable Gemini?
Turning off this feature will remove the Gemini Nano model and stop future downloads or updates. Security tools like scam detection and local AI features for third-party sites may not function. Local AI processing is generally more privacy-friendly compared to cloud-based alternatives, but disabling Gemini might change how some sites and security features behave.
Consider Alternatives
If you’d prefer more control, you might consider using another browser focused on privacy.
For further details, read the original article by Lily Hay Newman at WIRED.
