Manage on-device Generative AI models in Chrome
To provide an enhanced browser experience, Chrome uses on-device AI models to help power web and browser features. Chrome may download on-device Generative AI models in the background, so features that rely on these on-device models stay ready for use. These models are only downloaded on eligible devices.
Some AI features in Chrome do not rely on on-device Generative models, and those features may still run even if the on-device Generative AI models are removed or the setting is turned off.
Understand on-device Generative AI models
On-device Generative AI models enable Chrome to perform AI-powered tasks directly on your device. This means data is processed locally, which can enhance privacy and speed.
These models might be used by features such as:
- Help with writing or rephrasing text
- Warn you about scams
- Summarize web pages
- Organize your tabs
For these models to work on your device, Chrome downloads and stores them on your device.
Eligibility for on-device AI
This setting and the on-device AI features are not available on all devices. Chrome only downloads the models if your device has the supported hardware capabilities. If your device isn't supported, models will not be downloaded.
Download requirements
For Chrome to download on-device AI models, either in the background or when you first use a feature that requires them, your device must meet these requirements:
- Network connection: Unmetered network connection.
- Minimum free disk space: 20GB (approximate).
- Sufficient device performance.
Specific device requirements may change over time.
Multiple users and devices
The on-device AI setting is on a per-user and per-device basis. Users sharing a single device keep their own setting, and a single user can apply different settings across their devices.
Enterprise considerations
For Chrome Enterprise instances, on-device Generative AI model download and usage is subject to Chrome Enterprise Policy.
Manage Generative AI models on your device
To manage on-device Generative AI models:
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, select More and then Settings and then System.
- Turn On-device AI on or off.
This toggle in Chrome settings is the only supported method for managing generative AI models. Attempting to locate and delete model files manually or through other means is not recommended and may not prevent future downloads controlled by this setting.
Understand what happens when you turn the setting off
Turning the on-device AI setting off has the following effects:
- Model deletion: Chrome will delete the on-device Generative AI model files from your device.
- Feature functionality: Features that rely on these on-device models will no longer work.
- Prevents re-downloads: Chrome will not download these models again while the setting is off, even if you try to use a feature that requires them.
To use features that rely on these on-device models again, you need to turn the on-device AI setting back on. This allows Chrome to download the necessary models when the required conditions described above are met.