Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Tech Advisor highlights that turning off AICore, a system app for local AI features on Google Pixel phones, can free up significant storage and RAM.
- This is crucial for users facing performance issues, as AICore occupies about 3GB of RAM and can lead to sluggishness on certain Pixel devices.
- Disabling AICore halts local Gemini Nano features like Magic Compose and Recorder summaries but stops intrusive AI notifications while keeping cloud-based Gemini operational.
Owners of Pixel smartphones might find themselves questioning the disappearance of their storage space. The pre-installed system app, AICore, could be responsible. It consumes up to 7 gigabytes of storage and several gigabytes of RAM, even when not actively in use. Here, we delve into what AICore is and how you can disable it to regain space and speed on your device.
What is AICore and why does it use so much storage?
Exclusively available on Google Pixel smartphones, AICore is a system app designed to support local, on-device AI models like Gemini Nano, ensuring they’re up to date and integrated with other apps. These large language models (LLMs) power features such as Magic Compose, Call Notes, Pixel Screenshots, summaries in the Recorder app, and image recognition in Pixel Studio.
John Brandon / Foundry
However, AICore reserves several gigabytes of storage and RAM irrespective of whether these AI features are used. For instance, on the Pixel 10, Google dedicates roughly 3GB of RAM solely to AICore and the Tensor chip’s AI processor, making this memory unavailable to other applications. If apps are closing unexpectedly or your device feels slow under pressure, AICore might be the reason.
While AICore cannot be entirely uninstalled due to its status as a system app, it can be disabled.
What happens if you disable AICore?
Disabling AICore results in the loss of all features that rely on Gemini Nano locally: Pixel Screenshots, automatic summaries in the Recorder app, AI-powered suggestions in Pixel Journal, and text rephrasing suggestions by Magic Compose are all affected.
Nonetheless, the Gemini app itself remains unaffected as it uses Gemini 3 through the cloud, bypassing the need for local processing. Other apps not utilizing on-device AI will continue to function as usual. If you seldom use your Pixel’s AI features, disabling AICore means losing little functionality.
Additionally, a beneficial side effect of deactivation is the cessation of sometimes intrusive AI notifications.
How to disable AICore on your Pixel smartphone
- Open the Settings app.
- Select “Apps” in Settings.
- Scroll or search to find “AICore” and tap on it.
- Tap “Disable” and confirm by selecting “Disable app” in the new window.
- Access the three-dot menu in the top right-hand corner and choose “Uninstall updates” to completely free up the storage occupied.
Re-enable AICore
If you wish to restore any of the disabled features, simply return to Settings → Apps → AICore and tap “Enable”. AICore will proceed to download its updates and reinstate all AI functionalities.
Alternatively, to fully leverage your Pixel’s AI capabilities, here are 6 amazing things you might not know it can do.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and adapted from German.
