Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Tech Advisor reports that turning off AICore on Google Pixel phones can release about 7GB of storage and RAM, which is otherwise reserved for local AI features.
- This system app supports Gemini Nano functions such as Pixel Screenshots, Magic Compose, and Recorder summaries, but disabling it removes unwanted AI notifications.
- Although local AI functions are halted, cloud-based Gemini and other non-AI applications continue to function normally, which may enhance the device’s overall performance.
If you own a Pixel smartphone, you might be curious about where your storage has disappeared. A pre-installed system app known as AICore might be the reason. It occupies up to 7 gigabytes of storage and several gigabytes of RAM, even when not in use. Below, we detail what AICore is and how to disable it to recover space and speed on your device.
What is AICore and why does it use so much storage?
AICore is a system app exclusive to Google Pixel smartphones, designed to facilitate local, on-device AI models like Gemini Nano. It ensures these models are updated and integrated with other apps. These large language models (LLMs) enable features such as Magic Compose, Call Notes, Pixel Screenshots, summaries in the Recorder app, and image recognition in Pixel Studio.
John Brandon / Foundry
The drawback is that AICore permanently reserves several gigabytes of storage and RAM, independent of AI feature usage. For instance, on the Pixel 10, Google dedicates about 3GB of RAM solely to AICore and the Tensor chip’s AI processor. This memory is unavailable to other apps, potentially causing apps to close unexpectedly or the device to slow down under heavy use.
Since it is a system app, AICore cannot be fully uninstalled, but it can be disabled.
What happens if you disable AICore?
Disabling AICore means losing all features that rely on Gemini Nano locally: Pixel Screenshots will no longer work, the Recorder app won’t automatically summarize recordings, Pixel Journal will miss AI-powered suggestions, and Magic Compose won’t offer text rephrasing suggestions.
However, the Gemini app itself remains operational as it utilizes Gemini 3 via the cloud and does not require local processing. All other apps without on-device AI will function as usual. For those who seldom use the AI features, disabling them results in minimal loss.
Additionally, disabling AICore stops the sometimes intrusive AI notifications.
How to disable AICore on your Pixel smartphone
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap “Apps” in Settings.
- Scroll down or search for “AICore,” then tap it.
- Tap “Disable” and confirm by selecting “Disable app” in the pop-up window.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner and choose “Uninstall updates” to fully free up the occupied storage.
Re-enable AICore
If you wish to restore the disabled features, go back to Settings → Apps → AICore and tap “Enable.” AICore will then automatically download its updates and reinstate all AI features.
Alternatively, to explore the full potential of your Pixel’s AI features, here are 6 incredible functions you might not have known it could perform.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and adapted from German.
